Top Reasons for a Flat Tire
A flat tire is one of the most annoying things in the world, especially if you are in a rush. There are many reasons why your tire may have gone down but there are some common reasons to look out for. At least knowing the common reasons will help you determine whether you need a new tire or you will just be able to fill it up with more air.
When Sharp Objects Attack the Tire
The top reason for a flat tire (or Fladt dæk på din bil as we say in Denmark) to be a problem is when a sharp object has impaled or caught the tire. This could be a nail that is lying out in the road or a sharp piece of curb that you have caught while parking. The good news is that, usually, the tires can be fixed without having to buy a new one. However, this is only if the sharp object has pierced where the tread is; if it is along the outside, it will call for a new tire completely.
Valve Leaks or Caps Not Placed Correctly
If you have recently topped up your tired and found that it is flat again, you may have a problem with your valve. The first thing to do is check that you definitely tightened the valve all the way; just leaving it off slightly will lead to a flat tire.
Another common problem is that the valve is faulty, which means that the air is seeping out. This can happen over a period of time or will be quick, depending on how bad the leak is. If you constantly find that your tire goes down just after topping the air up, it is worth having the valve checked over.
Leaks in the Tire Bead
The tire bead is the surface that seals the tire and sometimes this can be broken in places. This will lead to the air leaking out slowly – similar to faulty valves. You can check for this yourself by putting some soapy water on the tire. If you see bubbles forming in the water, there are chances that the bead is leaking. This will call for a new tired, unfortunately.
Vandalism on the Tires
Unfortunately, vandalism is one of the top reasons for a flat tire. This can happen anywhere – outside of your own home, parking at work or while away on a vacation. There are many forms of vandalism, from slashing the tires to just putting a tiny hole in them. Unfortunately, this usually leads to the tire needing to be replaced.
The reasons above are just four common reasons for a flat tire but they are definitely not the only ones. If you drive a lot, you will find that you are more prone to flat ties, especially if you have a lot of weight on the wheels. It is important to find out the exact reason for your tire being flat as, sometimes, it can be fixed without having the expensive job of replacing any of the tires completely. It is also a good idea to have a subscription to an auto assistance company (or Autohjælp i hele Europa as we Danes say), just in case you can”t change your tire due to one thing or another.
Processing your request, Please wait....
