Flat tyres always seem to strike at the worst possible time—on the way to work, during a road trip, or when you’re already running late. While not every flat can be prevented (sometimes luck just isn’t on your side), there are several things you can do to reduce the chances of getting stranded on the side of the road.
As a towing company, we’ve seen it all—tyres shredded by potholes, punctured by nails, or worn down to the wire. So we’ve pulled together some tried-and-true tips to help you avoid ending up in that situation.
1. Keep Your Tyres Properly Inflated
One of the simplest ways to prevent flats is to check your tyre pressure regularly. Under-inflated tyres can overheat and wear out faster, while over-inflated ones are more prone to bursting when hitting bumps or debris.
Your vehicle’s recommended tyre pressure (measured in PSI) is usually listed on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual. Use a reliable pressure gauge and check all four tyres—don’t forget the spare!—at least once a month and before long drives.
Real-world tip: We often tow vehicles where the driver said, “It didn’t look flat.” Unfortunately, visual checks aren’t enough. A tyre can be 30% low on pressure and still look fine.
2. Avoid Potholes and Road Hazards
This one sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget when you’re focused on traffic or dodging an aggressive driver. Potholes, broken pavement, and road debris can do serious damage to tyres—especially at high speeds.
Try to leave a bit of space between you and the car in front so you can spot hazards early and steer around them safely. And slow down if you’re driving through construction zones or unfamiliar backroads—those are prime spots for unexpected debris.
3. Don’t Overload Your Vehicle
Every car has a weight limit, and overloading it can put stress on your tyres. Extra weight flattens them out, increases heat buildup, and raises the risk of a blowout—especially in warmer weather or during long drives.
Check your vehicle’s load rating (often found on that same sticker in the door frame), and try not to exceed it. This includes passengers, luggage, roof racks, and trailers.
4. Rotate Your Tyres and Check Alignment
Tyres wear unevenly depending on your driving habits, road conditions, and alignment. If you don’t rotate them regularly, some tyres will wear faster than others—leading to weak spots and an increased risk of flats.
Aim to rotate your tyres every 8,000–10,000 km, or as recommended by your mechanic. While you’re at it, ask for a quick alignment check. Poor alignment can cause tyres to wear down unevenly and fail sooner than they should.
5. Watch for Slow Leaks and Strange Vibrations
That tiny screw or nail stuck in your tyre might not cause a full flat right away—but it can lead to a slow leak over a few days or weeks. If you find yourself refilling a tyre more than once a month, something’s up.
Also, if your steering wheel shakes at certain speeds, it could be a sign of tyre damage, an imbalance, or something embedded in the tread. Don’t ignore it. Have it checked before it becomes a bigger problem.
6. Avoid Driving on Worn-Out Tyres
Driving on bald tyres is risky—not just for flats, but for braking and cornering too. If your tread is getting close to the minimum depth (1.6 mm in most places), it’s time for a replacement.
You can use the built-in tread wear indicators or the 20-cent coin trick to check. And keep in mind: if your tyres are cracking, bulging, or over six years old, they may be past their safe lifespan even if they haven’t worn down much.
7. Be Cautious When Parking
It’s not just driving that can cause flats—parking poorly can do it too. Pulling too close to a curb can pinch the tyre or damage the sidewall. Parking on debris or sharp gravel also puts your tyres at risk.
Take an extra second to choose a clean, flat surface when parking, especially on job sites, rural properties, or unfamiliar streets.
Final Thoughts? More Like Friendly Advice
Flat tyres are one of those frustrating little setbacks that can throw your whole day off. While they can’t always be avoided, a little care and attention goes a long way. Stay ahead of problems by checking your pressure, inspecting your tyres regularly, and driving with a bit of extra caution.
And if you do end up with a flat on the side of the road? No worries. We’re just a phone call away—ready with the right gear, a helping hand, and maybe even a laugh to make the situation a little easier.
If you are in Broadmeadows, and looking for a nearby towing service, this is the best way to visit us.
Reservoir Towing
58 Anstey Ave, Reservoir VIC 3073
(03) 7046 4990
Recent Comments