Few circumstances are as inconvenient and disruptive to your day as a flat tire is. You could find yourself stranded at home, in a parking lot, or on the side of the road, making you miss a meeting or late for work. It is therefore important to do what you can to keep your tires in top condition. Below are some of the most common causes of flat tires and how you can prevent them.

3 Common Causes of Flat Tires

1. Road Debris

A common cause of flat tires is penetration of the rubber by road debris. Nails, screws, and shards of glass can pierce the tread and cause a leak, but regular air inflation won't solve the problem. Your tire will continue leaking until you have the puncture patched.

Keep an eye on the road for debris, and avoid it at all costs. Even an innocuous-looking piece of flat plywood might contain a nail or screw. Beware of driving through broken glass or over aluminum cans, as well.

2. Temperature Changes

Air expands when it is hot and contracts when it's cold outside, meaning temperature fluctuations can cause pressure problems. Cold air can exacerbate an already low tire pressure and make it unfit to drive on, while heat can cause tire expansion and a pressure increase, raising your chances of a blowout. Store the car in a garage, when possible, to mitigate pressure swings.

If this is not feasible, keep a pressure gauge on hand and check your tires’ air pressure before driving during extreme temperatures. Adjust them as necessary at the nearest filling station.

3. Bad Valve Stems

The valve stems are the tiny, capped tubes where you add or release tire air. They are the gateway that holds in the air, and if they fail, your tires flatten. While a tire may last up to ten years, depending on the amount of driving you do, a low-quality valve stem may start to crack and turn brittle after two years of weather exposure.

If you have a choice, don't forgo valve stem quality to save a few dollars. Look for stems labeled with a brand name and country of origin rather than a cheap, generic alternative.

If you have a flat tire and need auto towing or roadside assistance, contact Turpin's Wrecker Service in Hiawassee, GA. They are family-owned and -operated and have served Towns County and the surrounding areas for more than 34 years. This business offers 24/7 service and will tow your vehicle home or to an auto repair facility up to a distance of 150 miles. Learn more about them on their website or call (706) 896-4138 to arrange roadside assistance.