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Why do I keep getting flat tyres?
I do about 3000 miles per year. In the last five years I have had six flats. Several were inexplicable; the rest a mix of bolts, kerbside hits, and pot holes. I asked my tyre fitter. He thought six excessive but blamed the quality of today's tyres which are designed for comfort and not durability.
My question is, could I be doing something wrong? Perhaps having too much or to little pressure. Or am I just jinxed?
My question is, could I be doing something wrong? Perhaps having too much or to little pressure. Or am I just jinxed?
Asked on 25 July 2023 by Martyn Charles Rady
Answered by
David Ross
Generally speaking punctures are a case of random misfortune, but there are some potential factors at play that could be contributing to you experiencing so many tyre failures.
Setting the correct tyre pressures is important of course, but given that you only travel 3,000 miles a year your car may be sat for long periods, and exposure to sunlight as well as natural hot and cold ambient temperatures can cause tyres to degrade.
Depending on what kind of car you drive, you could look at using different tyres. Low profile tyres are slightly more susceptible to punctures, so you could try a tyre with a taller aspect ratio. You could also consider an all-season tyre or XL-rated tyres which are designed for larger vehicles and can handle greater loads.
Setting the correct tyre pressures is important of course, but given that you only travel 3,000 miles a year your car may be sat for long periods, and exposure to sunlight as well as natural hot and cold ambient temperatures can cause tyres to degrade.
Depending on what kind of car you drive, you could look at using different tyres. Low profile tyres are slightly more susceptible to punctures, so you could try a tyre with a taller aspect ratio. You could also consider an all-season tyre or XL-rated tyres which are designed for larger vehicles and can handle greater loads.
From choosing the right tyre to what to do when it goes wrong - we have the answers.
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