A flat tire: how to identify and repair

A flat tire affects many motorists throughout the life of their vehicle. This can happen after an impact, due to poor tire pressure, or from a foreign object. It can be a quick puncture that is easy to see, or, conversely, a slow puncture that is sometimes difficult to notice.

🚗 What are the types of punctures?

La puncture It is a disease that can affect any tire: the tire of a car, of course, but also a bicycle, for example. A puncture is determined by the wear on the tire, usually punctured, which is then deflated.

But there are actually different types and causes of punctures, including:

• Le insufficient inflation Tires: A tire that is not pressurized increases the risk of tire puncture.
• Le foreign body : Often the puncture is caused by a foreign body (sharpened stone, screw, glass shard, etc.) that pierces the tire, usually at the tread level.
• Le shock : The puncture can occur suddenly after hitting the pavement, pothole, etc. quite hard.

We must also distinguish quick punctureas it is because of the shock, from what is called slow puncture... This is characterized by slow deflation, which is sometimes difficult to notice. In fact, it is normal for a tire to lose pressure while driving (approx. 0,1 bar per month).

But a greater loss of pressure should alert you. Therefore, we recommend checking the tire pressure once a month.

🔍 How to identify a puncture?

When a puncture occurs suddenly, it is usually difficult to miss. Whether it's a curb crash or a highway tire explosion, you can't miss it. However, sometimes it can be more difficult to find a slow puncture.

Every month your tires lose about 0,1 Bar pressure. If you notice a significant and constant loss of pressure, it could be a puncture. If it is installed in your car, tire pressure warning light may light up to indicate a problem.

Start by repeating the pressure and make sure the fall continues. Once this is confirmed, inspect the tire (sidewall and tread) for any foreign objects that could pierce it: a screw, a nail, various debris.

If that doesn't work, add soapy water or leak detection fluid on the tire and look for bubbles that indicate air is escaping.

👨‍🔧 What to do in case of puncture?

The puncture will immobilize the vehicle, especially if it is a quick puncture in which the tire will deflate immediately. In order not to call a tow truck and not give yourself time to go to the garage, the tire can be repaired, depending on the nature of the puncture, or the wheel can be replaced.

Material:

• Spare wheel
• socket
• Wrench
• Anti-puncture bomb
• Anti-puncture kit

Solution 1: Replace the tire

In the event of a puncture, the most obvious solution is of course to replace the punctured tire. Sometimes you have no other choice: a puncture cannot always be fixed. To change a tire to spare wheel or wafer, start by loosening the wheel nuts.

Then raise the vehicle with the jack supplied with the spare wheel and finish loosening the nuts. Then remove the wheel to replace it. However, be careful if it's a damn thing: do not exceed 80 km / h and quickly replace it with a real tire.

Solution 2: tire sealant

Esli это tubeless tire and the puncture is small and located on the tread, it can be repaired tire sealant... If the gap is too large or located on the sidewall, you will have no choice but to replace the wheel.

To repair a puncture, remove the valve from the tire and place tire sealant on the nozzle. Pour it completely out of the tire and drive a few kilometers to ensure that the product is well distributed on the inside of the tire. Please note: Tire sealant is only a temporary solution.

Solution 3. Puncture protection kit.

Finally, there are puncture repair kits which can consist of highlighting, patch or compressor and clogging... Like the tire sealant, these kits are temporary fixes that will allow you to get repaired by the time you get to the garage to change your tire.

💸 How much does it cost to repair a puncture?

Some punctures can be repaired; in this case, there is no need to change the tire immediately. Calculate the cost depending on whether you have to remove the wheel for repair From 20 to 30 € O. This price includes tire balancing.

If the puncture cannot be repaired, the tire will need to be replaced. But be careful: the difference in wear between two tires on the same axle cannot exceed 5mm... In other words, both tires may need to be replaced.

The price of a tire depends on the brand, its size and category (summer / winter). Think From 30 to 60 € for a tire. Add to this the cost of assembly and balancing (roughly 15 € on the tire) and possibly the rim.

Now you know what kind of punctures can occur on a car tire. You also know how to identify a slow puncture and how to deal with a puncture. We remind you that all these repairs are temporary and after a puncture it is necessary to contact a mechanic.