Main causes of flat tyres and how to prevent them
Whether you are driving a car, driving a motorcycle or a heavy truck, the experience of a flat tyre at some point is quite inevitable- even if you have run-flat tyres.
Main causes of flat tyres
This unfortunate situation, which often happens at an unexpected moment, can seriously jeopardize a driver's safety. A lot of reasons have been cited for the cause of having a flat tyre.
Nonetheless, you need to manage the situation at any time so that you can move on. If you have ever been baffled by the causes of your flat tyre, below are some of the essential reasons:
1. Cut by a sharp object
The most common reason for a damaged tyre is by a cut or infiltration of a sharp item, for example, a nail or broken bit of glass. Over a short time, your tyre will have a leak of air from the embedded sharp object resulting in a flat tyre.
2. Valve stem and tyre bead leakage
Another regular reason for tyre issues, by and large, is the valve stem disappointment or leakage. The valve stem is the piece of the tyre that is unscrewed when you have to blow up your tyre. Any harm or even earth on this little piece could make air spill out of the tyre until it's totally level, much the same as the valve stem leakage.
At times, air will spill from the tyre bead, which is the edge of the tyre that rests on the rim. To recognize whether there is an issue with the tyre, make sure you contact your local National Tyres and Autocare branch and only highly trained technicians can check this for you.
3. Bad road conditions
Potholes, uneven roads, and unexpected debris can make your car's wheels, axles, and undercarriage prone to damage. The more terrible the state of the street, the higher the danger of getting a damaged tyre.
4. Over-inflated tyres
An over-inflated tyre can create an undue pressure situation on the tyre leading to a sudden blowout. It is therefore crucial as a preemptive measure to note the maximum limit of air inflation of your tyres to avoid a blowout. You can find these details in your vehicle's manufacturer handbook.
5. High temperatures
Your tyre is most prone to go flat during the most sultry months of the year. High temperatures cause the air in your tyre to extend, which as a result, builds the tyre's inward weight. When this happens, your chance for your tyre to lose pressure and even worse, become flat, is increased.
How to prevent a flat tyre
You may be able to help prevent flat or blown-out tyres with some preventative maintenance and preemptive steps. If keep yourself safe when driving, run-flat tyres are recommended. Run-flat tyres ensure that you can continue to drive for a short period of time despite a flat tyre- meaning there is no need for a roadside change.
Avoid hazards
Despite the fact that it is occasionally unavoidable, attempt to explore backup ways if you know you’ll be driving near active construction areas or roads that are not very much unkempt. Sharp metals, glass, nails and even potholes would all be able to cause punctures and damage a tyre. Hitting a pothole may result in harm to your tyres, wheels and other parts of the car.
Check your tyre pressure
It's essential to ensure your car's tyres are properly inflated. It has been suggested by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to use a tyre pressure gauge to check each tyre including the spare, at least monthly.
What are the risks of dangerous tyres?
Every year, dangerous tyres lead to around 5,000 convictions, 900 casualties, and 160 deaths or serious injuries. Not only that, but illegal tyres can actually end up costing you more than the price of a new set: you could face fines of up to £2500 and 3 points on your licence per illegal tyre, not to mention that if you're found to have illegal tyres in an accident, it can invalidate your insurance.
A free tyre check from National can make sure your four wheels are ready for the road. Book in now to stay safe on your journeys.
Book a Free Tyre Check
Want to know more about looking after your tyres? Check out our online tyre safety hub.
Did you enjoy this blog post? |
23 people found this review helpful
Sign up for SPECIAL OFFERS
