Constant Problem with Flat Tyres



Walter H. White said:
So alloys clearly don’t get checked during MOT’s then even when causing damage?

Bit annoyed to have been having to get new tyres every year when I assumed any faults on the alloy would have been picked up when I pay for an MOT & Service.
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Unless it’s an obvious crack in the wheel it wouldn’t be picked up. What are they supposed to do, stand and observe the tyre for three days for deflation then sign it off as ok.

When I used to fit tyres I’d always put new valve in and clean up the rim (oooer) and if it was past it I’d tell the customer it need a full rim job.
Sing in the Roker said:
So an MOT is a visual inspection but a visible crack won’t be picked up 🧐
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If it’s visible it should. If it’s hairline on the inside of the rim you’d probably struggle to ever see that.
 
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Not sure if said before, but I had the same issue with a tyre once. I fixed it by inflating a couple of PSI higher than suggested (not a couple of PSI higher than the maximum, obviously) and that sorted it. It’s like it wasn’t fully ‘clinching’ until I did that.
 
Very common for older alloys to deteriorate on the inside so the rubber and metal cannot form a proper seal, so a leak results
Cleaning the inside edge of the rim with a wire brush to help form a better seal is the remedy.The wire brush smoothes the surface and gets rid of the corrosion.
If the wheel is too far gone, you need a new one
When the tyre is put back on you coat the inside edge with gluey substance to help the seal be effective
I run older cars so this is not unusual to have to be done
 
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Goat Eyes said:
Unless it’s an obvious crack in the wheel it wouldn’t be picked up. What are they supposed to do, stand and observe the tyre for three days for deflation then sign it off as ok.

When I used to fit tyres I’d always put new valve in and clean up the rim (oooer) and if it was past it I’d tell the customer it need a full rim job.

If it’s visible it should. If it’s hairline on the inside of the rim you’d probably struggle to ever see that.
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Aye they should if it’s visible n ya can see most of the alloy when car is on the ramps from underneath n could use a small hammer to tap around it n would tell ya if cracked.
Big Toe said:
Yes. Given that you are relying on an MOT or service to identify these faults then I assume you don’t routinely remove your wheels to clean the barrels?
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Aye they should if it’s visible n ya can see most of the alloy when car is on the ramps from underneath n could use a small hammer to tap around it n would tell ya if cracked.
 
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Sing in the Roker said:
Aye they should if it’s visible n ya can see most of the alloy when car is on the ramps from underneath n could use a small hammer to tap around it n would tell ya if cracked.

Aye they should if it’s visible n ya can see most of the alloy when car is on the ramps from underneath n could use a small hammer to tap around it n would tell ya if cracked.
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Aye but an MOT is very strict on what you do and don’t check. You Sue a small hammer to check for corrosion but not to check for alloy cracks.
 
Walter H. White said:
My front left tyre is always deflating and I’m constantly having to pump it up. Been going on a few years despite getting new tyres. I had the car Mot’d and serviced a couple of weeks ago, got two new tyres fitted including the front left and within 2 days and very few miles, the light was on again and it had low pressure. Now I’m back to pumping it up all the time.

What’s going on? Is the garage I’m taking it to doing a shoddy job or could there be a problem with the wheel or alloy that keeps causing it? If there was something causing damage to the tyre then that should flag up on the MOT surely?

Anyways, I’m sick of pumping it up and want the fucker fixed properly. Where can I take it? 😆
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Had same. Rust on alloy. Take it down hendon the locals will remove your wheel for free
 
Walter H. White said:
My front left tyre is always deflating and I’m constantly having to pump it up. Been going on a few years despite getting new tyres. I had the car Mot’d and serviced a couple of weeks ago, got two new tyres fitted including the front left and within 2 days and very few miles, the light was on again and it had low pressure. Now I’m back to pumping it up all the time.

What’s going on? Is the garage I’m taking it to doing a shoddy job or could there be a problem with the wheel or alloy that keeps causing it? If there was something causing damage to the tyre then that should flag up on the MOT surely?

Anyways, I’m sick of pumping it up and want the fucker fixed properly. Where can I take it? 😆
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Probably corrosion on the beed? How old is the car? Is it a Ford?
 
Walter H. White said:
2014 ford fiesta. I’ve taken it to an alloy specialist and it’s being looked at. Got a new wheel for the time being.
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It will be bead corrosion, see this issue all the time on older cars.
Big Duke Six said:
It will be bead corrosion, see this issue all the time on older cars.
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Cure is either get the alloy refurbed, or apply bead sealer.
 
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Had this on one of mine. If the alloy is corroded it will leak if the valves are gone it will leak. Got my wheels refurbed at a place in Jarrow and got new valves when the tyres got replaced and been fine since.
 
Walter H. White said:
2014 ford fiesta. I’ve taken it to an alloy specialist and it’s being looked at. Got a new wheel for the time being.
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It's probably where the tpms valve sits in the wheel, doubt it's leaking around the rim. Best they can do is try cleaning and sealing with some sealant. Have seen in the past where people have needed to replace the alloy due to not being able to get it fully sealed. Hope it doesn't come to this.
 

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