How to Avoid Tyre Punctures and Blowouts

Developer Administrator — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 21:00:35 +0000

Tyre punctures and blowouts are the reason why most vehicles get into accidents. They happen so unexpectedly, that one may wonder if they can be avoided.

When it comes to punctures, usually caused by sharp objects on the road, a vehicle can still be driven for a short distance with the puncture before the tyre completely deflates. However, a puncture can also result in a blowout, which happens when there is an immediate release of air in the tyre.

How to Know If a Tyre is Flat or Has a Slow Puncture

In most cases, a good sign to look out for while driving is if the car drifts or pulls in one direction. This is an indication that one of the tyres has a puncture. However, with run-flats, it may be harder to detect punctures as these types of tyres allow them to be used without air for a short distance. Hence the importance of checking one’s tyre pressure as frequently as possible.

In the case of tyre blowouts, which is honestly the most stressful for most drivers, the trick is to be cognizant of what happens before, during and after experiencing a tyre blowout. So, before the tyre blowout happens, the driver needs to be aware of the state in which the tyres were before the journey started.

For example, if the tyres were over/under-inflated. During a tyre blowout, it’s imperative to be aware of any potholes or any sort of impact that could have caused the tyre blowout. Finally, after the tyre blowout has happened the driver needs to find the nearest safe spot to park and do further assessments of the affected tyre, then call for help.

A few more signs that a tyre has a puncture include the shuddering of a vehicle’s wheels and heavy steering or difficulty in steering the vehicle.

Safety Tips in Case of a Tyre Puncture or Blowout

When faced with the terrors of a tyre puncture and blowout, applying these tips can help any driver bring a vehicle to a controlled stop, without panic and without risk of causing road accidents.

– Both hands must be kept on the steering wheel and any sudden movements or steering should be avoided.

– The driver needs to reach for the hazards button to alert other drivers of the situation.

– Acceleration should not be stopped abruptly. Instead, this should be done slowly to maintain control of the vehicle.

– Brakes should be applied slowly to bring the vehicle to a stop. The instinct of any driver is to slam the brakes. This is what causes the vehicles to swerve and even results in some cars flipping over, which is what we’re trying to avoid here.

– Park the car and contact emergency roadside assistance. Do not try to drive to a service station as this can put the driver as well as other motorists in danger.

Drivers can avoid punctures and blowouts to a certain extent. It’s important to make a habit out of monitoring a vehicle’s tyre pressure. This sounds like too much admin, but it is quite necessary. Some helpful advice would be to include tyre checks in fuel stop to-do lists.

Every time we stop to refuel a vehicle, the tyre pressure needs to be checked. Wheel alignment also needs to be checked on a regular basis since this affects overall tyre wear.

For further information, visit or call Chris and his team at Second Hand Tyres Gold Coast |Branigans Budget Tyres by contacting the Service Centres in Burleigh Heads (07) 5535 2660 or Southport (07) 5591 8633.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

How Suspension Problems Affect Car Tyre Safety

Developer Administrator — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 21:00:11 +0000

When driving, the suspension of a vehicle is an area of concern that becomes immediately noticeable in how it handles on the road. It’s that pivotal moment when even the newest of cars suddenly feel like it doesn’t want to be steered.

In order to keep vehicle suspension in its best possible condition the best foot forward would be to start with the tyres. It may be easy to spot an issue with a vehicle, but knowing how suspension problems can affect cars and tyre safety is vital.

Figuring out the source of the problem can be tricky, but Chris Lett, tyre expert, and owner of Branigans Budget Tyres, advises that “vehicle owners should get their car looked at if they experience any of the three tell-tale signs that may indicate suspension problems.”

Rough & Bumpy

Driving with a vehicle that can simply be described as bumpy and rough is one of the first signs that there may be problems with the suspension system. Repair is definitely required – especially when steering creates the same feeling as an off-road experience.

At this point, the shock absorbers of vehicles have had a leak and since they’re designed to keep tyres on the road, a car will have difficulty navigating even the smoothest surface.

Pulling

When a vehicle pulls to the left or right like a stubborn horse, there may be a number of things to consider that include alignment issues, uneven tyre pressure and suspension issues. A vehicle pulling to either side should not be treated from a cost-saving perspective in a home garage, but instead requires the expertise of a trained professional.

Cars that experience pulling are hazards on the road and places drivers and those in close proximity in danger. The good news is that tyres usually only require to be inflated correctly, or a rotation work, to set it back on track. But, there are times other services may be required, so it’s best to rely on those who are certified to fix these issues.

Difficult Steering

Pulling usually does make the steering of a vehicle difficult, but when much lower speeds are observed and steering becomes a hefty task, then it may indicate suspension system complications. When a vehicle’s suspension system is faulty, steering may feel like it’s slipping when it’s held in a turned position.

The best thing to do here is to check the quantity of power steering fluid or for a loose power steering belt and pump. Chris Lett says that people tend to take care of these issues by themselves or at a filling station, but in seeking quick fixes, long-term damage is done to the suspension systems of cars.

Addressing the matter with care becomes the difference between a safe journey and a potentially dangerous one. Leaving suspension faults in the hands of someone who may not have the skill set required to fix it, may mean that there’ll be an increase in repair costs.

Checking Air Pressure

Chris also stated that “proper tyre inflation will allow tyres to wear more evenly over time and reduce gas consumption while improving vehicle handling.”

Moreover, weather temperatures will play a big part in tyre inflation. There is also the question of underinflated tyres that’ll create far too much friction and heat. In this case, there is a likelihood of failure at hand that needs to be considered. This is where proper air pressure comes in.

On the inside of the driver’s door of a vehicle, manufacturers usually provide a sticker with air pressure indications fit for the specific make and model of car in question. The best time to check tyre pressure is in the morning while they are still cold.

Tyres are what connects a vehicle firmly to the road. Should they be overinflated, underinflated, misaligned or dry-rotted, a vehicle may put its driver and passengers at great risk.