Tire Repair: What to Do When You Have a Flat
Realizing you have a flat tire can instantly throw a wrench in your day and bring up a sense of panic, no matter when it happens. Flat tires can be caused by a puncture, tire failure, valve system issue, excessive wear and tear, separation of the tire and wheel, or even a blowout.
But, if you are mentally prepared ahead of time and know what to do in the event of a flat, it can make things go much more smoothly, allowing you to stay calm and get the tire repair you need in a timely fashion.
How to Tell Your Tire Has Gone Flat While Driving
Of course, there may be an instance where you walk out to your car and you immediately see that you have a flat tire. But, do you know what warning signs to look out for that indicate your tire is going flat while you are driving?
A flat tire can cause:
- Thumping, popping, or leaking sound
- A dragging feeling on the affected side of the vehicle
- Difficulty accelerating
- Delayed or difficult handling when turning, changing lanes, or taking curves
Steps to Take If You Have a Flat Tire
In the event of a flat tire, there are some simple things you can do that will keep you safe, prevent further damage, and ensure you can get back on the road quickly.
Do Not Continue to Drive on The Tire
One of the most important things to remember is not to keep driving on the affected tire. This can further damage the tire, making tire repair impossible, and can even damage your wheel.
Safely Pull Over
If you experience a flat tire while you are driving, immediately pull over off the road as safely as possible and into an area away from traffic but where your vehicle is still easy to see. Put your emergency flashers on to alert other drivers that your car is stopped.
Put on Your Spare Tire
As long as your vehicle is safely out of the way of other drivers, and if it is only one tire that has been affected and you are able, you should then take off the flat tire and put on your spare tire.
You will need a vehicle jack, tire wrench, and
of course a spare tire. Make sure all of these things are currently in your vehicle before you run into a situation where you need them and don’t have them.
Pro tip: Slightly loosen the lug nuts (not all the way) on the flat tire before jacking the vehicle up to make removal easier.
If you do not have the tools or are unable to change your tire yourself, make sure you have the number saved for an emergency roadside assistance service (often through your car insurance).
Drive Straight to the Tire Repair Shop
Unless you have a full-sized spare tire, you should not drive on a spare for more than 70 miles. So, once your spare is on head straight to your closest tire repair shop. The mechanic will evaluate the extent of damage to the tire and perform a flat tire repair if possible. If the tire cannot be repaired to a safe condition, you’ll have to get a new tire. Also ask the mechanic to inspect your spare—this could be the best time to get it replaced if needed.
Properly Maintain Your Tires Going Forward
Tires don't last forever, but proper maintenance can help extend their life. Keeping up with regular tire services such as rotations, alignments, and tire balancing can help prevent the chance of flat tires caused by excessive or uneven wear. Make sure to also regularly visually inspect your tires for any foreign objects or signs of deterioration.
When you need expert tire repair, you can trust the professionals here at Ramona Tire & Service Centers. Contact us today for all of your tire needs!
