Tyre Pressure Loss and Punctures

Tyre pressure loss is an important issue to put right as soon as possible.
Here's why you really shouldn't drive on a flat tyre:

When a tyre loses a significant amount of air pressure, it's what is referred to as a 'flat tyre'. This can occur for many different reasons, such as a defect, incorrect air pressure, a puncture, a corroded wheel or damaged valve etc

Following an impact or a prolonged period of driving with low pressure a tyre can also develop a visible bump or bulges on the sidewall (inner or outer). If you ever see these types of abnormalities, it is advised NOT to drive the vehicle until it is replaced. Have a certified Hometyre Technician check it as soon as possible.

Without air pressure, the tyre will become pinched between the road and the wheel with a quarter of a tonne of weight pressing down against it - not to mention the friction, heat and abrasion from the road surface.

The loss of air pressure will also allow the tyre to travel around the wheel and probably eventually come off the wheel entirely. This could give rise to a potentially lethal set of circumstances.

Q: How Far can I drive on a Flat Tyre?

A; You should NEVER attempt to drive on a fully flat tyre. It is only the air pressure within that provides the tyre with it's structural integrity and forces it to remain in place on the wheel.

Driving on under-inflated tyres causes increased wear, damage and heat that can lead to premature failure.

Pull Over Immediately

We've all seen it before on roads not just here in Norfolk but just about everywhere; some of you may have even done it! A vehicle has had a tyre go flat and the driver is slowly driving on the hard shoulder of the road. Instead of waiting for a recovery service or taking the time to fit the spare tyre (ok, these are few and far between these days!), drivers do sometimes try to 'limp' their vehicle to a nearby service area. This is not the ideal response to a flat tyre.

As Goodyear states:

"Maintaining proper air pressure is an important factor in tyre safety and performance. If a driver experiences a flat tyre 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. Driving on a flat tyre 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."

NOTE: If your TPMS warning light is illuminated or you suspect that one or more of your tyres are deflating, don't leave it to chance. It will likely cost you more in the long run. Tap here more information on the Hometyre Mobile Puncture Repair service