What Causes a Sudden Flat Tire?
2 Answers
A sudden flat tire is often due to a slow leak in the tire. Here are the specific reasons: 1. Damage to the tire sidewall or inner edge: Some drivers have poor spatial awareness and frequently scrape the tire sidewalls against curbs, leading to wear. Damage to the inner edge of the tire usually occurs during improper installation or removal of the tire from the rim, often seen when replacing or repairing a tire. 2. Foreign objects puncturing the tire: Nails, screws, wires, glass shards, sharp stones, or broken tiles can easily puncture the tire. Nails and screws are particularly prone to causing slow leaks and may remain lodged in the tire, worsening the damage if not removed promptly. 3. Deformed rim flange: When the tire is fully inflated, the outer edge of the tire tightly seals against the rim flange. If the rim flange is deformed due to impact, it can compromise the seal, resulting in a slow leak. 4. Cracked rim: This is a rare occurrence. It can cause air to leak from the tubeless tire through the crack, and even small cracks can become a potential hazard for rim failure. Although uncommon, this situation is highly dangerous.
I've experienced sudden flat tires several times, usually caused by nails, glass shards, or stones puncturing the tire on the road, causing the air to escape quickly. Checking whether the valve core is loose or damaged is also crucial—I once had slow leaks due to an aging valve core. Deformed rims or rusted edges can also compromise the seal, especially when driving over potholes at high speeds. For prevention, I use a tire pressure gauge monthly to measure and maintain the pressure within the recommended range. It's also a good habit to quickly scan the tires for foreign objects or obvious damage before driving. If the tire goes flat, immediately slow down, pull over, and turn on the hazard lights—don't force the drive to avoid rim damage or accidents. Keeping a portable air pump or tire repair kit in the car is very practical for emergencies, allowing you to inflate the tire enough to reach a repair shop. Aging tires and worn treads also increase the risk of leaks, so it's recommended to replace tires every 5 years or 60,000 kilometers.
