There’s never a convenient time for a flat tire. You could be heading to work, picking up the kids, or miles into a road trip when the tire pressure warning suddenly appears, or you feel your vehicle start to handle differently.
While some flats happen because of an obvious puncture, others develop gradually because of low tire pressure, worn tread, road hazards, or tire damage. Knowing what causes flats and how to respond can help you stay safer when trouble strikes (or avoid the situation completely)!
If you are stuck on the side of the road with a damaged tire, flat tire roadside assistance from Viking Towing can help you determine the safest next step and get you moving again.
Common Causes of a Flat
Tires can lose air for several different reasons. Some are easy to spot, while others can develop slowly over time. Here’s a quick overview of some of the most common reasons flats occur.
Road Debris
Nails, screws, glass, and other sharp objects can puncture a tire and cause a slow leak or sudden loss of air. However, you may not notice the problem immediately. A small puncture can allow air to escape gradually until the tire pressure becomes dangerously low.
If you discover an object stuck in your tire, do not automatically pull it out. Removing it can cause the tire to lose air more quickly.
Potholes and Curbs
Massachusetts drivers know that potholes can be rough on vehicles. A hard impact can damage a tire, bend a wheel, or cause a tire to lose pressure.
Again, you may notice a flat immediately, or the damage may result in a slow leak that becomes apparent hours or days later.
Low Tire Pressure
Not every flat starts with a puncture. Tires naturally lose some air over time, which is why checking the pressure regularly is important.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure. NHTSA recommends checking tire pressure when tires are cold and following the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure found on the driver’s door placard or in the owner’s manual.
That number is important. The pressure printed on the tire’s sidewall is generally the tire’s maximum allowable pressure, not necessarily the correct pressure for your vehicle.
What Does the Tire Pressure Warning Light Mean?
Your tire pressure monitoring system, or TPMS, can provide an important early warning. If the TPMS light comes on, at least one tire may be significantly underinflated. Don’t simply reset the warning and keep driving; have the tires checked.
Cold weather can also cause tire pressure to drop. This is one reason you may notice the TPMS light after a particularly cold morning. Even if the light eventually turns off, check your tire pressure and make sure it matches the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation.
A good habit is to check your tires at least once a month and before longer trips.
Can You Drive on a Flat?
Generally, you should not continue driving on a flat or severely underinflated conventional tire. Driving on a damaged tire can cause additional damage to the tire itself and potentially the wheel. It can also affect handling and braking.
If you notice that your tire has lost significant pressure while driving, reduce your speed, maintain control of the vehicle, and move to a safe location away from traffic when possible.
Once you are safely stopped, assess the situation. If you don’t have a usable spare or cannot safely change the tire yourself, calling professional flat-tire roadside assistance is always the better option.
What About Run Flat Tires?
Run flats can make a flat-tire situation less dramatic, but they don’t make you invincible.
Unlike conventional tires, run flats are designed with reinforced construction that lets you keep driving a limited distance after losing air. The exact distance and speed limitations depend on the specific tire and vehicle, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The important point is that a run flat is not a permanent solution. Once the tire loses pressure, you should have it inspected as soon as possible.
Preventing a Flat Tire
A few minutes of tire maintenance can help reduce your chances of ending up stranded.
Check tire pressure regularly. Use a reliable tire gauge and check the tires when they are cold. Follow the recommended pressure listed on your vehicle’s door placard or in the owner’s manual.
Inspect your tires. Look for punctures, cuts, cracks, bulges, and unusual tread wear.
Pay attention to TPMS warnings. A warning light is your vehicle telling you to check the tires. Do not ignore it.
Watch for repeated pressure loss. If you repeatedly need to add air to the same tire, there may be a puncture, valve issue, wheel problem, or other source of leakage.
Check your tires before road trips. A quick inspection can help identify a problem before you are hundreds of miles from home.
When Should You Call for Flat Tire Roadside Assistance?
If your tire is flat and you are not equipped to change it, calling a professional is often the safest choice. This is particularly true when you are stopped on a busy roadway, at night, in poor weather, or in another location where getting outside the vehicle could put you at risk.
Viking Towing provides 24-hour towing and roadside assistance, including flat tire assistance. Depending on your vehicle and situation, roadside service may involve helping with your spare tire or towing the vehicle to a service center.
A flat tire may be inconvenient, but it does not have to ruin your day. The right roadside assistance can help you handle the situation safely and determine what your vehicle needs next.
If you need flat tire roadside assistance, contact Viking Towing at (617) 947-5188 for 24-hour roadside help.
