Fixing a flat is no way to spend Christmas morning. It’s hard, dirty work. If you’re doing it by the side of a busy road, it’s downright dangerous.
Often, small pieces of debris escape ute trays or find their way onto the road surface. While some may puncture and deflate your tyre immediately, some debris like nails or screws can work their way into the tyre and create a slow leak.
In your day to day drive, the slow leak may go unnoticed for weeks. With a car full of passengers and presents at highway speeds, this air loss can accelerate. But there’s more at stake than a spin on the tyre iron. A damaged tyre combined with high heat and high speed can fail and cause a loss-of-control event.
While you’re checking your tread, run your hands over the surface of the tyre. If your phone has a torch and you aren’t wearing your Sunday best, get low and check out as much of the tread surface as you can.
Check for anything that has lodged itself in your tyre as well as for bulges, cut or gouges. If anything seems even slightly odd, get it checked out.
If you have any concerns whatsoever about the condition of your tyre, or to arrange a replacement, contact your vehicle’s local dealer for advice, assistance or a tyre change appointment.
IMPORTANT: If you are unsure, always head directly to your local vehicle dealer to have your car checked. Never get on the road if you have even a small concern about whether or not your vehicle is safe.
This is general information only. Every vehicle is different and all drivers are responsible for their own vehicles. Always consult your vehicle’s manual, and contact your local vehicle dealer for advice.