A flat tyre can happen to anyone, especially in India, where the roads are often marred by variation in construction quality, weather conditions, and traffic levels. While punctures can never be totally avoided, knowing what sets them off and taking proactive measures can cut down their frequency. That’s what we are discussing in today’s post.
 

Common Causes of Flat Tyres

1. Sharp Objects

The most common cause of punctures is often a sharp object such as a nail or glass. Potholes, debris and uneven roads can damage tyres too, causing air leaks.

2. Damaged or Loose Valve

Damaged or leaking valve stems on both tubeless and tube-type tyres are another common reason why tyres lose air quickly.

3. Compromised Sidewall

Sidewall punctures are notoriously hard to repair and often continue to leak air even after getting them fixed. If you have had a sidewall puncture in the past, it might be the cause behind frequent pressure loss or flat tyre situations you are experiencing.

4. Bead Leaks

Air leakage from where the tyre touches the rim is called a bead leak. If your tyre’s bead is compromised or the rim is deformed, the bead and rim will not sit flush with each other, leading to bead leaks.

5. Hitting the Curb

Some cars are often parked very close to the curb or an edged surface, especially in cities and streets where the parking space is limited. In such instances, the drivers end up hitting the curb more often than not. This can lead to air pressure loss in the tyre and can even damage the rim.

6. Overinflation

Tyres over pumped with air are prone to blowouts when driven at high speed or colliding with objects on the road, leading to a dangerous flat tyre situation.

7. Alloy Wheel Leaks

Sometimes replacing the stock wheels with aftermarket alloys can also cause the tyres to leak air if the new wheel is incompatible with your existing set of tyres. The problem is often faced by car owners with aluminum wheels.

8. Bad Driving Habits

Like any equipment, tyres too require careful use. Do not slam the accelerator and brake paddles as you go. Pick up speed and slow down in linear motions to avoid stressing the tyres and suspension systems. Otherwise the tyres may lose more air than what’s normal (about 1 Psi every month) and you will be running around with low air pressure or flatter tyres.

9. Old Tyres

If your tyres are past their due replacement date, they might lose air at a faster rate, causing more flat tyre situations in the mornings. Typically tyres are designed to run for 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers or 6 years, before needing replacement.

10. Vandalism

Sometimes the reason for a flat tyre may be beyond your control. Vandalism is when someone purposely damages something or destroys it. If your tyres are going flat without any of the reasons listed above, keep an eye out for wanton mischief by someone.
 

Tips for Preventing Flat Tyres:

Here are Some common measures you can take to avoid flat tyre mornings:

• Check your tyres regularly for wear, damage, too low or two-high pressure.
• Maintain the recommended level of your tyre pressure and they will perform optimally.
• Try to avoid potholes or any other road hazards when you can.
• Services such as wheel balancing or alignment help in even tyre wear and making your vehicle run smoothly.
• Get your tyre problems fixed promptly and don’t overlook punctures or wear and tear.
• Go for quality tyres, instead buying cheap, generic ones.
   

What to Do in Sudden Flat Tyre Situations?

Sometimes we are driving at speed and one or more tyres blowout due to the road or weather conditions, or because the tyres you were driving were way past their usable life. In such situations, maintaining the control of the vehicle is key to your safety and the safety of your loved ones.

1. Start by pulling safely off the road.
2. Turn on your hazard lights and start slowing down to exit the driving lane.
3. Find a safe spot away from traffic to stop.
4. Use the parking brake when stopping and exiting the vehicle.
5. Assess the damage - How it happened? Is your repair kit sufficient to fix the problem?
6. If you have a spare tyre and you know how to use it, change the tyre.
7. In case of multiple tyre failures, you may need towing or roadside assistance services.
8. If at all unsure or unable to fix the issue, search for a tyre shop near you and call for assistance.
    

In Conclusion

By understanding the common causes of flat tires and implementing preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing this frustrating and potentially dangerous situation. Remember, regular tyre inspections, proper maintenance, and safe driving habits are key to keeping your tyres in optimal condition. If you encounter a flat tire, stay calm, prioritize safety, and seek professional assistance when necessary.

For tyre replacements, you can always seek out an Apollo Tyres shop near you or call us at 1800 212 7070.