Why Are My Volkswagen Tires Losing Air?

Jul 1, 2015

As the seasons change and the heat of summer gives way to cooler temperatures, it’s important to keep an eye on the pressure in your tires. It has been noted that air pressure in a tire typically goes down 1-2 pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change.

This drop in pressure can result in numerous hazards for you and your vehicle. Improper pressure can cause increased tire wear, which has a negative effect on the way the car handles, but also shortens the life of the tire. Driving with your pressure too low also causes more of the tire to be in contact with the road, which reduces gas mileage. It can also cause tires to flex more which can lead to tread separation, a blowout, or loss of control.

It is recommended that you continually monitor your tire pressure, especially during the times of the year that show the most drastic changes in temperature, and just using “the eye test” doesn’t get the job done. Checking the inflation levels once a month with a reliable gauge is a good start. Tire pressure can drop by 10 to 12 pounds before it becomes visible.

The Volkswagen Tire Pressure Alert

Your Volkswagen’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will alert you if one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated. A “low tire pressure telltale” will light up in the instrument cluster display when this happens. The light will be accompanied by acoustic and text warnings if your vehicle has the multi-function indicator.

Where Do I Find The Recommended Tire Pressure For A Volkswagen?

When your tire pressure drops, you should re-inflate them to the recommended pressure. The recommended pressure for the tires originally installed on the vehicle is listed on a sticker on the driver door jamb. If you have changed the tires, the proper inflation can usually be found right on the tire.

For more information on tire pressure, please contact our Volkswagen Service Department in Baton Rouge at 225-291-6000.