6 Tips for Preventing Flat Tires in Southern Ontario
If you live in southern Ontario, you know how frequently roads get damaged and construction is involved. Part of keeping your vehicle happy and healthy is avoiding flat tires and this can be challenging when driving on poor roads or in messy construction zones. Whether punctured or deflated, a flat tire can lead to additional damage and repairs faster than you might imagine. Here are Keswick Motors’ top six tips for preventing flat tires in southern Ontario.
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Should Drivers Buy Summer Tires?
Why Should Drivers Get Their Tires Rotated?
What can I do to avoid a flat tire?
It probably goes without saying that regular vehicle maintenance is the first line of defence against flat tires. If this isn’t something you are comfortable doing yourself, a certified professional can always assess your tire situation and make recommendations about brands, appropriate treads, and identify any underlying issues such as brake problems. However, heeding these 6 tips for preventing flat tires altogether will go a long way.
1. Rotate Your Tires
Rotating your tires regularly is a great way to extend their lifespan as this will prevent uneven wear and tear. Evenly distributing the pressure across all your tires will decrease the risk of a blowout and give you a chance to get them changed out before the situation gets dire. Some vehicles require more frequent tire rotation than others, so be sure to investigate your own vehicle’s requirements.
2. Try to Avoid Poor Roads and Road Hazards
This one may seem obvious but the hustle and bustle of getting from where you are to where you need to be can often override caution. Just remember that, even though it may take a little longer to get to the grocery store if you avoid a nasty mess left by some construction, it’ll take longer if you have a blowout. Poor road conditions such as potholes, sharp rocks, and debris can also represent potential dangers to your tires.
3. Lighten the Load
Try to minimize your vehicle’s payload when possible. The maximum weight listed in your owner’s manual also factors in what’s best for your tires. Try leaving that extra crate of bottled water at home for your everyday driving.
4. Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly
Making sure your tires are properly inflated is crucial. However, this doesn’t mean keeping them tapped up to the brim. Tires that are underinflated are more easily punctured, but tires that are overinflated are more susceptible to extra damage and becoming distorted—both of which pose an increased risk of blowouts. Check with your local service expert about how much and how frequently you should be inflating your tires.
5. Keep an Eye on Recalls
Tire recalls are more common than most people think, and if you don’t know to watch out for them you could be taken off guard.
6. Heat, Wear, & Tear
Combined with typical wear and tear, acute temperature changes can also put your tires at risk. Extreme, or sudden heat can create or worsen bulges and cracks. If you’re doing most of your driving in southern Ontario, you know how quickly the weather can turn from freezing to scorching and back during those transition seasons. Be sure to check on the condition of your treads and watch for any tire blemishes regularly.
If you suspect your tires are in need of some attention, stop by the S&B Keswick Service Centre in Georgina. Our certified experts are here to assess, maintain, and/or restore any level of tire damage or wear. It’s easier than ever to schedule an appointment online, and don’t forget to check out our service specials before heading over!