Flat tires can not only be stressful, but they can also be quite expensive. While there’s no guarantee you will never have a flat tire, there are a few things you can do to be proactive so you can try to avoid it from happening to you. Read on for a few helpful tips that can sometimes mean the difference between a normal tire and one that’s gone flat.
Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Every car has a specific PSI, or air level at which it should be inflated. Check your tire air pressure regularly to make sure that it’s at the appropriate level. Car tires that are at the right pressure will give you better handling on the road, and it will prevent excess wear and tear on your tread. You can easily add air to your tires at most gas stations, so it’s an easy way to prevent a flat.
Perform a Visual Check
In order to prevent a flat tire, your tire’s tread should be in good condition and wearing evenly. A simple visual check of your tread can help you identify a potentially serious problem before it happens. Thin tread can occur for a variety of reasons including heavy city driving and a lot of braking. Another tip? Avoid driving near construction areas, potholes, or other rough roads to reduce excess tread wear.
Check Your Brakes
You might not think that your brakes and your tires are related, but they are. If your brakes are worn out or they are not adjusted properly, it can cause some seriously uneven tire wear. Have your brakes inspected as often as possible. You can ask your mechanic to check them every time you bring your vehicle in for an oil change so you won’t forget to make it part of your normal preventative maintenance.
Be Prepared
Sometimes, a flat tire can’t be avoided and when it does happen, it helps to be prepared. Check the health of your spare tire, which should also be inflated to a specific level. Treat your spare tire the same as you would your normal tires so if you do end up with a flat, you’ll know you can rely on it to safely get home or to a nearby mechanic. You should also keep a can of compressed air in your car or your trunk. This will help you in a pinch if you need to add air quickly to a tire that is going flat.
For all your vehicle’s maintenance and repair needs, call Pit Shop Auto Repair in Libertyville, IL today!
