By Sejin Kim
Getting a flat tyre is perhaps a common incident that drivers encounter. You can get a flat tyre from a long drive or just a short drive around town. It does not matter where you go, a lot of pointed materials get scattered on the road and cause potential damage to your tyre. It is indeed such a hassle to get caught off guard with a flat tyre while driving. You have to attend to it immediately because you are not able to continue to drive.
With recent developments in car technology, you can rest assured that tyres have been tested and approved to withstand road hazards. They are designed and created with new and more durable materials. For further prevention, here are a few tips and ways to avoid getting a flat tyre.
As you perform routine checks on your car, do not forget to have the tyres checked as well. Check the tyre pressure and tread depth. As a general rule and recommendation, it is best to replace tyres after five years of use.
Mechanics can easily tell whether the tyres are still fit for driving or are already worn out. They also have the tools and equipment for proper checkup and maintenance. If you are driving on an off-road track regularly, you should also have the car checked on a regular basis. Keep to your maintenance routine as much as possible.
When you need to stop by a gas station, you can also check the tyre pressure from time to time. Tyres in good condition can still lose air after months of use. Check your car manual for the correct inflation pressure. Car manufacturers place this information in the driver’s area or by the gas fuel door. The maximum pressure detail placed on the tyre sidewall is only to indicate the highest possible amount to set the tyre pressure. Use instead the information provided by the manufacturer.
When going on a trip, you can perform a quick tyre checkup by yourself. Look around the tyre for small cracks in the sidewalls. These indicate deterioration and it means that you should replace the tyre. Check also the tread depth of one portion. Tread ware bars are placed in certain areas of the tyre.
If the adjacent ribs of the tyre are of the same height as the bar, then it is time to replace the tyre. Check the wear indicators from time to time. Aside from flat tyres, having good tread can also prevent sliding or skidding when passing by a wet road. These are good reasons to know how to perform checks on a regular basis.
You can look for materials and substances that can protect the tyre. You can install tyre guards to resist puncture. You can also look for sprays made of substances created to reinforce the tyre. These are additional ways of protecting the tyre, for the purpose of preventing flat tyres. They make it more durable and last long. It is good to be aware of available options. After all, when you protect your vehicle, you also are protecting the passengers from harm.
These tips do not only help you prevent flat tyres, they can ensure you a safe drive and save you money along the way. Vehicle repairs can be costly, so it is better to look for ways to prevent them. It is also easier and less stressful to keep your tyres in good condition than when the damage is done and you have to replace a tyre while out on the road. Follow these tips and you should be confident enough to call yourself a smart driver.
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