One of the rear tires on my 08 TL is leaking air - it lost 5 psi in 3 days. What do I need to do? Is there something I can do my self or do I need to go to the dealer?

Thanks!!

 

spray soapy water all over the tire to find the leak, and if you havent looked yet, look at teh tire fo something stuck in it first.

 

^ this.

It sounds like there is a nail or piece of metal that punctured it and is probably still stuck in there. If you can, take off the tire and spray soapy water everywhere and if you notice some continuous bubbling then that is where there is a hole leaking air. If it is in the safe zone (not near the side walls) then you can just go to discount tire and they will patch it for free.


A few months ago my tire was leaking air and couldn't find anything just by looking at it. Then I took it off and sprayed soapy water on it and noticed the leak and saw a TINY piece of metal stuck there. Got it patched the next day.

 

Just go to a tire shop or independent shop that does tires and have it examine your tire/wheel.
Otherwise, it will take you the same amount of time or more to diagnose the issue on your own, then you'd still have to take the car in to get the issue repaired or tire/wheel replaced.

A plug & patch for a small hole in your tread or replacement of a bad valve stem will cost $10-$20, depending on your community.
If there was damage to the tire sidewall or wheel which caused the pressure loss, you'll need a new tire or a wheel repair/replacement.

 

I used to work at a shop and all these guys are correct. Soapy water on the tread AND the valve stem area as well as the sidewall area where the rim meets the rubber. I dont know if your wheels are chromed or not but i would see tons of people come in with slow leaks due to the chrome bubbling, creating a tiny space for the air to escape over time. If your not chromed than more than likely its somewhere in the tread and you might as well just have the shop check it out.

 

Thanks guys!! Mikey I don't have chrome wheels. Any precautions for the TPMS when go to a shop? I have a MIDAS closeby...are they good??