A Flat Tire Sucks (Air) But Replacing Your Tires Doesn’t Have To Suck Your Wallet Dry.
Face it, a flat tire is annoying. Fortunately, a flat or punctured tire doesn’t necessarily mean you have to purchase a brand new tire. In fact, the likelihood is you’ll simply need to fix your tire. So, let’s discuss your options for diagnosing, fixing, and replacing your flat tire.
Option #1: At Next Tires we recommend tire repairs and services be handled by trained professionals. This is important because it ensures, in most cases, the work is done to a standard that is equal to or better than manufacturer suggested specifications. Upon removing the tire from the wheel, your local tire professional will inspect the tire’s tread and sidewall for punctures or holes to make sure the tire’s integrity has not been compromised.
After making sure the tire is safe for continued use, your tire professional will install the necessary internal tire patches. Depending on where you live, these patches often cost between $5 and $20. We believe this to be the best and safest option available, if you don’t need to buy new tires. Most reliable tire shops will have you back on the road in 30 minutes or less.
It’s important to remember, if you experience a flat tire while driving, you need to pull over to a safe spot as quickly (and safely) as possible. Driving prolonged distances on a flat tire that is not designed for Run Flat driving can seriously damage the tire’s sidewall and other supportive elements. Also, the following things should be considered before repairing a flat tire:
- DO NOT repair a tire who’s sidewall has been damaged; it should be replaced immediately.
- DO NOT repair a tire that has tread lengths of 1/16th of an inch or less; it should be replaced immediately.
- DO NOT repair a tire that has exploded or been lacerated; it should be replaced immediately.
Option #2: If it’s unsafe to drive any further on the flat tire, after you’ve safely pulled off of the road, we recommend putting on your spare or calling a local tow truck service or roadside assistance, such as AAA, to help you install your spare tire, or give you a lift to your local tire shop if necessary. The longer a flat is driven on, the greater the chances the tire may be damaged beyond repair.
If you don’t have roadside assistance, a number of services you already use may have an option for roadside assistance, often for a nominal flat or monthly fee, though occasionally it is included free of charge. You’ll need to inquire with the various accounts you do business with. Companies to consider include, but are not limited to, the following: cell phone companies, insurance carriers, some credit cards, auto dealers, reputable third party roadside assistance companies, and more.
Option #3: If you’re unable to get to your local tire professional and you need to have your tire fixed immediately, albeit temporarily, you can pick up tire plugs from most local auto parts stores, such as AutoZone, Napa Auto Parts and O’Reilly Auto, or larger discount stores, like Wal-Mart or Target.
You’ll need some basic tools for the job, including a tire plug kit and pliers. Depending on (a) the size of your wheel versus the wheel well, (b) the set up of your vehicle’s suspension, and (c) where the puncture or hole is on the tire, you may not need to remove the tire from your vehicle to perform this temporary repair. Inspect the tire by doing the following:
- Look for foreign objects.
- Listen for leaking air.
- Pour soapy water over the tire and locate the bubbles created by escaping air.
- If you have access to a tank large enough, to submerge your tire and wheel, then you can dunk the wheel and tire package together, for greater ease and accuracy in locating the hole in question.
Once you’ve located the tire puncture, you’ll want to follow the instructions provided with your tire plug kit, which should go something like this:
- Remove the foreign object using your pliers.
- Take the included probe tool and place a few drops on its tip.
- Insert and remove the tool from the hole several times to clean and prepare the hole for the insertion of the plug.
- Coat the plug with cement. Use the included insertion tool to stick the plug into the hole. About 1/2″ should remain outside the tire.
- Pull the insertion tool straight out, leaving the plug in the hole.
- Cut the plug flush with surrounding tire tread.
It’s important to remember that a tire plug is only a temporary fix. You will need to visit your local tire professional, as soon as possible, so they can install the proper internal tire patches.
Option #4: While Next Tires does not recommend this, you may find yourself in a situation where Options #1, #2 and #3 aren’t feasible, and all that you have on hand is a can of fix-a-flat. These often-flammable cans of solution and air should only be used when you have no other options. It is always the better option to have a spare tire in (the rear of) your vehicle and/or to call for roadside assistance.
Please keep in mind, the toxic and harmful properties of most Fix-A-Flat like products means, most tire shops won’t repair a tire that’s used this or similar chemicals as a quick-fix. When left in a tire for prolonged periods, the heat and chemicals combine to create a corrosive-like substance that slowly eats away at the inside of the tire; thus, making the tire a liability for repair.
Before performing any maintenance on any part of your vehicle make sure of the following:
- You’re in the safest area possible for working on your vehicle.
- Secure the vehicle by applying the emergency brake and/or by wedging blocks or stops underneath your car’s tires to prevent it from rolling.
- Avoid placing yourself under your vehicle and use jack stands when possible.
At Next Tires we’re interested in your safety, the safety of your passengers, and the safety of your fellow drivers. Taking care of your tires and having the right tools on hand in an emergency is not only comforting, but also ensures less risk is taken in an already risky situation.
For Tire Check Tuesday, we recommend inspecting your tires every week to make sure your tires are properly inflated, wearing evenly, and free of any unnecessary debris or damage. If replacing your tire(s) is the best and safest option, Next Tires is here to help you save time and money.
Call Us at 1-800-360-5459. We’re here to help! You can also email us at support@nexttires.com. For a limited time, shop our new tires for sale and Save w/ Free Shipping and the Next Tires Risk Free Guarantee.** We look forward to speaking with and helping you with your next tires!
