Flat tires and blowouts can happen at anytime to any driver. Knowing how to prevent some of the most common causes for flat tires and tire damage can extend the life of your tires and help prevent unsafe situations for you and your loved ones. There are many causes for flat tires: poor inflation, tread wear, damage, punctures, debris and other road hazards, or using the wrong tires. Being aware of what may cause a flat may save you time and money, and the cost of tire repairs or replacements. In the event that you do encounter a flat tire or a blowout, always be prepared with a spare tire, jack, and tire changing tools in your vehicle.

Improperly inflated tires are one of the top causes for tire damage and flats. Tires are rated at what their ideal inflation is on the sidewall of the tire. Standard tire inflation is 27 to 32 psi and you can check this by carrying a portable tire gauge. Seasonal temperature fluctuations will cause tires to lose tire pressure, about 1 psi for every drop of 10 degrees. Unseen punctures, leaks, or damage to the air nozzle can also cause a loss in air pressure. When tires are over-inflated or under-inflated they become more prone to uneven tread wear and damage. Under-inflated tires can blowout when heat builds up inside, and over-inflated tires may crack, split, or blowout.

Tread wear can cause tires to be more susceptible to flat tires. Uneven tread wear is not only caused by improper inflation, but can also form due to poor alignment, improper wheel balance, and driving habits. Check your tread periodically to make sure that tires are wearing evenly, and that your tread level remains in the safe range so that tires are not ‘bald’. To check your tread you could use a tread depth gauge that measures to the millimeter. The ‘Lincoln Penny Test’ is also a handy way to keep an eye on tread without tools. Simply place a US penny in the tire treads. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, then your tread is too worn down to remain safe.

Tire Damage can cause immediate flat tires, or internal damage that could weaken the tire over time until the tire suddenly goes flat or worse yet, blows out. Tire damage can be caused driving habits such as taking turns too fast or using the wrong type of tires for the driving conditions. Other common causes of tire damage include striking curbs, speed bumps, driveways, railroad tracks or other uneven and hard surfaces at fast speeds. Make sure you cross these surfaces at a slow, steady speed, and evenly. To prevent hitting curbs make sure you allow enough space to safely turn around them to avoid striking the tire on the side or going over them.

The leading cause of flat tires is punctures from debris or other road hazards. Always be prepared and aware of your surroundings. Pay close attention to the road condition as these problems cannot always be seen until it is too late. Watch out for fallen tree branches, rocks, or road construction debris. Branches and nails can cause a puncture that may pop the tire, or a slow leak that will flatten it over the course of several hours. Should you ever puncture your tire, leave the offending object in and if possible, drive carefully to your mechanic for immediate repair.

Seasonal changes bring about new threats of road hazards. In the spring extra precaution should be taken to avoid potholes. Ice in the winter creates cracks and damages the road surface, but in the spring the wet weather can cause these cracks to form into potholes, expanding and breaking away until they become dangerous road hazards. Never drive too fast on a road with even small potholes, and never try to swerve at high speeds to avoid a pothole as this can become even more dangerous. Potholes can cause internal damage to the tire, or even an immediate flat if the tire strikes it hard enough. If you ever hit a pothole, have your alignment and wheel balance inspected to prevent any further problems with the tire and assess the damage.

Avoiding flat tires is not a perfect science. Flat tires can occur even when practicing preventative measures. Being aware of how to prevent some of the most common causes of flat tires can save many inconvenient situations, time and money. For a full assessment of your tires, tire repair, or replacement, please come in and see us today!

Rick Benson is a an auto industry expert for http://ITDroll.com. ITDroll offers great deals on tires St.Louis MO.

Rick Benson is a an auto industry expert for http://ITDroll.com. ITDroll offers great deals on tires St.Louis MO.

Author Bio: Rick Benson is a an auto industry expert for http://ITDroll.com. ITDroll offers great deals on tires St.Louis MO.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: tires, flat tire repair, tire repair, tire store, tire shop