8001 Minnetonka Blvd.

952.931.9696

Mon-Thu: 7am -6pm
Friday: 7am – 5pm

6407 West Lake Street

952.922.9696

Mon-Thu: 7am -6pm
Friday: 7am – 5pm

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6 ways to help prevent a flat tire on your vehicle

by | Sep 16, 2013 | Auto Repair, Brake Repair, Car Care Tips, Safe Driving, Tire Repair

Having a flat tire is something that everyone wants to try and avoid. While sometimes a flat tire is unavoidable, there can be some simple steps you can take to help prolong the life of the tires. This can also help in delaying flat tires. Bringing in your vehicle for regularly scheduled maintenances can help your vehicle as well. We can inspect the tires to make sure they are in the best condition possible. This can help to make sure your vehicle is running as efficient and effectively as possible.

Check the air pressure in the tires

Checking the air pressure in the tires should be done regularly as well. Check your vehicles owner’s manual to be sure the tires are inflated to the correct pressure recommended. When the tires are overinflated the vehicle is more difficult to handle. It will also ride rougher if the tires are overinflated. They are more prone to pick up sharp objects that are on the road that can puncture the tire. When the tires are underinflated they wear more quickly and unevenly.

Inspect the tires for uneven wear

It is important to regularly check the tires to make sure they are in good condition. Part of this also includes making sure they are wearing evenly. The tire tread can wear unevenly from quick stars and short stops. Making sure to slow to a stop and start can help to prevent this for your tires. If you notice that the tires are wearing unevenly, bring your vehicle in so we can inspect it over. Regular tire rotations are recommended so the tires can wear evenly.

Make sure your tires have good tread

While inspecting your tires for wear, also check the tread for your tire. Checking the tread is quick, easy, and only requires a penny. Take the penny and place it with Lincoln’s head down. If any part of Lincoln’s head is covered, the tires are fine. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is too shallow and will need to be replaced soon.

Make sure to have the brakes checked

Over time the breaks will wear and may need adjusting. This can be caused from age and miles that the vehicle has. The brakes should be checked regularly to help prevent excess wear on the wheels. If the brakes begin to wear down, it may start to cause the tires to wear unevenly. By brining your vehicle in, we can inspect the brakes and tires for you to make sure they are in good working order.

Be cautious when driving on the spare tire

The spare tire for your vehicle is intended for temporary use only. If you do get a flat tire and need to use the spare tire, avoid having to drive on it for an extended distance and speeds. It is recommended that for safe driving on a spare tire, you should drive a distance of fifty miles. It is also recommended you go a maximum speed of fifty miles per hour while driving.

Avoid rough roads when driving

Rough roads can increase the chance of wear and tear on the tires. Potholes and uneven roads can encourage a bubble or blister to form in the walls of the tires. If at all possible, avoid roads that are near constructions sites. If you travel near these, your tires have the chance to pick up sharp objects like nails, screws, and other sharp debris.