How to Prevent Flat Tires
Most of us never think about flat tires until they leave us stranded on the side of the road. But while the odd blow-out or two is inevitable over a lifetime of driving, you can prevent most flat tires from happening by taking a few precautions.
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Instructions
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Check the air pressure of your tires monthly. If the pressure is too low, the tire will sag and won't support the vehicle. Over-inflation places undue strain on the walls of the tires, which increases the chance of a flat. Find out the optimal pressure for your tires and make sure they remain correctly inflated. If they are over-inflated, release the pressure by gently tweaking the valve on the tire. If they are under-inflated, add air at any local service station.
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Watch for objects in the street which might cause a flat. This includes broken bottles, nails or detritus from tipped-over trash cans. On the highway, avoid driving on the side of the road, where sharp rocks and pebbles can cause a flat. At home, check your garage and the street in front of your driveway to keep them clear of debris.
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Rotate your tires regularly. Front tires tend to wear out more quickly than rear tires. By rotating them, you can help extend their life as well as helping to prevent a flat. Most manufacturers recommend that you rotate your tires every 5,000 miles.
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Keep your tires properly balanced and your wheel alignment in good standing. An imbalance on the wheels creates uneven pressure, which increases the chances of a blow-out. Work wheel alignment into your regular maintenance schedule, along with oil changes and other preventative measures.
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Don't overload your vehicle. Vehicle capacity weight (VCW) determines how much of a load your car can handle. When you go over that weight, the tires have to bear it. This increases their chances of blowing out or going flat.
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Tips & Warnings
While simple precautions such as checking the tire pressure and scanning the road for debris are easy to implement, only trained technicians should make larger repairs. Wheel alignment and tire rotation can be tricky and if performed incorrectly can actually increase the chances of a breakdown. If you aren't well-versed in vehicle maintenance, let your friendly local repairmen help you prevent flat tires.
