Getting a flat tire is often seen as a situation that only happens to other people… until it happens to you.
When it does, you should know what to do to fix a puncture and ensure you’re creating the safety conditions necessary to change your tyre.
Keep reading this article to find out how to repair a flat tire and the precautions you should take when doing so.
What Can Cause a Tire Puncture?
There are several possible causes for a tire puncture, the most common being:
- Incorrect tyre pressure;
- Driving over deep holes or obstacles;
- Problems during tyre assembly or installation;
- Objects on the road, such as nails, screws, or shards of glass;
- Normal tyre wear can lead to holes or tears in tyres;
- Tyre valve problems that can cause slow leaks that lead to a puncture;
- Extreme weather conditions, especially intense heat, can weaken tyre structure, making them more susceptible to punctures.
Is it Safe to Drive With an Empty Tire?
Driving with a punctured tire is unsafe and can damage the vehicle and reduce the safety of passengers, as it increases the risk of road accidents.
In addition, having a flat tire can cause additional damage to the wheel and car suspension system, which can lead to more expensive repairs.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Tire Punctures?
To avoid damage to tires and punctures, you should take some precautions, such as:
- Regularly check tyre pressure;
- Check tyre wear;
- Align your vehicle’s steering;
- Avoid imperfections on roads you drive on.
How Do You Know If Your Tire is Punctured?
Drivers often don’t notice a tire puncture straight away. However, certain symptoms indicate that the tyre is punctured, such as:
- Car shaking;
- Abnormal noise or vibration;
- Feeling differences in your car’s steering, such as it feeling unsteady, pulling to one side, or finding it hard to keep control of your vehicle.
You should always perform a visual check, as there may be nails or other objects in the tyre.
If you suspect you have a flat car tyre, use a tyre inflator with a pressure gauge to check for a significant drop in pressure when compared to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
What Should You Do If You Have a Flat Tire?
If you suspect or confirm that you have a punctured tire, you should first remain calm and gradually slow down. Then signal and look for a safe place to stop so you can change the tyre.
How Do You Change a Flat Tire On The Side of the Road?
If you need to change a flat tyre on the side of the road, you should take a few key steps to ensure your safety:
- Stop your vehicle in a safe place;
- Place your warning triangle at the correct distance;
- Put on your high-visibility vest.
When you’ve ensured that you’re following all the safety conditions required to replace your tyre, you can start the process.
Can you Call Roadside Assistance for a Flat Tire?
Yes. Generally, should you need to repair or replace a tyre on-site, you can call roadside assistance.
In addition, you can also get a tow truck to take your vehicle to your mechanic’s garage, if necessary.
Can you Fix a Punctured tire?
Generally speaking, yes, you can fix a punctured tyre. However, it all depends on where the hole is.
If it is in the tread of the tyre, you’ll be able to fix the puncture, provided that it is not very deep.
However, if the puncture is on the side of the tyre, there’s no way to repair it. In this case, the best thing to do is to buy new tyres and replace them.
Is There Any Way of Fixing a Side Puncture?
It depends, but in the worst-case scenario, you’ll have to buy a new tyre.
If you do so, you should also replace the other tyres on the same axle so that they both have the same wear and will, therefore, not impact your driving.
How Do You Repair a Tire?
If you’ve found a puncture in your tyre, we recommend that you follow these steps as appropriate:
1. Replace The Flat Tire With a Spare Tire
If your tyre has been punctured with a nail, replacing the tyre is the simplest option.
Most drivers keep a spare tyre in their car boot, along with a set of tools, including a hand jack and wheel wrench, enabling them to remove the flat tyre and replace it. To do so, you should:
- Lift the vehicle with the jack;
- Remove the tyre nuts with the lug wrench;
- Remove the flat tyre;
- Mount the spare tyre;
- Tighten the nuts;
- Lower the jack.
2. Repair a Punctured Tire Using a Tyre Repair Kit
If you have a tyre repair kit, you can carry out the repair on the spot and keep driving until you reach the nearest service station.
However, remember that should you stop your vehicle on the side of the road, you must ensure you meet all applicable safety conditions when doing so.
How To Use a Tire Puncture Repair Kit?
A tyre repair kit contains a plug that is inserted into the puncture site, filling the space so as to not allow air to escape.
To fix a flat tyre using a repair kit:
- Locate the hole and use the drill bit in the kit to clean the hole;
- Insert the plug into the hole until only half of it is visible. If one plug doesn’t fill the hole, insert a second plug so that the hole is completely filled;
- Carefully remove the plug insertion tool from the hole;
- Cut off any excess plug sticking out of the hole;
- Inflate the tyre using compressed air or the mini air compressor within the kit.
When you’re finished, you should ensure that the plugs fills the entire hole.
How Much Does a Tire Repair Kit Cost?
A complete tyre repair kit costs around 40 euros and can be purchased at a specialist store.
Prices for this kit vary depending on the number of plugs it contains and whether it includes an air compressor.
What is Tire Repair Spray Used For?
This spray is used to fill a flat tyre from the inside out, giving the tyre enough pressure to allow you to get to the nearest service station.
This spray does not work for holes larger than 5 millimetres and tears on the side of the tyre.
How Much Does a Tire Repair Spray Cost?
Tyre repair spray costs around 10 euros and can be purchased at a specialist store.
Flat Tire: Change it or Use Foam?
The answer is simple: if tyre repair foam is able to temporarily seal the puncture and allow you to safely drive to a place where the tyre can be repaired or replaced, it could be a useful solution.
However, do bear in mind that foam is a temporary solution and that you should get your tyre properly repaired as soon as possible. If the puncture is large or the damage significant, changing your tyre straight away is the safest and most permanent option.
How Do You Use an Anti-Puncture Kit?
For more superficial punctures, just stick the patch over the hole and check the tyre pressure.
If you’re dealing with a deeper puncture, you should seek out a professional to change your tyres.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Puncture?
The price of repairing a tyre puncture depends on the severity of the tyre puncture and where it is located. However, you can expect to pay around 30 euros.
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EMAXIBOND is a conceptual automotive company that provides engine coolant products. In 2017, we started as an automobile supply company, and then expanded its product line to engine coolant to become one of the top manufacturers on earth.
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