How to Tell When You're on the Brink of a Flat Tire

There is nothing worse than getting a flat tire at an inconvenient time. It never happens when your car is parked in a safe location, and tends to occur when you're late for work or on your way to an important event. In order to avoid a flat tire, there are several signs to pick up on before your tire blows. Learn how to spot a potential flat before it happens.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Tire pressure gauge

1. One of the most obvious ways to know you have a flat tire is to hear a loud popping sound. This means your tire has been punctured by a sharp object or you drove over some glass. In many instances, you had a leak or an insufficient amount of air in your tires.
2. Do a little test. Drive slowly over a speed bump on the road. Tires that are properly inflated should give your vehicle a little bounce as you roll over the bumps. When your tires are too soft, you'll roll right over a speed bump with little noise and barely any bounce.
3. Take your tire pressure. Check in your owner's manual or on the side door of the driver's seat. There will be a guideline for how much air you'll need both in the front and rear tires.
4. Take a tire pressure gauge and measure each tire. Make sure you do so when the car's engine and tires are cold. An ideal time to take your tire pressure is in the morning before you even drive the vehicle. Match up your current pressure with the recommended pressure. If there is too little, you're near the brink of a flat tire. Similarly, if they're overinflated, you run the risk of a tire bursting.
5. Manually inspect your tires before you go for a drive. They should all appear fully inflated. If you notice one tire is significantly smaller than the others, this is a warning sign that this tire may blow.
6. If you notice a nail or tack in one of your tires, it's best to get your car to an auto shop for a proper flat fix. It's only a matter of time before your tire deflates and you'll have to use your spare.
7. If you think you have a rip or hole in one of your tires, perform a little test. Spray a little soap or Windex on the area where you predict air is getting loose. If the area bubbles or fizzes, you'll know that air is escaping.

Tips & Warnings

• Always follow your vehicle maintenance schedule for tire rotations and tire changes.
• Never drive on a flat tire. You run the risk of your vehicle spinning out of control or causing further damage to your car.