1. Expansion due to heat: As you drive, the tires gradually heat up due to friction with the road surface and the flexing of the tire sidewalls. This causes the air inside the tires to expand, leading to an increase in air pressure.
2. Diffusion through the tire: The inner liner of a tire is not completely impermeable to air. Over time, a small amount of air can diffuse through the tire's rubber and fabric layers, causing a gradual increase in pressure. This effect is more pronounced in older tires or tires with damaged sidewalls.
3. Atmospheric temperature changes: If the ambient temperature increases during your drive, it will cause the air inside your tires to expand and increase pressure. This is especially noticeable on hot days or when driving through areas with significant temperature differences.
4. Tire wear: As tires wear down, their overall volume decreases slightly. This reduction in volume can cause the air pressure to increase, especially if the tires are already near the maximum recommended pressure.
It's important to note that the increase in tire pressure due to these factors is usually small and within the recommended operating range specified by the vehicle manufacturer. However, excessive overinflation can lead to reduced tire traction, increased wear on the center of the tread, and a harsher ride quality. Therefore, it's always a good practice to check and adjust tire pressure regularly according to the vehicle's recommendations, especially after long drives.
