A flat tire is never a pleasant situation. It can happen anytime and anywhere. You therefore need the necessary tools to replace or repair the punctured wheel efficiently and safely.
REASONS FOR A PUNCTURE
Before explaining in more detail how to repair your flat tire , we will first see what are the causes of punctures. The puncture often appears in the form of a more or less rapid loss of air .
A puncture can occur after a violent impact on the tire , such as against a sidewalk, for example. In this case, air loss is often rapid .
If your tire is under inflated, it then has a high chance of puncturing. Indeed, it will tend to lose its solidity while supporting the weight of the car. When rolling, it therefore risks causing a hernia , or even a burst .
Finally, passing over sharp objects can lead to a puncture when the rubber is punctured or the tire is pierced .
The reasons that can lead to a puncture are therefore often quite trivial and can affect anyone.
HOW TO CHANGE OR REPAIR YOUR TIRE?
If the puncture is sudden , let your vehicle slow down at its own pace. Above all, you should not brake suddenly at the risk of skidding. You will then need to park as quickly as possible in a secure place . If the puncture is slow , you may feel a floating sensation while driving and your vehicle will tend to pull to one side.
How to deal with the puncture will depend on the type of puncture.
IF THE WHEEL HAS BURSTED
In case the tire has burst , it cannot be repaired . This is the most difficult situation since you will necessarily have to replace your tire . To do this, you will need some tools to always have in your trunk in case of a puncture, such as a jack , a spare wheel and what is needed to secure the wheel.
Before lifting the tire using the jack, remember to unblock the nuts which hold the flat tire beforehand by loosening them slightly. With the jack, you will need to lift your car and change the punctured wheel with the spare wheel, or the tire.
When leaving, drive at a normal speed to ensure that the nuts are tight. Finally, you will need to think about replacing your spare wheel very quickly. with a new tire.
Good to know: it is important to check the pressure of all your wheels at least once a year, even the spare wheel.
IF THE TIRE HAS A PUNCTURE BUT THE AIR LOSS IS SLOW
If you are equipped with a repair kit or a puncture spray and if the situation permits, you can opt for emergency repairs . Be careful however, these repairs are temporary and it will be crucial to change or repair the damaged tire as soon as possible with a professional.
If you have a puncture spray and the damage is not too severe, you can use it to temporarily repair your tire. This bomb allows you to inject CO2 and a sealant into the tire, which will fill the hole. You will then need to re-inflate the tire and go to a repairer.
If you have a repair kit, you can use it to patch the hole. This kit comes in the form of sticky bits to place on the hole. You will then have to re-inflate the tire. This solution is quite reliable and perfectly suited to slight tears.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH A PUNCTURE
Be aware that driving with a flat or damaged tire can lead to fine between €135 and €750 , or even immobilization of the vehicle in the event of an inspection.
Additionally, a puncture can lead to loss of maneuverability , signs of weakness on the part of your vehicle, distorted steering of the car, or even an imbalance which pulls the car to one side. If you notice these signs while driving, check your tire as soon as possible, it may be a slow puncture.