We’ve all been in a situation where you rush to your car, a million things on your mind, only to find one of the tires is flat. Now what?
Should you put some air in it and hope it lasts? Spray some fix-a-flat and hope for the best? Or is it time for something else?
Start By Assessing The Situation – What Made The Tire Go Flat?
From the moment you notice a flat tire, it’s easy to start projecting into the future. What’s next? How much will a new tire be? How will I fix a flat, and get through my busy day?
We get it. Flat tires can be an inconvenience. But if you’re off the road, you’re safe, that’s most important. Now it’s time to assess the situation.
Several factors can cause a tire to go flat, and understanding these can help you prevent such incidents. One common cause is punctures from sharp objects like nails, screws, or glass that can pierce the tire and let air escape. Debris on the road, such as metal shards or construction materials, can also lead to punctures. You don’t have much control in these situations. You can keep your own garage and driveway clean, but you can’t control what ends up on the road naturally.
If you don’t notice a puncture, or something in your tire, you might check the valve stem. A damaged or corroded valve stem can leak air, and sometimes the valve core inside the stem becomes loose or defective, causing air loss. Similarly, the rubber in tires can deteriorate over time, leading to slow leaks. This aging process can be accelerated by extreme temperatures and UV exposure, causing the rubber to crack.
Bead leaks can occur if the bead, the edge of the tire that sits on the wheel rim, isn’t sealed properly. Rust or corrosion on the wheel rim can also prevent a proper seal, leading to slow leaks. Both over-inflation and under-inflation can cause problems; too much air pressure makes the tire more susceptible to road hazards, while insufficient air pressure can cause excessive flexing of the sidewalls, leading to blowouts.
It’s not just the performance of your tire that can deteriorate over time. Just the act of driving can lead to your tires having problems. Road hazards such as potholes and curbs can damage tires. Hitting a pothole can harm both the tire and the wheel, causing air leaks, while striking a curb can damage the tire, especially its sidewall. In some cases, manufacturing defects can lead to premature tire failure and flats. Do you remember hitting a pothole or curb recently? It might be the problem.
Lastly, there’s always the risk of vandalism, where tires may be intentionally damaged by someone slashing or puncturing them. Do you park in a precarious area? Is there a way to improve where you park? While accidents always happen, being aware can lead to better choices overall.
You Know The Problem – Now What?
You’ve found the problem. Maybe it’s a nail in the tire, or a faulty tire stem you can tell isn’t right. In many cases, you might be left scratching your head, wondering where the problem lies.
Your first step is to assess what it takes to get it fixed. Do you need it fixed before you can drive? Or is it something you can bring in for further assessment?
Today’s tires often have lower profiles. That means shorter sidewalls which are easier to damage. Once damaged, it often needs to be replaced. It’s also easier to cause permanent damage if a tire isn’t properly inflated. While your dashboard icons might illuminate without proper inflation, you should be aware and check tire pressure often.
If you notice a nail or a screw that’s lodged in your tire, it’s a good candidate for repair. Repairs are relatively inexpensive and can often be completed quickly – that means you can get back on the road with little time to wait.
It’s important to remember that a flat tire doesn’t always mean it needs to be replaced. Whether you need a new tire depends on the extent and type of damage. Here’s how to determine if a flat tire can be repaired or if it should be replaced, our general rule of thumb:
When a Tire Can Be Repaired:
- Small Punctures: If the puncture is less than 1/4 inch (6mm) in diameter and is located in the tread area (the part that contacts the road), it can typically be repaired.
- No Sidewall Damage: If the damage is confined to the tread and there’s no sidewall damage, the tire can often be repaired.
- Single Puncture: A single puncture is usually repairable. Multiple punctures, especially if they are close together, may compromise the tire’s integrity.
When a Tire Should Be Replaced:
- Large Punctures or Cuts: If the puncture or cut is larger than 1/4 inch (6mm) or is located in the sidewall, the tire usually needs to be replaced.
- Sidewall Damage: Any damage to the sidewall, including bulges, cracks, or cuts, often means the tire should be replaced.
- Multiple Punctures: If there are multiple punctures or repairs, the structural integrity of the tire may be compromised, necessitating replacement.
- Severe Tread Wear: If the tread is worn down to the tread wear indicators or is unevenly worn, it’s time to replace the tire.
- Age and Condition: Tires degrade over time, even if they have sufficient tread. If your tire is more than 6-10 years old or shows signs of cracking, it’s safer to replace it.
- Visible Damage: Any visible damage like exposed cords or severe cracking should prompt immediate replacement.
Do you see yourself in any of these situations? If you’re hesitant for any reason, it may be better to consult a professional and be sure in your approach to fixing the problem.
Safety is always key. If there’s any question about a tire’s condition, replacing it is the safest solution.
Got A Flat?
You have choices in who you call to fix a flat. You might think a specialty store is best – not true. Partnering with an auto shop can help you build a relationship with mechanics who you can trust in many different situations. Fixing a tire may be the first step in building that relationship.
Give us a call, or bring your car in. We’ll assess the situation quickly and give you an honest opinion. Whether it can be repaired or needs to be replaced, you’ll be safely back on the road in short order.