Flat tires are a common automotive problem, and can leave you stranded on the side of the road when they happen unexpectedly. While they are often caused by events that are out of your control, there are a number of things that you can do to help extend the lifespan of your tires and prevent them from deflating.

Proper Inflation

Ensuring that your tires are properly inflated can help prevent them from becoming punctured or damaged. High air pressure in your tires can place greater stress on the tires themselves, making a blowout more likely while also increasing the wear on the middle part of the tread. Low air pressure will increase wear on the entirety of the tread allowing the tires to degrade at a faster rate over time. Check your owner's manual or the sidewall of your tires to find out what the correct air pressure is. 

Check the Brakes

You should regularly have your brakes looked at to ensure that they are in good working order. Brakes that are worn down or are not working as they should can cause increased wear to your car's tires while also increasing the risk of an accident by reducing the amount of control you have over your vehicle.

Check Tire Wear

Besides air pressure, you should also keep an eye on the overall tread wear levels of your tires. Keep an eye out for feathered or cupped rubber, as well as wear that is uneven over your tire's tread – all of these increase the risk of a flat tire and should be dealt with either by replacing the tire or having your tires rotated. You should consult with a mechanic to see what the best option is. You can also check the extent of tire wear by using a tire wear gauge, available at most auto parts stores, or by looking for wear bars on your tires. Wear bars are found in the grooves of your tires and run perpendicular to your tire's treads. When they become even with the tread, it's time to replace your tires.

Remove Excess Weight

You can help reduce the amount of stress on your tires by removing heavy objects from your vehicle. Added weight places greater pressure on the tires and makes blowouts and flats much more likely. Be sure to always keep your vehicle's weight underneath the load limit, which is printed on the sidewall of your tires. Exceeding this limit can greatly increase the risk of a flat.   

For further assistance, contact local professionals, such as those from http://petesservice.com/.

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