A flat tire is always an inconvenience. No matter who you are or where you’re heading, you rely on your vehicle to travel safely and on time. Regardless of the age of your tire, a nail or other sharp object lying in the road could cause your tire to lose sufficient air pressure or blow up.
When you’ve got somewhere to be, and a flat tire interrupts your plans, don’t panic. Rely on the experts at Big Chief Tire to get you back on the road.
I Think I Have A Flat Tire. What’s Next?
When you notice your ride is a little bumpier than usual, you may want to stop and inspect your tires. After you identify your flat tire, there are a few steps to take.
First, it is recommended that you proceed to a tire shop as soon as possible to avoid any structural damage to brakes, wheels, alignment, and more. However, some tires are built to sustain pressure loss. These particular tires are called Self Supporting Run flats, or SSRs. These tires should be able to carry you for another 50 miles post-flat-tire, as long as you don’t accelerate over 50 miles per hour.
If your car does not have SSRs, pull to the side of the road safely to replace your flat with a spare or use emergency sealant to repair any small punctures temporarily. Unfortunately, a sealant is not the quick fix for all flat tires. It won’t work for punctures bigger than ¼ of an inch, shredded tires, or blowouts.
Before pulling over, there are several best practices to keep you safe. Stay calm, and do not slam on the brakes. While the flat tire may be startling, it is best to keep your cool while assessing the situation.
Scan your surroundings to find a suitable place to stop, preferably with a level surface, because you will have to change your tire. When you’ve found a good spot, stay in control of your vehicle, ease over to the shoulder, and come to a slow stop.
Take Action
After you have made it to a safe location, it is time to take action to get it fixed. There are several options you have to address your flat tire.
- If you are not confident in changing your tire on your own, your first option is to call roadside assistance. Companies like AAA will send a qualified car professional to your location to assess the severity of your flat tire.
- If you are not confident in your tire-changing abilities, you’re not alone. You can get a tow to the closest mechanic like Big Chief Tire in Jacksonville, FL. We understand how important your car is to your life. Our tire pros will provide you with the excellent service you need to get you back on the road in no time.
How to Avoid Flat Tires in the Future
One flat tire is more than enough. Take preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of it happening again. Check your tire pressure monthly, have your tires inspected and rotated regularly, stay under the tire load limit, and watch for any road hazards that may impact your ride.
Knowing when to install new tires will also keep you safe from any blowouts or flats. If you’ve had your tires for several years, or you notice uneven wear on your treads, you may want to consider replacements.
Some flat tires are inevitable. Road debris and other hazards can make getting a flat tire unavoidable. Be aware of any road hazards that may be able to puncture your tires, and try to avoid them when you see them.
Don’t let a flat tire ruin your day. Be prepared ahead of time and know what to do once it happens. For any car repair, from flat tires to engine issues, head over to your local tire shop in Jacksonville, FL, Big Chief Tire.
Visit one of our four area locations like Big Chief Tire Normandy to let one of our professionals take care of it for you. Schedule an appointment at Big Chief Tire for any car issue today.