In addition, a tire could be flat when it’s simply underinflated, or leaking air from the valve. It’s a bit like a plastic container with a loose lid that allows its contents to spill out.

A sharp object - nails and screws are common culprits - can puncture the tire and leave a hole.Ī tire can also go flat from what’s known as a “bead leak,” where the tire can’t get an airtight seal because of debris or corrosion to the wheel. Nearly every driver will face a flat tire at some point, so what do you need to know if it happens to you? What causes a flat tire?įlat tires often result from an air leak in the tire itself. Adding oil or coolant won’t repair engine damage, and adding inflation pressure won’t fix tire damage.Flat tires are a common nuisance for drivers and can happen at the worst times. It may seem to work fine for a time, but serious permanent damage has occurred. Running a tire under inflated is like running the vehicle’s engine without enough oil or coolant. According to Cooper, tires driven even a short distance while under-inflated may be damaged beyond repair. Driving on a flat tire can cause internal structural damage to the tire, may lead to wheel and vehicle damage and may result in poor vehicle handling and control - which could lead to an accident, injury or death.”Ĭooper Tire reiterates this point, pointing out that “ Flat or underinflated tires can do harm very quickly. If a driver experiences a flat tire or loss of air pressure, they should slow the vehicle gradually and carefully pull off to the side of the road as soon as possible.

“Maintaining proper air pressure is an important factor in tire safety and performance. This is not the right response to a flat tire. Instead of waiting on a tow truck or taking the time to install the spare tire, drivers sometimes try to ‘limp’ their cars to a nearby service center. A vehicle has had a tire go flat and the driver is slowly driving on the shoulder on of the road. We’ve all seen it before some of you may have even done it.