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A puncture or flat tyre is one of the most common annoyances faced by vehicle owners. From disrupting your daily office commute to leaving you stranded on a holiday, tyre punctures vary in their potential to cause unexpected delays. In today’s blog, we discuss the most common causes of car tyre punctures, including measures you can take to quickly fix them or avoid punctures altogether.
Nails and road debris are the most common causes of tyre punctures. But there may be situations that leave you perplexed and looking for reasons why you have a flat tyre.
Sharp Objects: Nails, thorns, bits of metal and glass are often the culprits behind tyre punctures on Indian roads. These objects can easily penetrate the rubber compound, rupturing the inner lining or the tube, and let the air escape.
Potholes and Protrusions: Impact damage is the second most common cause for a puncture or damaged tyre. Hitting a pothole or an object on the road can weaken the sidewall lining and cause a slow air leak.
Tyre Age: Older tyres become more susceptible to punctures and sudden blowouts because of the natural degradation of rubber compounds over the years. Ideally car tyres older than 5-6 years should be replaced even if the tread wear is not significant.
Under-inflation: A surprising number of tyre punctures are caused by under-inflation because the sidewalls flex and are under more pressure, deforming and weakening the tyre’s structural strength.
Manufacturing Defects: In rare cases, tyre punctures may be caused by manufacturing defects that leave weak spots on the tyre’s surface. However, most tyre brands cover manufacturing defects under warranty, offering replacement or repairs depending on the flaw.
Depending on the detection, severity and resources at hand, punctures can be fixed quickly or may take some time before you can become mobile again. A simple trick to quickly overcome a regular puncture is to carry a tyre inflator and repair kit.
Tyre Inflator: Since the shift to tubeless tyres has become universal, most cars today do not need a complete dismounting of tyre to fix a puncture. Tubeless tyres also offer the advantage of limited drivability even in case of punctures. A tyre inflator plugs into your car’s 12 volt socket and pumps air into the deflated tyre to make it drivable for limited distances, which makes reaching a tyre repair shop quicker and easier.
Switching to the Spare: If the puncture is caused by impact damage or blowout, then switching to spare tyre is the more practical option. However, it is a bit more time consuming and may require some DIY effort. We recently posted a step-by-step guide to changing car tyres yourself if you need further instructions.
In case the damage to the tyre is extensive or there are multiple tyre failures, calling for professional assistance is the only option. You may need to call your Road Hazard Protection provider or source help locally to reach a tyre repair shop.
Repairing tyre damage generally involves removing the intruding object and inserting a special rubber plug (sometimes reinforced with an adhesive). However, some of the larger punctures or punctures in the tyre sidewall are generally not repairable, as they tend to damage the tyre’s structural integrity.
Tyre Replacement: If the damage is too extensive for repair, the tyre will need to be replaced with a new one. It's recommended to replace both tyres on the same axle (front or rear) for optimal handling and safety. Most importantly, while a used tyre can be installed if no other option is available, but it's crucial to remember that this is not a permanent solution and the tyre should be replaced as soon as possible.
As the common saying goes, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some proactive steps to reduce the risk of punctures:
Inspect tyres before driving: Developing a habit of quickly glancing over your car tyres before driving is one of the easiest ways to avoid a totally flat tyre. Most of the time you can detect signs of damage, such as low air pressure, cuts, bulges, or even embedded objects through visual inspection.
Maintain proper tyre pressure: As mentioned above, under inflated tyres are a common cause for tyre punctures. Maintaining optimal tyre pressure allows the tyre rubber to push away smaller debris and objects which may otherwise become embedded into the compound and cause a puncture.
Drive carefully: Avoiding potholes, aggressive kerb mountings and driving around construction sites are some of the ways you can minimise tyre punctures.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System: If your car does not have an in-built TPMS, consider investing in a third party sensor array that can monitor your tyres for low pressure and give a timely alert. It’s a relatively low-cost investment for the convenience it offers.
Read Also: Why Are Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems Essential for Safe Driving?
A flat tyre is an inconvenience, but understanding its causes and implementing preventive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of this frustrating experience. Knowing when to apply temporary fixes and when to seek professional help is crucial for both your safety and your vehicle's well-being. Remember, regular maintenance and careful driving habits are your best allies in the battle against tyre punctures.