How to Avoid Driving on a Flat Tire

(image from Marufish under CC BY-SA 2.0)

Getting a flat tire is not a fun ordeal, and it’s definitely not something you want to experience, especially when you’re on your way to an important meeting. Unfortunately, getting a flat tire does happen, and it can happen to anyone at any time. There are different possible causes of a flat tire, which means there are ways you can avoid getting a flat tire while driving. Here are a few tips you can try to avoid a flat tire.

First, and foremost, do not drive on a flat tire. This is dangerous, and can damage the tire even more. If you have a flat tire, pull over to the side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so. You can change the flat tire yourself, or call for assistance if you are unable to replace the tire yourself.

Some common causes of flat tires are punctures in the tire, leaky valve stems, or someone might have intentionally deflated your tire. Running over sharp objects like nails or glass can puncture your tire, and depending on the location of the puncture, the tire may be repairable. A hole in the sidewall is typically not repairable, while a puncture in the tread of the tire can be patched.

Over time, leaks can form at the valve stem as the rubber becomes brittle and begins to crack or if the valve stem isn’t properly sealed in the wheel. There may be a chance that your tire is flat because someone intentionally let the air out of your tire, either as a joke or to get a message across. In any case, driving on a flat tire is unsafe and being aware of the condition of your tires can help you avoid an accident on the road.

While getting a flat tire isn’t completely preventable, you can be proactive in avoiding getting a flat tire. The easiest and quickest way is to fully inspect your tires and valve stems for cracks and punctures. Look for nails or other objects jammed in your tire, and if you there’s a bulge towards the bottom of the tire, it’s low on air. Re-inflating your tire is as easy as connecting it to a portable air pump. While driving, keep an eye out for sharp objects in the road to avoid rolling over it. Lastly, if you can see the wear bars of the tire, you need to replace your tires as soon as possible.

Practice good maintenance and driving behaviors to avoid damages to your car. Flat tires are a hassle to deal with, but regularly inspecting your tires can help you avoid driving on a flat tire and potentially being involved in a car accident. For all of your collision repair needs, visit Yark Collision Center in the greater Toledo, OH area. Our certified technicians will take care of your car like one of their own.