Flat tires can occur at any moment, at any speed; therefore, it is important to be informed on how to get yourself out of a flat tire situation to avoid a more dangerous one. Sometimes we simply cannot escape sharp nails or debris on the road, and it is best to know how to deal with the consequences. Tire blowouts are a common cause of accidents on freeways while traveling at high speeds, and often the blowout could have been stopped. Tire blowouts and flat tires can be prevented with simple tire maintenance; however, if your tire goes flat, there are usually things you can do to fix it in the moment easily that will at least tide you over until you can get professional help. The most important thing is that you follow up on getting all of your tires checked. Here are some quick tips on how to fix a flat tire easily:
The first thing that you should do when you suspect your tire is leaking air is to find the site of the leak. First, fill the tire with the proper amount of pressure. You can find the recommended pressure level in your owner’s manual, or sometimes the number is located on the inside of the driver’s door frame. Be sure not to overfill the tire with air, as this could compromise the tire’s safety and function—too much air can cause a blowout. After filling it with air, get close to the tire and listen carefully for any hissing noises or air being released. Once you locate the air leak, you can address how to patch it up.
Carefully remove any nails or sharp objects that have punctured the tire, using plyers. After removing the object, you can use a store-bought sealant that you will inject into the valve on your tire. Be sure to follow the directions and suggestions listed on the product itself. After sealing the tire, you’ll need to drive it for a moment to circulate the sealant inside your tire before the liquid hardens. Keep in mind that this is just a temporary solution that will only last a few days, depending on how much you drive, and should only be used in emergencies. You should be sure to follow up with a trusted automotive shop to replace the tire.
Fixing a flat tire should be a last resort if you cannot make it into a repair shop in the days following the discovery of a tire leak. There are things you can do to keep your tire from going flat, but sometimes nails are just unavoidable. Here are some preventive methods you may want to consider to maintain optimal tire health and lessen the risk of flats and blowouts:
Keeping your tires at the appropriate pressure at all times is a good way to prevent flats because it makes your tire less susceptible to punctures or road wear. Again, follow your car’s specified pressure level in your owner’s manual for the best results.
Each time you fill your tires with air, you should take the opportunity to inspect for any abnormal wear patterns. If your tires are not wearing properly down the center, there could be other issues causing the uneven wear. To prevent abnormal wear patterns, have your tires rotated and wheels aligned routinely.
You should have a spare tire that is in good, working condition in your vehicle at all times—this can get you out of some pretty precarious situations, but not if the spare isn’t in good health. Have your spare inspected regularly too.
At Pro Car Mechanics, serving Gardena, CA and the surrounding areas, we take tire health seriously. Your tires are your four points of contact with the ground, so it’s important that they are always in optimal condition to prevent accidents and inconvenient flats. We perform a range of tire services for vehicles such as: BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover, Audi and MINI. To learn more about our services or how we can help improve your tire health, contact us today—we look forward to making your vehicle safer for road travel.
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