[llninja]

Saturday night, we went out to eat, I noticed one tire had dropped from 38 to 36 psi, but I though it was getting cold, no biggie. The next morning that tire was down to 29 psi so I filled it back up to 38 psi. I was expecting to need to look for a slow leak and get a tire plug, but for the next two days the tire held its pressure. Any thoughts on what's going on here?

 

[ClarksonCote]

You probably had something pierce your tire, but some riding on it is causing it to hold air. I would go get your tire inspected/repaired.

 

[Dutch]

You probably had something pierce your tire, but some riding on it is causing it to hold air. I would go get your tire inspected/repaired.

Exactly what he said. Get thee straightaway to ye olde tire shoppe!

 

[Steverino]

Back when 36 psi was the recommended pressure, my 2011 used to loose air over a week or two. After I started keeping my tires at 41, they hold rock steady for many months. That said, take off the wheel and inspect the tire carefully, you may have a small wire penetration. If not, keep the psi higher and monitor.

 

[llninja]

I actually have a tire plug kit. I'm tempted to look for the debris myself and see if I can plug it. I'm hoping to last until the weekend as the tire store is only open while I'm away at work.

 

[Steverino]

I actually have a tire plug kit. I'm tempted to look for the debris myself and see if I can plug it. I'm hoping to last until the weekend as the tire store is only open while I'm away at work.

I was tempted to do the same, but Discount Tire will plug for free so I took my wheel there.

 

[bro1999]

Yep, sounds like you have a leak.

I bought my tires from Costco (Bridgestone Driveguards), and they also plug tires for free as long as you purchased from them (free road hazard warranty too). Even rotate the tires for free, but they botched the last job (didn't reset TPMS sensors), so I still get rotations done at my local dealer even if it costs a few bucks.

 

[Dutch]

Pro-Tip.
If you have the option to dismount it and just take the loose wheel in to the tire shop, they are generally about 50% faster to check and repair as they don't have to free up a lift and take the wheel off the car, put the wheel back on, pull the car back out, etc.

 

[caronjeff]

Pro-Tip.
If you have the option to dismount it and just take the loose wheel in to the tire shop, they are generally about 50% faster to check and repair as they don't have to free up a lift and take the wheel off the car, put the wheel back on, pull the car back out, etc.

This: A floor jack and a 3/4 inch deep 6 point socket is all that's required!

 

[ClarksonCote]

This: A floor jack and a 3/4 inch deep 6 point socket is all that's required!

...and maybe a jack stand for added protection/safety. Depending on the type of floor jack used, having a jack stand is a nice safety net.

 

[vevs]

If a slow leak seems to come and go one thing to suspect is the valve inside the valve stem, (loose or has some dirt in it). Put some spittle (or soapy water) over the opening and watch to see if it bubbles or the film bulges up. Easy and cheep to replace.