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Nine Things That Could Cause a Flat Tire Over Thanksgiving Weekend

You do not need a flat on your way to or from your Thanksgiving festivities. You don’t need a flat on Black Friday. Sometimes, a flat is unavoidable, but we here at Oxford Automotive believe that if you know what to look for, you might be able to avoid getting a flat. Here are nine flat-tire causes.

1. Puncture

Running over a nail or other sharp object is the most common cause of a flat tire. Drive carefully through construction zones where nails might be scattered on the road and avoid broken glass when you can.

2. Valve Stem Damage

The valve stem is what you use to add air to your tires. If it is damaged or leaking, you’ll end up with a flat. Things that make a valve stem leak include stem failure, dirt, or a valve stem that is too loose.

3. Worn Tire

Uneven tread wear, scuffed or worn sides, or bald tires are very dangerous. These damaged tires won’t just go flat; some could blow out while you’re driving, making it hard for you to retain wheel control.

4. Bead Leaks

Where your tire edge sits on the rim is called the tire bead. If the tire bead is leaking, you might not get a flat right away. The leak is usually slow. If the rims are warped, you might end up with a bead leak.

5. Criminal Activity

It’s sad to say, but sometimes a flat tire is caused by vandalism. Teens think it’s funny to let the air out of people’s tires, and you might have an irate ex take his or her anger out on your tires with a razor blade.

6. Tire Separation

Automobile accidents, hitting a curb way too hard, or running over something too fast, can separate your tire from the rim. The separation might not be noticeable until you realize the tire is losing air.

7. Over-Inflated Tires

Over-inflating your tires do not improve your gas mileage or handling. Rather, it opens you up to a dangerous situation should a weak and over-inflated tire blow. Keep the correct psi in your tires, especially before Thanksgiving.

8. Wheel Leaks

Alloy or aluminum wheels can leak. If you have alloy wheels, check your tire pressure regularly to make sure it isn’t getting too low too soon. If it is, it could be the aluminum wheels causing the problem.

9. Hazards

Finally, roads are hard on tires, and road hazards can cause a slow leak or blow out a tire. Drive carefully through construction zones and over bumps, holes, potholes, speed bumps, and dirt or uneven roads. 

Set up an appointment with Oxford Automotive in Oxford, PA, before Thanksgiving weekend is upon us. We’ll try to reduce the chances of you getting a flat during this busy time.

Photo by Sladic from Getty Images Pro via Canva Pro
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