When You Least Expect It: 4 Most Common Causes of a Flat Tire
Planning ahead for a flat tire can save you a lot of money in future expenses. Flat tires that happen suddenly can cause an accident, costing you thousands. Here are four common causes of flat tires in consumer vehicles. The information provided can be used to plan ahead and prevent tire degradation.
4. The Heat Of Summer
During the hottest days of the year, your car tires will lose more pressure than normal. During a heatwave, you can expect flats to become a normal occurrence. The science behind this is simple, and proven. When the internal temperature in your tire increases, trouble is waiting around the corner. Tires won’t pop like a balloon, so the heat of summer is more of a slow-moving problem. You’ll be able to see the difference long before your car warns you of low air in the tire. When this happens, car service Christchurch can provide the help needed for current and preventative maintenance.
3. Bad Roads
Bad roads will surprise a lot of drivers, even if they’re prepared. You can drive over bad road several times without developing a tire problem. The issue is it only takes one unlucky time to develop issues with a car’s tires. Potholes, debris and nails are the most common causes of a flat tire from bad roads. When sharp objects like a nail get stuck in a tire, the air loss is not always noticeable. With potholes and debris, more than likely you’ll notice the damage before reaching your destination. This is where the loud ‘pop’ comes from when driving a car over a bad road.
2. Valve Leakage
A car tire can be in perfect shape and still lose air. The most likely culprit when this happens is a valve stem leakage. It is an uncommon way to lose air, but not completely out of the ordinary. This type of damage has more to do with mishandling of the stem, accidents or normal wear and tear. The leakage is gradual, so you won’t really notice it until your car warns you with a light.
1. Wear And Tear
The most common cause of a flat tire is wear and tear. There are millions of people everyday running on tires that have no tread. The more worn a tire gets, the higher chance it will have of being damaged. Neglecting the tread on a tire can also put you in danger of being in an accident. Wear and tear is not gradual, and has the consequence of happening while you’re driving. There are ways to reduce tire wear on a daily driver, but no way to bring back life to one that is ready to be changed.
Wrap Up
No one wants to get surprised by a flat tire. Sometimes it is unavoidable, so being prepared is the best option. Stay ahead of the problem by being educated on tire maintenance, safety and warning lights. Your life and finances depend on your decision with a cars tires.