Your tires are an important part of your ride, and as such it’s key that you take care of them. If there’s one thing you don’t want, it’s flat tires. Knowing what usually causes flats can help you be more mindful and avoid those potential hazards…
Flat Tires: Frequent Hazards
Punctures
Punctures are probably the most common reason for flat tires. Usually, these will be caused by something sharp on the road, like a nail or glass. Sometimes, you’ll hear a “pop” as the tire begins to deflate. Still, it could be that the object gets stuck in your tire, which will cause it to slowly leak air until it’s flat.
The best way to avoid these hazards is by watching where you drive. If you notice any debris on the road, try to find a safe path around it. Still, it’s hard to see every single small thing on the road. Therefore, check your tires before your drive just in case any of them have been punctured.
Valve stem damage
Damage to the valve stem can also lead to flat tires. The valve stem is where you add more air into your tires and where you check tire pressure from. While it’s small, that doesn’t mean it can’t get damaged. Should this happen, it’s easy for air to begin to leak and for your tire to go flat.
Generally, the biggest issue for valve stems is corrosion. Bad weather can take a toll on the stems and cause them to not hold their seal effectively. Age can also cause the stems and their covers to get loose and leak air. Much like with punctures, check your valve stems often to make sure they’re in working order.
Extended wear
Modern tires have a pretty long lifespan when compared to their older counterparts. Still, they will eventually need to be replaced. Driving with tires that have extended wear is not only risky due to the lack of tread. It can also increase the chances of flat tires as well.
Most tires tend to last for 60,000-75,000 miles, or about 4-5 years for the average driver. While this is a long time, you don’t want to get complacent. Be sure you regularly check your tires to see how the tread is holding up. You should also keep an eye out for any signs of damage, like bulges or cracks.