Why Do Tires Go Flat?

It may sound like a silly question at first, but the reason for a flat tire isn’t always as simple as finding a nail in your tire. More often than not, you’ll have a hard time finding a visible reason why a tire went flat. So, if it’s not always visible damage, why do tires go flat?

Here are some reasons why tires go flat:

Punctures

The most obvious reason tires go flat is a puncture, but even that’s not always visible immediately. Scrap metal, screws, nails, and various small road debris are notorious culprits. And the head of a nail or screw can often break off, making the puncture hard to find.

Structural Damage

Damage to the structural integrity of a tire is usually hard to ignore and generally causes air to be lost immediately. Potholes, large road debris, and curbs can cause catastrophic tire damage when hit hard enough. These situations can result in dangerous driving conditions due to immediate air loss because of a ruptured tire.

Slow Leaks

Certain minor punctures can be hard to see and cause a slow leak, but there are other reasons for slow leaks that you might never notice until the tire is flat. Damage to the tire bead or obstruction from small rocks and other debris can cause a slow leak, and oxidation on the wheel or tire itself can also cause problems with the seal at the bead. 

Valve Stems

Faulty valve stems can lead to flat tires. The valve stem is a separate part from the tire itself, so if it’s not seated properly, it can cause a leak. Metal valve stems are more durable, but whether rubber or metal, the valve stems are susceptible to damage that causes anything from a slow leak to complete failure.

Vandalism

Sometimes pranksters will let all the air out of a tire or even remove the valve stem core which releases all the air and makes it impossible to refill without a replacement. Those are at least somewhat simple to fix, but other vandalism to the tire integrity itself, such as a knife through the sidewall, can leave you stranded and in need of a new tire.

Wheel Damage

Along with tire damage or oxidation, other wheel damage can also cause flat tires. Certain aluminum alloy wheels tend to be more susceptible to leaks, and not just where the tire seals but through the actual pores in the wheel. Impact-based wheel damage can also cause leaks if the rim edge is bent or if there are small cracks in the wheel.

Age

Mileage and usage will wear the tread down, but age can cause actual structural damage to the tires. Sun exposure and rubber’s natural tendency to dry out over time can lead to dry rotting and micro cracks that cause tires to go flat. When tires are too old, dry, and cracked, they’re also much more likely to suffer severe damage from impacts that may result in loss of control. 

Temperature

If your tire pressures are high and temperatures go up, damage to old tires isn’t out of the question, but it’s more likely that low tire pressures will cause trouble when temperatures drop. If a big cold spell comes on, your tire pressures can get dangerously low, causing poor traction or structural damage. Tire pressures will change one pound per square inch (1 PSI) for every 10 degrees of ambient temperature change.

Be Prepared

It’s a good rule of thumb to check your tire pressures at least once a month, especially in places like Kansas City where seasonal temperatures fluctuate constantly. If your vehicle has a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), it’s still a good idea to check regularly. Make sure to also inspect your tires and wheels when checking the pressures so you can make sure they’re in good condition. And, of course, always keep Zohr Mobile Tire Service’s contact information with you for any urgent needs.

If your tires are old, or you’re concerned about the condition of your tires or maybe just need help selecting the right tires for your vehicle, the Zohr team of tire experts are here to assist you 7 days a week. Contact us right here through our website, or call/text us at (816) 800-9175, and remember… We're a mobile tire service, so, we come to you.