There are innumerable perils on the road. Screws, nails, glass, many of these can cause your tire to burst and go flat at any time. In some cases, the tire is simply at the end of its life and has seen too many miles on the road.
In these cases, it is important that you get off the road as quickly as possible to prevent an accident or further damage to your wheel, which no longer has the padding necessary. If on a busy road, turn on your four-ways and park on the shoulder, as far away from traffic as possible.
Flat tires are one of the most common problems that drivers encounter on the road. A flat tire can be caused by a variety of factors, and knowing the different types of flats can help drivers understand the cause and the appropriate solution. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of tire flats and how they can occur.
Puncture flat tire:
Puncture flats are the most common type of tire flat. They occur when a foreign object, such as a nail or screw, penetrates the tire’s surface and punctures it. This can happen while driving over debris on the road or while parked in an area with sharp objects on the ground. Puncture flats usually require a patch or plug to repair the hole, depending on the size and location of the puncture.
Sidewall damage:
A sidewall flat occurs when the tire’s sidewall is punctured, usually due to hitting a curb or a pothole. This type of flat is dangerous and typically requires the tire to be replaced. Driving on a tire with a damaged sidewall can lead to a blowout, which can cause a serious accident.
Pinch flat tire:
A pinch flat occurs when the tire is compressed between the rim and an obstacle, such as a curb or a rock. This can cause a small puncture hole on the inner side of the tire. Pinch flats can be avoided by maintaining the appropriate tire pressure and avoiding obstacles on the road.
Valve stem damage:
The valve stem is the part of the tire that allows air to be added or removed. If the valve stem is damaged, it can cause the tire to slowly lose air. Valve stem damage can be caused by hitting the curb or by over-tightening the valve cap. It can be repaired by replacing the valve stem or valve cap.
Bead damage:
The bead is the part of the tire that attaches to the rim. If the bead is damaged, it can cause air to leak out of the tire. Bead damage can be caused by hitting a curb or by improper installation of the tire. It can be repaired by reseating the tire bead or by replacing the tire.
In conclusion, there are various types of flat tires, and each one requires a different solution. Understanding how tire flats occur can help drivers take preventive measures and avoid them. Regular tire maintenance, such as checking the tire pressure and inspecting the tire for any damage, can also prevent flats from occurring. If you do experience a flat tire, it’s important to know the type of flat you have and to seek professional help for repair or replacement.
While many vehicles have a spare tire, not everyone has the know-how or the strength to take off their flat tire and install the spare one. In some cases, you may be stuck on a busy highway like the 401 or 407 and have nowhere to go. Working on changing that tire by yourself could be dangerous with speedy, oncoming traffic. Or what if you don’t have a spare tire? Or what if the tire is flat or soft also?
If your vehicle seems to need more than just a tire change, check out our many towing capabilities and give us a call.