What to Do When a Car Tire Goes Flat?
2 Answers
If a tire goes flat and the vehicle has a spare tire, you can replace it and drive to a repair shop. If there is no spare tire, you can consider taking the flat tire to a repair shop for patching or calling a tow truck. Alternatively, you can call a mobile tire repair service. Below is relevant information: 1. Do Not Drive: A flat tire indicates low tire pressure, which increases the movement of various parts of the tire. Excessive rolling can cause abnormal heat buildup, reducing the performance of the tire's internal cords and rubber, leading to rubber delamination or cord breakage, excessive friction with the rim, and damage to the tire bead and abnormal wear. 2. Low Tire Pressure: Low tire pressure significantly increases friction between the tire and the ground, causing the tire temperature to rise sharply, the tire to soften, and its strength to decrease. Continuing to drive may risk a tire blowout.
A flat tire can be quite alarming. I remember the first time I encountered one, I nearly panicked. The most important thing is to pull over immediately, preferably to a flat and safe spot, turn on the hazard lights, and place the reflective warning triangle far enough to ensure visibility for oncoming traffic. Then, get out and check the tire condition: if it's just a slow leak, using the car's air pump to temporarily inflate it might get you to a repair shop; if it's completely flat or blown out, you'll need to prepare to change the spare tire. Before you start, don’t rush—take out the spare tire and toolkit, and when using the jack to lift the car frame, make sure to position it correctly to avoid damaging the chassis. Remove the bolts in a diagonal sequence and tighten them properly to prevent misalignment. Beginners should check mobile tutorials or call for roadside assistance. While driving, always pay attention to the tire pressure monitoring system and avoid potholes to prevent punctures. Although a slow leak might seem minor, delaying repairs can lead to wheel rim deformation, resulting in higher costs.