A leaking tyre valve usually results in a slow leak that over time can result in a tyre becoming fully flat and in some cases it can lead to a potentially hazardous blowout.

How to find out if your tyre valve is leaking

There are a number of simple ways to work out if your tyre valve is leaking that you can perform free of charge or using some easy to find household items.

• Sometimes there will be an evident hissing sound coming from the area around the tyre valve indicating that it has a leak.

• On other occasions you can use ordinary dish soap/washing up liquid and some water to identify whether the valve is leaking air. Remove the cap. Pour the mixed liquid into a spray bottle and spray over the tyre valve. If you see air bubbles begin to emanate from around the valve stem then you know its the culprit for your slow puncture.

• For those going off the grid or camping another popular method is to use your own saliva. You just spit onto your finger and wipe a film of saliva over the tyre valve that should form a uniform bubble over the valve head, if this film breaks then it indicates a faulty leaving valve.

Most flat car tyres tend to be the result of such slow leaks from the tyre valve. It’s always a good idea to check for leaks when you’re inflating or deflating the tyre.

If you need to replace a valve then you could use a schrader valve tool to do the job yourself. Its relatively easy to do for a DIYer, however if you feel its not for you then you could pay for a professional at an independent tyre garage or a household name such as Halfords or Kwik Fit.

If your not sure why your tyre valve has developed a leak then there are a couple of possible reasons, read our common reasons for tyre valve leaking.