Flat tires can cause a multitude of issues, making you late for work, causing you to miss an appointment, and generally ruining a good day. Because they are important to your schedule and safety, it's essential to keep them properly inflated and maintained. Avoid some of the common causes of flat tires with this helpful guide.

The Top 3 Causes of Flat Tires

1. Punctures

Sharp objects are a standard reason for blowouts and flats. Tire rubber is thick and durable but is not always able to withstand a sharpness of a nail, screw, or shard of glass. The average driver puts nearly 14,000 miles on their car each year. With that much ground to cover, tires are at considerable risk of encountering sharp objects.

Steer clear of road debris and broken glass, and check your tire pressure when making a fuel stop. If you notice a slow leak, it is likely due to a puncture. To avoid a flat tire, have each one inspected and repaired at the first sign of a hole.

2. Potholes

Pothole damage costs drivers $3 billion in repairs each year. While some of this is alignment and suspension damage, much of it is due to flat tires. The lip of a pothole can wreak havoc on your tire when driving at higher speeds.

Safely avoid potholes on the highway by leaving one car length between you and the driver in front of you for every 10 mph you’re driving. Having the proper distance between cars will allow you enough time to react and avoid potholes and potential damage to your wheels.

3. Heat

Hot weather causes air to expand, and this pressure increase within your tires will put you at a higher risk of a blowout. Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the inside edge of the driver's door and do not overinflate them. Double-check the pressure on hot days and adjust it as necessary.

If you've suffered a flat and need tire repair or replacement, contact the experienced professionals at Warrenton Tire & Muffler in Warren County, MO. This family-owned and -operated auto repair facility has been serving the area since 1980. They sell both new and used tires, and also offer muffler repair and wheel alignment. Visit their website to learn more about them or call (636) 456-4355 to make an appointment.