What is considered a minor defect during the air loss rate test?

In the context of an air loss rate test, a minor defect is characterized by a relatively small decline in air pressure within the tire or system. A drop of less than 3 psi indicates that the system is still functioning effectively and does not present an immediate safety concern. This threshold establishes that the loss is minor enough to be within acceptable limits for ongoing operations, suggesting that while there is some air loss, it is not severe enough to necessitate immediate attention or repair.

When evaluating the other scenarios, a drop of 3 psi within a minute or 3 psi in just 3 minutes indicates a more significant loss of air pressure, which would generally require prompt corrective actions. An absence of air loss, while preferable, does not explicitly classify as a defect but rather as optimal condition; thus, it doesn't fit the definition of a minor defect in this context.