At some time or another, most people will experience a flat tire on their car. Flats can happen for a variety of reasons, and the good news is that in most cases, tires that have gone flat can be repaired. However, not all tires can be repaired.
In this blog, let’s take a look at the various ways a flat tire can be repaired, when it can’t, and the importance of having a good quality spare should you ever need it.
When a Flat Tire Can (or Can’t) Be Fixed
Car and truck tires can go flat for a number of reasons, including:
- Punctures from a nail, bolt or glass in the tread area.
- Broken bead (the seal between the tire and rim).
- Faulty valve stem.
- Damage to the tire’s sidewall.
1. Punctures in the Tread
There are many objects in the street or highway that can cause a tire puncture. If a sharp object has torn a hole in the tread of your tire (the part that contacts the road), it can usually be repaired.
A highly effective way to repair a punctured tire is with a patch. Today, there are both one-piece and two-piece patches available. The angle at which the tire injury occurred will determine which patch to use.
How to Fix It
Look for the object. If you find a nail or screw in the main tread, do not pull it out. Driving on it can make it worse, but pulling it out will cause it to go flat immediately. Put on your spare tire.
A qualified auto technician will be able to determine which type of patch should be utilized. The location of a puncture can only be repaired in the “crown,” or the region between the shoulders of the tire.
2. Sidewall Damage (Cannot be Repaired)
When inflated, tires are under a tremendous amount of pressure, especially around the sidewall area. If a tire experiences damage to the sidewall (a puncture, cut, or bubble), it cannot be repaired safely.
How to Fix It
This is not repairable. Tires with sidewall damage must be replaced to avoid a dangerous blowout. Visit a tire shop immediately.
3. Broken Beads
The bead is the seal between the tire and the edge of the rim that is designed to keep air from escaping. Age, weather conditions, or hitting a big pot hole can cause a tire’s bead to fail and leak air.
How to Fix It
A qualified tire technician can remove the tire from the rim, clean both thoroughly and apply a special bead sealer adhesive. Once dry, the tire can be re-inflated and put back on the car.
4. Broken Valve Stems
The valve stem is mounted into a tire’s rim and allows for the filling and releasing of air. If a valve stem is broken, cracked, or faulty, it will not hold air.
How to Fix It
You can check for a valve stem leak by spraying soapy water on it. If it bubbles, it’s leaking. You may also hear a faint hiss or be able to wiggle it and make it leak.
Valve stems can be easily replaced by a qualified mechanic. They will need to remove the tire from the rim to install a new one.
Everything You Need to Know About Spare Tires
Nobody really thinks about their car’s spare tire, until they need to use it! Be sure to check the air pressure in your spare tire every time you check the rest of the tires. Be sure to follow the instructions on the spare tire with regard to inflation limits.
While some cars have full size spares, many vehicles today have what are known as “space savers” or “donut spares”. These types of spare tires are much smaller than your car’s regular tires, and should only be used for a very limited amount of time and miles.
No matter what kind of spare tire you have, be sure it is in good condition, has adequate tread, and is properly inflated. A flat spare tire is no help at all!
Car-X is Your One Stop Tire Solution!
Car-X has been providing quality, reliable automotive services since 1971. Maintaining your tires is important to do all year long. If you have a flat tire, our experienced team can get you back on the road in no time.
We also carry a large selection of brand name tires at a great price should you need them. Call Car-X today and schedule an appointment for all of your tire repair or replacement needs!
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