Simple Ways to Identify a Punctured Car Tyre

It’s never a good feeling, something feels off, the steering acting a bit strange, or there’s that faint thump coming from somewhere under the car. Most times, we hope it’s nothing. But sometimes, it’s the one thing drivers dread on the move: a punctured tyre.

The thing about a car tyre puncture is that it doesn’t always come with a dramatic sound or sudden flat. Sometimes, it’s subtle. Quiet. Slow. That’s why knowing the early signs can save you a lot of hassle.

Catching a puncture before it gets worse can be the difference between pulling over calmly or getting stuck in the middle of nowhere. So, if you’re asking how to know if car tyre is punctured, we’ve got you covered, with simple signs anyone can spot, no tools or expert skills needed.

A punctured tyre doesn’t always mean disaster if spotted early. Being able to identify it quickly not only saves time but also prevents further damage to the tyre or the rim. And once you know what to look out for, dealing with it becomes a whole lot easier, even on the go.

Your Steering Starts Feeling… Off

The first clue that something’s wrong often shows up in your hands. When a tyre starts losing air, your steering may start to feel different. Maybe it pulls slightly to one side. Or the wheel feels a little shaky, like something’s not quite right underneath.

It’s not always dramatic. But if the road is smooth and your car suddenly feels like it’s drifting or harder to steer, don’t ignore it. That tug could be telling you your tyre got punctured somewhere along the way.

Steering changes are often subtle at first but can grow more noticeable the longer the tyre loses air. Trust your feel for the road.

There’s a Strange Vibration or Thudding Sound

Ever driven with a window slightly open and heard that soft thump repeating over and over? Now imagine that, but under your seat, or near one of the tyres. That uneven sound or vibration could be a tyre struggling to hold pressure.

Sometimes it’s faint, sometimes it’s loud. But either way, if your smooth drive suddenly turns into a bumpy one without warning, check your tyres. That gentle bounce could actually be your car telling you a tyre is on its way out.

The more air that escapes, the more noticeable the thudding becomes. Catching it early can prevent rim damage or worse.

One Corner of the Car Looks Lower Than the Rest

It’s easy to miss. But if your car’s parked and one side seems slightly lower than the others, it might not just be your eyes playing tricks. A slow puncture can cause one tyre to deflate gradually, and the car starts to lean ever so slightly.

This is one of those signs that’s easy to overlook unless you really stop and look. So, when in doubt, step back, look at all four corners, and see if anything looks uneven.

Sometimes the tyre might still look inflated, but weight distribution says otherwise. Always trust your full-car view, not just one tyre.

Your Car Doesn’t Roll as Smoothly as Before

When a tyre loses air, the drag increases. It’s not always obvious, but your car might start to feel a bit sluggish. Acceleration might take a fraction longer. The roll might feel heavier. Turns might feel stickier.

And while it’s not always caused by a puncture, it's definitely one of those things worth checking. Because when your tyres aren’t balanced or one’s losing air, your ride won’t feel the same.

That feeling of extra resistance on the road often hints that one tyre isn’t pulling its weight. A quick check could confirm your suspicion.

That Warning Light Comes On 

Modern cars are kind enough to tell us when something’s wrong. So, if your dashboard has a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and that little symbol lights up? Don’t ignore it.

It could just be a drop in air pressure due to weather. Or it could be a slow leak from a nail or shard of glass you didn’t even see. Either way, it’s a good reason to stop and take a look.

Even if the light turns off after a bit, get the tyre pressure checked. Some leaks seal temporarily but still need proper attention.

Tyres Look Fine, But One Feels Soft

Not every puncture is obvious. In fact, most of them aren’t. If you're unsure and thinking how to know if car tyre is punctured, do a quick feel check.

You don’t need tools. Just press your hand down gently on each tyre. If one feels softer than the rest, or you can slightly press it in, it’s likely losing air. Tyres are supposed to feel firm. If it squishes even a bit, that’s your cue.

Feeling a tyre’s firmness takes just seconds and can reveal what visual checks often miss. A soft tyre is never a good sign.

You Hear a Hissing Sound After Parking

Ever stepped out of the car and heard a faint “ssssss” near one of the tyres? That soft hiss is air escaping, often through a small puncture that hasn’t completely flattened the tyre yet.

If you do hear this, don’t wait. Grab a bottle of water if you have one and pour it gently over the tyre’s surface. Bubbles forming? There’s your puncture. Even if it’s small, it’ll get worse the more you drive.

A hiss might last only seconds, but the damage continues silently. It’s best to stop before you end up stranded later on.

The Car Feels Heavier on One Side

Sometimes a puncture isn’t immediately visible. But you may feel the difference when driving. The car might feel slightly tilted. Braking might feel uneven. Even taking turns could feel different than usual.

A tyre that’s deflating slowly throws the balance off. That uneven grip can mess with your control, especially during sharp turns or sudden stops.

If the steering feels different when turning left vs right, or bumps feel sharper on one side, it’s worth checking for slow leaks.

Fuel Efficiency Drops Slightly

Now this one takes a bit longer to notice. If a tyre’s losing air, your car’s working harder to keep the same pace. That increases rolling resistance, which means, you guessed it, your fuel starts going faster than it should.

It’s not always a big drop. But if you’re filling up more often and nothing else has changed, maybe it's time to take a closer look at your tyres.

What seems like a minor change in mileage could be your car telling you something’s not right underneath. Keep an eye on patterns.

Also Read - Car Tyre Punctures: Causes, Fixes, and Prevention

Final Thoughts 

Nobody wants to deal with a flat. But what’s worse than a tyre got punctured? Not knowing it happened until it’s too late. That’s why being able to spot the signs early is so useful.

You don’t need special training to recognise when something’s wrong. A strange vibration, a pull in the steering, or even a soft tyre can all be telling you the same thing, it’s time to stop and check.

The trick is to trust your senses. Feel how your car moves, listen to the sounds it makes, and don’t brush off the little things. A small leak today can become a big problem tomorrow.

And remember, if you're ever unsure, drop by your nearest Apollo Tyres service partner. A quick check, a pressure test, or even a puncture repair can get you back on the road without the stress. We’re here to make sure your ride stays smooth, because every safe drive starts with tyres you can rely on.

Staying proactive takes just a few minutes but saves you from delays, damage, or breakdowns. Spot the signs, act early, and let your tyres carry you confidently, no surprises.