How To Prevent A Flat Tyre

Getting a flat tyre is annoying and can mess with your plans. But it can also put you in a dangerous situation. A sudden tyre burst can cause an accident. Having to stop to change a tyre at night or in an isolated place could put you at risk. 

Since the tyres are the only part of your car in direct contact with the road, keeping them in top condition is essential for safety, performance, and efficiency. Here are the steps you can take to reduce the chances of tyre failure: 

Stay alert while driving 
Your car’s tyres are vulnerable to damage from potholes, curbs, and other road hazards. While driving, watch out for and avoid objects or rough surfaces that could cause damage to the tyres. Try not to hit curbs while parking. Drive around potholes, or if they’re unavoidable, drive slowly over them. 

Conduct regular tyre inspections 
A routine check-up can help identify potential tyre issues before they lead to a flat. Here are the key items to monitor: 

Inflation pressure: Proper tyre pressure is essential for good vehicle handling. Both over- and under-inflation causes problems. Over-inflated tyres have less contact with the road, making them more susceptible to damage from potholes and other hazards. Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption and generate excess heat, which can lead to premature failure or even a blowout at high speeds. Check the tyre pressure at least once a month when the tyres are cold, using a reliable pressure gauge. Refer to your car’s manual or the sticker inside the driver’s door for the correct pressure. 

Tread depth: Tyre tread helps maintain grip on the road, especially in wet conditions. New tyres start with a tread depth of 8-9mm, but as they are used they wear down and their grip decreases. A tyre should be replaced if the tread depth is 1.6mm or less. An easy way to check this is to look at the tread wear indicators in the grooves. If the tread is flush with these markers, it’s time for new tyres. Driving on excessively worn tyres is dangerous and reduces braking efficiency. 

Tread wear patterns: Uneven wear can signal tyre alignment, balance, or pressure issues. Wear in the centre of the tyre indicates over-inflation, while wear on the edges happens with under-inflation. Wear on one side of the tyre suggests that the wheel needs to be aligned. Bald spots can mean worn-out shock absorbers or suspension. Rotating the tyres every 10,000 km can help distribute wear evenly, extending their lifespan. 

Visible damage or objects in the tread: Replace a tyre with any bulges, cracks or cuts. Remove any object that has become stuck in the tread. But if a nail or screw is lodged in the tyre and it is still holding air, leave it in place until you can get to a repair shop. Removing it could cause immediate deflation. 

Tyre age: Even if a tyre looks fine, it may not be safe due to aging rubber. It’s generally recommended to replace tyres older than six years from the date of manufacture. You can check the tyre’s manufacturing date by looking at the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits indicate the week and year of production, e.g. ‘0624’ means the sixth week of 2024.