Preventing Flat Tires

1) Check your tire’s air pressure at least once a month! Underinflated tires not only cause an uneven ride and reduce gas mileage; they are more likely to go flat as well. Over-inflated tires carry many of the same risks. Not only do they offer a stiffer and less comfortable ride, but they dramatically increase the chance of a blowout. Also, excess pressure from over inflated tires can significantly decrease the lifespan of your tires. Check your owner’s manual for proper tire inflation settings. If you find that they are over-inflated, you can let some of the air out through the valve stem. If under inflated, simply take it to the nearest gas station and see if they have an air hose. Alternatively, you can add air to your tires using a basic bicycle pump. A tire air pressure gauge can be purchased at most stores these days, so it makes sense to always keep one in your vehicle.

2)Be mindful of your car’s weight capacity! Check your owner’s manual to determine your vehicle capacity weight (VCW). You may be surprised to see how little weight your car can safely operate with. An overloaded car not only causes an incredible lack of stability and control, it also causes immense stress on your tires. Overloaded cars see many blown tires and the combination of extra weight and a blown tire can result in a bad accident given the right (wrong) conditions.

3)Drive carefully! Even though most flats are caused by nails in the road that you can’t see, being careful can still pay off. Try not to drive your car into any work areas if at all possible. These areas are more likely to have debris and building materials that can cause a flat. Also, try not to take your turns too tightly. Many flat tires are caused by tight turns where the tires slam into the curb and cause damage to the structure of the tire. These kinds of accidents can also cause injury so be sure to take extra caution.

4)Get your tires rotated! Front and rear tires do not wear out at the same speed (the front ones go quicker), so rotating your tires is not only a must for their longevity, but for your personal safety. Most auto and tire manufacturers recommend rotating your tires every 5,000 miles. Are you overdue for a tire rotation? If you have purchased new tires in the last year you may be able to get a free rotation from your point of purchase.

5)Get your car aligned regularly! Improper alignment can cause many safety issues, not the least of which involves an increased risk of getting a flat tire. When your car is not properly aligned, the tires do not go in a perfectly straight line. This can result in blow outs, shimmying, premature wear and a loss of stability.

If you follow these 5 simple steps to avoiding flat tires, you will be well on your way to lowering your chance of a flat to the absolute minimum!