Getting a flat tire can be scary and dangerous. If it happens to you, make sure to pull off the road immediately and call for tire roadside assistance. But what if you don’t even know you have one? If you’re not aware of the signs until it’s too late, a flat tire can cause irreversible damage to your rubber, belts, and rim and put you at risk of an accident. Want to learn how to detect a flat before it puts you in danger? Keep reading to find out.

Tire Roadside Assistance Experts Explain 3 Ways to Identify a Flat Tire

Your Steering Is Heavy or Forced

If you have a flat tire on one of your front wheels, it will be pretty easy to tell. Your steering may start to feel heavier or forced to one side. If the flat is on your back wheels, it can be much more difficult to detect. That’s why you should make sure you check your tire air pressure at least once per month. The appropriate air pressure depends on the make and model of your vehicle, so be sure to check on the side of the tire to see how much air yours needs.

You Hear Something Pop

If your flat tire is not due to decreased air pressure over time, you’re likely to hear a pop or strange noise as you hit a nail or other sharp object. If you hear something like this, pull off the road immediately. Depending on how bad the puncture is, you may need to call a tow truck company to remove your car from the road safely.

Your Vehicle Slows Down

A flat tire will keep you from accelerating at the rate you’re used to. If you find yourself stomping on the gas without much result, you’ve probably had a flat for a few miles and didn’t realize it.

If you do need tire roadside assistance once you’re off the road, be sure to see if there are any additional fees for vehicle recovery from your towing company. Many companies charge both a hookup fee for the tow truck and a certain amount of money per mile towed.

Think you may have a flat and don’t know who to call? Trust the professionals from Northgate Towing in Cincinnati, OH! With 24-hour tire roadside assistance, you can get help where you need it, whenever you need it. Give them a call at (513) 825-8036 or visit their website for more information.