For many drivers, there are few things as frustrating (and, in some cases, frightening) as getting a flat tire. Getting a flat tire at night or in a remote area can present a dangerous situation. In most cases, however, a flat tire is an inconvenience; a problem even the most cautious drivers are faced with inevitably at one point or another. Whether it’s a pothole or a nail, roads are filled with hidden hazards, and tires are susceptible to damage. Fortunately, in many instances, tires can be successfully repaired.
A flat
Not all flat tires are created equal. A tire that is bald from age and overuse is susceptible to damage, having little to no treads. Running over broken glass or a similar sharp item can cause a tiny leak, allowing air to escape from the tire gradually. In this situation, the flat is not immediately obvious; the pounds per square inch (PSI) or the affected tire is slowly reduced below a minimum requisite level. Typically, this causes problems with the car’s steering and alignment, as the car will pull in one direction rather than staying on a straight path. Minimal tire damage is usually fixable, albeit temporarily.
A blowout, on the other hand, is another story. When a blowout occurs, a tire is utterly destroyed. This can happen when a vehicle is in operation with a flat tire for an extended period of time or at a high rate of speed, or if the vehicle runs over a large, obtrusive object. Blowouts destroy tires beyond repair and require replacement. Blowouts are dangerous, as they typically cause the vehicle to spin out of control, with steering becoming nearly impossible. Blowouts are particularly dangerous when they occur on the highway, with drivers unable to maintain control of their vehicles, creating a hazardous situation. Blowouts can also occur when a tire is filled with too much air, increasing the PSI beyond the tire’s capacity and causing it to literally burst.
Repairing the damage
If a tire sustains minimal damage, repair might be a viable option, which is a much less expensive choice than replacing a tire. In some cases, it is necessary to replace all four tires to avoid damaging the vehicle’s alignment if the car has All Wheel Drive, which costs several hundred dollars. That said, some tires simply cannot be fixed if too much damage has been done, or if the side wall of the tire has collapsed. If, for example, a small hole is punctured in a tire by a nail, but the tire is more or less intact, it may be possible to repair the tire by plugging or patching it, or, most commonly, a combination of the two methods, the “plug and patch” approach. The plug fills the hole torn in the tire and the patch acts as a seal, securely bonding to the rubber. While tire repair kits are available for purchase at automotive parts stores the DIY approach to tire repair is not as safe as hiring a licensed professional. An improperly repaired tire will continue to leak air and will eventually deteriorate further, increasing the likelihood of a blowout. A properly repaired tire can last for several years and can withstand regular use. When it comes to repairing a tire, it is worth it to retain the services of a professional to ensure that the tire is fixed properly and securely before attempting to get back on the road.
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