Do you have a flat tire? have you ever had a flat tire? If you’re a frequent driver, then you’ve experienced a flat tire at some point or other. It is a truly unfortunate situation, and it can give you a sinking feeling. I remember a particularly stressful time when I had a flat tire, hadn’t carried a spare, and I couldn’t find a tire shop near me, but that’s a story for another day. To be sure, there is no way to prevent flat tires permanently. However, a good first step to proper tire maintenance is to know what some of the causes of a flat tire are.

Here are the most common ones.

Punctures

This is the most common cause of flat tires and is usually caused by sharp objects like glass, thorns or nails. To avoid this kind of flat tire, keep your eyes on the road ahead and drive around debris whenever you can. 

A Faulty Valve Stem

The valve stem is the small protrusion on your tire that you unscrew when inflating your tire. When it gets damaged or corroded, it can leak air out of the tire and cause it to go flat. It can also cause a flat tire when it is clogged with dirt or loose. Issues with the valve stem are another common cause of flat tires. 

Ripped Tires

A ripped or rubbed tire is basically one that has been so worn out that the tread has all but disappeared in some places and the steel wires underneath the rubber are beginning to show. This can be dangerous for the driver, apart from causing a flat tire, as it can lead to a blowout. It is therefore prudent to regularly check your tires for any scuffed areas or signs of uneven wear, which usually indicate an inappropriate amount of air pressure. 

Leaks in the Tire Beads

The tire bead is the area of the tire at the edge that connects with the rim. This area can sometimes leak air and cause the tire to grow flat slowly. To check for problems with the tire bead, spray it with soapy water and watch out for a steady stream of air bubbles. 

Separation of Tire From the Rim

This is usually caused when your tire collides with another object, such as when you run the wheel too hard against the sidewalk or when you pop a curb. It might cause the tire to detach from the rim slightly and cause a slow leak. This kind of issue needs an experienced mechanic with the right tools to fix as it requires a lot of technical knowledge and capability. 

Hazards in the Road

These include debris on the road, uneven roads, potholes and so on. These hazards can do a number on everything from your tires to the axles to the undercarriage of your cars. You can’t do much about this other than to generally avoid using these roads or to get hardy tires for use on them as well as ensure your vehicle isn’t too low to protect the undercarriage.