A steady thumping sound while you're driving is never a good sound—it's the unmistakable rhythm of a flat tire. Not only are flats inconvenient, but they are also an unexpected and unignorable expense. However, it’s not always easy to decide whether you should fix or trash your tires. To help you make the distinction, Ron's Service & Towing of Fairbanks, AK, has compiled the following guide.

A Towing Professional Explains When to Repair or Replace Your Tires

How Did the Flat Happen?

Punctures from nails or screws are the most common reason for flat tires. Depending on the location of the hole, you may be able to salvage the tire. However, cuts or slashes can be harder to repair. A tire replacement is advised for any gash or puncture longer than ¼ inch. If you cannot see either of these, inspect the sidewalls—the outward-facing portions of the tire—for blowouts.

Newer tires are less likely to experience severe damage. Age and reduced tread can cause rubber to rot, so it's important to keep an eye on the state of your tires as they endure everyday wear and tear.

Where Is the Damage Located?

You cannot repair a tire that has been damaged in an area other than the tread. While the tread is reinforced by steel or textile material called cords, the sidewall and shoulder are not. A patch will not hold in place, and the tire will continue to leak. If you attempt to repair a shoulder or sidewall leak, you risk a dangerous blowout. If you don’t have a spare, it’s better to call a towing company.

What Are the Next Steps?

It is inadvisable to drive on a flat tire, as you risk damaging your vehicle. Instead, replace the flat with your spare or call a reputable roadside assistance company to help you. When you take your flat to the nearest repair center, make sure the technician removes the tire from the rim to inspect the damage from the inside. Your mechanic can then assess the extent of the problem and decide whether it’s safe to fix.

When it comes to flats, it's better to be safe than sorry. Whether you need a tow truck or a tire change in the Fairbanks area, the helpful team of 12 at Ron's Service & Towing will get you back on the road as quickly as possible. For 24-hour help, call (907) 456-4224 or visit them online to learn more about their services.