The Most Common Flat Tyre Causes and How to Avoid Them

[Stella jennings]

Dealing with a flat tyre when you’re on the road, or when you’re about to set off on an adventure can be a major nuisance. It can lead to further damage not only to your tyres, but your vehicle too, if not dealt with properly.
One of the most frustrating aspects of dealing with a flat tyre is the fact that it could happen to anyone at any time. While the unpredictable nature of this damage will always be a hindrance, there are mitigative tactics that can be deployed to ensure you stay prepared for such situations.
It’s vital to get a proper understanding of why your tyres go flat, and what could be done to limit its frequency.

Can you drive on a flat tyre?

An important consideration to make here is the fact that you aren’t instantly aware that you have, or are likely to have, a flat tyre. There are no obvious announcement signs to look out for since there are instances where your tyre steadily loses its air pressure.
However, once you’re aware that you have a flat tyre, it’s best to pull off from any ongoing traffic and stop by the side of the road. If you’re unable to come to a halt anywhere, then you have no choice but to continue driving.
In such instances, it’s advised to minimise the distance you cover, especially if the tyre is completely flat. Driving on a flat tyre is unsafe as it damages the tyre the longer you drive on it. As long as there’s a little air pressure in the tyre, it sits properly on the wheel’s rims.
After it’s completely deflated, the wheel’s metal gets exposed which can cause severe damage not just to your wheels, but the suspension too.

Can you fix a flat tyre?

Repairing your tyres instead of replacing them is appropriate only in few cases. If you happen to have a small hole in your tread, then your tyre can be fixed. Tyres that are well-maintained and kept in ideal conditions are less likely to face damages worse than just a hole.
However, there are some cases where you would be able to fix the tyre without having to get it replaced. One factor to consider is where the damage has occurred. If it happens to be on the tread, then you could get it fixed without having to replace it entirely.
Another factor is whether the tyre was used after going flat. If you don’t use the flat tyre, then it could be repaired. It’s best to consult a mechanic as they will offer the best suggestions on whether you need to get the tyre replaced or fixed.

What causes flat tyre?

There are a plethora of reasons for finding yourself with a flat tyre. Whether it’s improper tyre care resulting in tyre damage, or any external object causing a puncture, you can never be too prepared.
Our guide looks at what some of the most common causes are, and how to prevent them from occurring to the best of your abilities.

The five most common flat tyre causes and how to avoid them

Extreme heat
This is probably the most common cause considering the general climate of this region throughout the year. It’s commonly known that tyres are more likely to go flat during the summer. The air in your tyres expands due to prolonged exposure to higher temperatures. This could result in overinflation, causing a leak or at worst, a tyre blowout.
How it can be avoided: Ideally, you should check your tyre pressure before you set off. However, since this isn’t a common practice, you should just ensure that you maintain proper tyre pressure during the summer.

External objects

While this one is rather obvious, it’s also the hardest to be prepared for. No matter how thorough you are with your tyre maintenance, you can never be prepared enough for getting a puncture from the myriad of sharp objects that could be on the road.
How it can be avoided: While you never know when a puncture could happen, you could mitigate the risk by being cautious on certain roads and conditions. It’s advisable to drive around any dangerous objects or debris on the road, and being more careful near construction sites.

Leaky valve stem
If the tyre’s valve stem is damaged in any way, it could leak air out slowly. In some cases, there won’t be any signs of obvious damage, such as a puncture to the stem. There are also cases where a small amount of dirt lodged into the stem could be the culprit.
How it can be avoided: If you’re unable to locate a puncture on the valve stem, it’s best to get your tyres checked out by a professional mechanic.

Routine wear and tear
In some cases, there’s no discernible reason for a flat tyre. This is because you’re the tread of your tyres wear out after a certain period of usage. As this happens, your tyres are rendered more susceptible to all the hazards on the road, increasing the likelihood of going flat.
How it can be avoided: This is a perfectly natural cause that can’t be completely avoided, but the damaging effects can be minimised over time. By regularly checking your tyre pressure, periodically getting your wheels aligned, and rotating your tyres when required, you can extend the life of your tyres.

Poorly inflated tyres
It’s common knowledge that for the best driving conditions, you need ideal tyre pressure. Each car comes with its own set of tyres, and each tyre comes with its own air pressure levels. If you don’t follow the guidelines specified by the manufacturer, it could result in extensive internal damage.
How it can be avoided: Like the rest of your tyre, the valve stems wear out over a long period of time. It’s best to get the stems checked whenever you take your car in for a service. The professional mechanics will be able to guide you better on when the stems need to be replaced.

Consider ServiceMyCar for all your tyre requirements
Our comprehensive tyre services range from preventive tyre care to recovery services if you ever find yourself with a flat tyre. With an extensive service network, our garages have the latest technology and the best mechanics to assist you with car maintenance dubai service as well.
Whether you need your tyres to be rotated, or you need to get your wheels aligned, or you need any other tyre service, we’ve got it covered. If you ever face the misfortune of having a flat tyre on the road, we’ll fix your tyres in no time to have you back on the road.
Make a booking or request a quote on our website, or on the ServiceMyCar app.