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Most drivers have experienced a flat tyre at some point in their lives. If you’ve been in this unfortunate situation, you know the sinking feeling of seeing your vehicle with a flat tyre. Blowouts that occur on the road late at night or in inclement weather are more than an inconvenience; they often create a situation that can seriously jeopardize a driver’s safety. There is no sure way to prevent flat tyres, but general tyre maintenance and an awareness of the underlying causes can help reduce the occurrence.
1) Puncture by Sharp Object
The most common cause of a flat tyre is by a puncture due to a sharp object, such as nails or glass. Avoid puncture blowouts by driving around debris in the road or in parking lots whenever possible.
2) Failure or Damage to the Valve Stem
Valve stem issues are another common cause of tyre problems. The valve stem is the tiny protrusion from your tyre that you unscrew when you need to inflate it. A damaged or corroded valve stem can cause air to leak out of the tyre, making it go flat. Loose or dirt-clogged stems can also cause tyres to lose air.
3) Rubbed or Ripped Tyre
A worn or ripped tyre can create a dangerous situation for you and for other drivers on the road. Be sure to always check your tyres for damage, such as deeply scuffed or worn areas or uneven wear on one side of the tyre.
4) Tyre Bead Leaks
Sometimes, air will leak from the tyre bead, which is the edge of the tyre that rests on the rim. This leak can cause the tyre to become flat over time. To check if there is a problem with the tyre bead, spray your wheels and valve system with soapy water. If a steady stream of tiny bubbles emerges, you probably have a tyre bead leak.
5) Vandalism
Typically, vandalism consists of someone letting the air out of your tyres, which is easily remedied and will not result in the need for a replacement: simply reflate the tyre and be careful where you park your car in the future.
6) Separation of Tyre and Rim by Collision with Another Object
This type of separation usually occurs when your tyre pops a curb or if you rub the wheel sharply against the sidewalk while parking. The tyre slips slightly from the rim, causing a slow loss of air over time. This is generally not something you can fix on your own, but an experienced car mechanic will have the tools to take care of this easily.
7) Over-Pumped Tyres
An over-pumped tyre can create a dangerous pressure situation, often resulting in a blowout. To learn how to properly check tyre pressure, check the owner’s manual for the vehicle.
8) Alloy Wheel Leaks
Car owners with aluminum wheels are encouraged to regularly check their tyre pressure. If leakage becomes a recurring problem, bring your car to a mechanic for a professional fix.
9) Road Hazards
Potholes, uneven roads, and unexpected debris can wreak havoc on your car’s wheels, axles, and undercarriage.
10) Unexpected Damage
Sometimes there is no way to prevent a flat tyre. Always drive safely and carefully, and follow proper procedures if you experience an unexpected blowout on the road: don’t slam on the brakes, allow the car to slow naturally while steering to the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights, and don’t attempt to change the tyre yourself unless you are several feet from moving traffic.
Good awareness of the state of your tyre is important and will help you drive safely.
