Even with careful driving, flat tires are often unavoidable. Although the rubber is engineered to withstand constant impact with roadways, there are some situations that place additional stress on the material, causing it to rupture. Having an understanding of what causes flat tires will make you better prepared to discuss the situation with a towing service or mechanic—giving them all the necessary details will allow them to provide better assistance. If you experience a flat tire, one of the culprits below could be to blame. 

3 Most Common Reasons for Flat Tires

1. Driving Over Something Sharp

Although it’s easy to see large rocks, pieces of trash, and other substantial objects on the road, some types of debris are hard to detect from inside the car. You could unknowingly drive over broken glass or nails laying on the pavement. These sharp objects could puncture the tires or get lodged in the tread and wear down the rubber. Either situation is dangerous, as the resulting air leak could cause a blowout.

2. Improper Valve Stem Closure or Maintenance

Sometimes, a flat tire can happen before the car even hits the road. After filling the tires with air, it’s important to close the valve stem tightly. If this is not screwed on completely, air will quickly seep from the valve each time the opening makes contact with the ground. If the valve stem is layered in gunk or damaged, it won’t close correctly. To prevent valve stem failure, clean the part and check its condition each time you inflate or rotate the tires.   

3. Adding Too Much Air to the Tires 

Routine tire inflation is an essential part of any auto maintenance schedule, but adding too much air can actually cause problems. Similar to over-inflating a balloon, filling the tire with too much air could cause it to pop. If not, the pressure buildup will eventually cause the tire rubber to break down as you drive. To avoid this potentially dangerous situation, check the tires’ pressure when you inflate them and make the necessary adjustments. 

If you get a flat tire while driving in Russellville, AR, the team at Cogswell Towing is standing by and ready to help. Their skilled, reliable technicians will provide towing or roadside assistance services, so you can safely drive to a mechanic for further assistance. To schedule an appointment, visit them online or call (479) 968-4665 today.