Flat tires can be highly inconvenient, if not dangerous. In this blog entry, the Chicago flat tire repair service and Chicagoland roadside assistance service experts here at Chicago Towing will detail the best ways to decrease the chances of experiencing a flat tire.

Monitoring Tire Pressure

Regularly check your tire pressure in order to seriously lower the chances of experiencing a flat tire. Check tire pressure at least once a month, and do it more often if you regularly drive or dive for long distances. Don’t check tire pressure right when you finish driving. Wait a couple hours after you drive as tire pressure can change due to heat and friction. Some cars might actually have tire pressure monitoring technology, which makes it much more simple to see when tire pressure needs to be adjusted. Don’t wait until the pressure gets super low to add air. If you see the pressure is lowering, add air before an emergency light turns on. Also check the tire pressure of your spare tire so you can be sure it will work ideally if you ever truly need it.

Tire Rotation

Make sure to regularly rotate your tires to prevent uneven wear. This makes your tires last much longer, and lowers the chances of needing to replace or repair them. Yoru vehicle owner manual probably has a recommended tire rotation frequency, so consult this for more information. Generally however, the recommendation for tire rotation is between 5000 and 10,000 miles. Some people rotate their tires every time they get an oil change for your vehicle. When you’re rotating your tires, inspect if your sidewalls or treads are damaged. Pressure should be adjusted as you’re rotating your tires.

Road Hazards

Try to avoid road hazards like potholes, sharp rocks, construction areas, or objects in the street as strongly as possible. If you’re aware that there’s tons of hazards on a specific road, try as hard as you can to take a different route. If you cannot avoid road hazards, check your tires for cracking or bulging after you drive through them. Serious tire pressure loss is a sign that your tires were damaged by road hazards and means that your tires need to be repaired as soon as possible.

Tire Recalls

It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen periodically that tires are recalled by manufacturers for serious structural issues. Try to check semi-regularly for any updates about your tire type and if there’s any recalls. If you see that a recall has been issued, make sure to replace your tires as soon as possible.