A flat tire can throw a wrench into your day, whether you’re on the road to or from work or on the way to the doctor’s office. Luckily, there are a few things that you can check to prevent tire problems in the first place.
In order to avoid having to change a flat tire on the side of the road, it’s important to be aware of the following signs that your tire is likely to go flat.
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Random Bulges
Tire material extends past its normal boundaries and appears to pop outward irregularly when bulges are present. A flat tire may be imminent if this is ignored.
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Damaged or Cut Sidewalls
Like the rest of your car, the tires can get beat up. If there are visible cuts or cracks, there are weak points that could easily burst or flatten. These could show up when you struck a curb or something substantial, or they might be indicators that your tire was already leaking air.
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Excessive Vibration
Excessive vibration when driving is another less obvious symptom that your tire is ready to go flat. Tires that are severely imbalanced or out of alignment may often vibrate when driven. These vibrations either suggest a more serious problem with the tire or raise the possibility that it may be severely damaged in a collision. Tire inspections are something to think about if you’ve noticed any of these indications on your car and want to ward off any problems.
Expert inspection will also reveal whether your tire can be repaired with a plug or patch or if you’ll need to buy a new one. Before you go out and buy new tires, see if the warranty covers repairs for road hazards or assistance with flat tire changes.
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Low Tire Pressure
You may still check to see if your tires need air, even if your vehicle doesn’t have a TPMS warning light. Tires with low air pressure experience premature deterioration on the outer edges of the tread due to the unequal distribution of weight.
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Tire Warning Light
If your vehicle is relatively new, you may monitor the pressure of your tires by keeping an eye on the corresponding indicator light. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is what you use to keep tabs on the air in your tires. If your TPMS warning light comes on, it’s probably because your tires aren’t inflated to their correct pressure.
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Worn Tread
Tires wear out over time, so you can’t count on them lasting the lifetime of your vehicle. As a result, motorists need to keep an eye on the tread depth of their tires. The Penny Test is one such tried and tested approach. Lincoln’s face must be turned upside down and inserted into the tire tread. If the tire is deep enough to enclose his head, that means the tread on your tire has more than 2/32 of an inch of life left. When his head is exposed, it’s time to get new tires.
Conclusion
A flat tire can be a major inconvenience, but if you’re prepared for it and know what to do, you can deal with it calmly and get back on the road in no time.
That said, it is important to be aware of the common red flags before things get worse. These include low tire pressure, bulges or cracks in the sidewall, and excessive tread wear. By being vigilant and checking your tires regularly, you can avoid the inconvenience and danger of a flat tire.
If your American or Japanese vehicle is in need of an inspection or an auto repair in Culver City, look no further than our services here at Automed Car Care. Whether your car needs brake repairs, an oil change, battery repairs, or another type of service, count on our mechanics to get the job done to your satisfaction. Visit Automed Car Care today and let us tend to your car tires in no time.
