Tips To Avoid A Flat Tire On The Road

Let us offer some advice on how to avoid a flat tire. Getting a flat tire is a terrible inconvenience, and it always seems to happen at the worst possible time. In the following guide, we cover what leads to flats and what preventative maintenance steps can be taken to reduce this risk.

Flat Tire Causes

There are many causes of flat tires, including:

• Sharp objects: Nails, screws, glass, and other debris on the road can puncture your tires.
• Underinflation: Not having enough air in your tire can cause a wider swath of the rubber to have contact with the road. This friction will lead to excessive heat buildup, causing internal damage.
• Overinflation: Too much air in your tires can make them more susceptible to punctures and impacts.
• Wear and Tear: Over time, tires naturally degrade and can become more prone to flats.
• Damaged Valve Stem: A damaged or corroded valve stem can cause an air leak, leading to underinflation and, eventually, a flat tire.
• Potholes: Hitting potholes can cause immediate damage or create weak spots in your tires.
• Road Debris: Hitting road debris can cause flat tires, damage to the exterior of your vehicle, or even an accident.

How To Avoid a Flat Tire

While it might seem like getting a flat tire is unavoidable, it doesn’t always have to be. You can proactively take care of your tires to prolong their life span and avoid some flat tire causes altogether. Here are some useful tips:

Check Tire Pressure

Regularly checking your tire pressure is crucial for avoiding flat tires. Underinflated tires can cause excessive heat buildup and internal damage, leading to a flat or blowout.

Even if your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, you should still manually check your tire pressure regularly. Assess your tire pressure at least once per month and before every long trip. Always check your tire pressure when your tires are cold before they’ve been driven on for the day for the most accurate reading.

Get a Tire Rotation

Having your tires rotated regularly helps prevent uneven wear and tear. In general, it’s recommended to have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles – or approximately every six months – but you should check your vehicle’s manual for specific figures.

Having your tires rotated regularly not only extends the life of your tires but can also help professionals identify any potential issues early on.

Avoid Road Hazards

Road hazards such as potholes, debris, and large or sharp objects are common causes of flat tires, vehicle damage, and car accidents. It’s important to stay vigilant and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you so you can have enough time to react and avoid road hazards.

Additionally, try to stick to well-maintained roads whenever possible and avoid areas with ongoing construction.

What To Do When You Have a Flat Tire

Despite all precautions, sometimes a flat tire is inevitable. If you find yourself in this situation out on the road, stay calm and follow these steps:

• Pull over to a safe spot away from traffic.
• Turn on your hazard lights and apply your parking brake.
• Change your tire or call for help.

If you have a spare tire and the necessary tools, you can attempt changing your tire yourself. You will need to loosen the lug nuts, jack your vehicle up, remove the lug nuts and the tire before replacing it with a spare, then reattach the lug nuts and lower the vehicle. Otherwise, it’s best to call for professional roadside assistance. Keep in mind that spare tires are not meant to be as durable as regular tires and should be swapped out when you get the chance.

Come To Us for Your Auto Body Needs in Lexington, KY

If you’ve sustained body damage as a result of a flat tire or running over road debris, our body shop in Lexington, KY, can help. We provide high-quality professional repairs to help get your vehicle in shape and back on the road quickly.

Contact us today for an estimate.