It goes without saying that getting a flat tire is inconvenient. But it can be dangerous, too. Waiting on the side of the road at night or in bad weather can get you hit by oncoming traffic. Not to mention the peril of the tire failure, itself. The best way to overcome tire malfunction is to do everything you can to prevent it in the first place. And that starts with understanding the most common causes of tire failure.

 

Under-Inflated Tires

One of the most common causes of tire failure is the when it's under-inflated. This can lead the tire to become too flexible in the sidewall. When that happens, the sidewall can overheat, causing the rubber in the tires to break down and rupture.

Under-inflation affects the tire's inner liner, as well. Once the tire ruptures and has been removed from the wheel, small chunks of burn rubber found will indicate that the tire wasn't properly inflated. This nullifies a warranty on the tire that would otherwise entitle you to have it replaced for free.

Keeping your tires properly inflated is a simple process. Pick one day of the month, the first Saturday, for instance, and take it to your auto repair shop to have the tire pressure checked. The mechanic will check inside the driver's side door for the appropriate level and inflate your tires as needed. This is a quick and free process that helps you maintain the life of your tires.

 

Wheels Are Misaligned

You can also have tire failure when your or the wheels are misaligned. When this happens, weight isn't evenly distributed on your tire. So one side of the tire wears down prematurely, making it a risk to drive on because it reduced traction and becomes susceptible to flat. Even when a tire has a small amount of uneven wear, you need to replace it to prevent it from failing you on the road.  

 

Worn Suspension Parts

When parts in your car's suspension wear, it can cause a wheel to wobble. This leads to wear on the tire tread, making the tire unsafe to drive on. When this happens, the tire needs to be replaced to ensure your safety on the road.

 

Road Obstacles

Driving on a road with obstacles can shorten the life of your tire significantly. Hitting a pothole at a high enough speed or running over a nail can cause it to puncture. Although some road hazards are avoidable, they're just a fact of life.

 

The best way to keep your tires from failing is to ensure both they and your vehicle are in shape. But if the unforeseeable does happen, we have a huge selection of tires, backed by our limited warranty, to choose from so you can get back on the road.