A flat tire can quickly leave a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach, especially if you don’t know the cause. In all likelihood, there was probably at least one or two things that could have been done differently. While your best resort now is to call for roadside assistance, use this guide to prevent the situation from happening again in the future.

What Causes Flat Tires?

1. Sharp Objects & Bad Road Conditions

Your tires are in constant contact with the ground, so when you drive across debris or poorly maintained roads, they will inevitably be the first components to receive any damage. Avoid punctures from nails, glass, screws, as well as potholes and uneven paving by paying close attention to the road and not driving too close to the cars in front of you. This allows you to identify puncture threats in plenty of time and make safe plans for avoiding them.

Additionally, whenever possible, don’t drive near known garbage disposal sites, including those located at stores and construction zones. 

2. Damaged Valve Stem

The small aluminum or rubber protrusion on each of your tires is known as a valve stem. When they are in good condition, these parts allow air into the tire and hold it there. Over time, however, exposure to the elements and road chemicals can lead to the deterioration of the seal or create cracks that result in leaks.  

At least once a month, preferably when checking your tire pressure, inspect the state of the valve stems. If they look weathered or you can visible see cracks, head to a tire shop to have them replaced.

3. Heat & Friction

In the summer, the heat inside of your tires expands, increasing the air pressure. The excess pressure combined with direct sunlight and the friction of the road depletes the natural oils on the rubber. This causes the tires to become brittle and develop cracks or splits that leak air.

You can reduce the damage done to the tires by checking the air pressure every morning, especially if there is a significant change in the outdoor temperature. If the pressure is higher than the recommended PSI found on your driver’s side door, deflate the tires to match.

Sometimes a flat tire is unavoidable. When it happens to you, know that you can contact Robert Young’s Auto & Truck to get back on the road as fast as possible. For over 35 years, they have provided fast and courteous auto and heavy-duty towing as well as roadside assistance to drivers in Roanoke, VA. Their team is available 24/7 to handle any emergency. Call them today at (540) 982-3809 for assistance or visit their website to learn more about their services.