Flat Repair at Northuis Auto Repair

From Inconvenience to Confidence: Handling Flat Tires Like a Pro

Experiencing a flat tire can be stressful and dangerous. However, knowing how to seek automotive flat repair at Northuis Auto Repair can help ease the stress of the situation. Learn to assess tire failure and get back on the road safely with these fundamental steps.

Identifying a Flat Tire

The first step in addressing a flat tire is to identify the problem. Some common signs of tire deflation include: 

• A sudden loss of tire pressure
• A loud popping sound
• The vehicle pulls to one side
• The steering wheel vibrates
• The vehicle feels unstable or bumpy 
• A thumping sound 
• Obvious tire puncture marks or sharp objects sticking out of the tire
• Symptoms of a slow leak 
• A tire pressure monitoring system alerts you to low tire pressure

If you experience any of these symptoms while driving, it's vital to pull over as soon as it's safe. Continuing to drive with tire failure can damage the wheel and lead to a tire blowout. Have your vehicle looked immediately at by the experts at Northuis Auto Repair to get you back on the road safely. 

Safety Precautions

Before attempting a flat tire repair or tire change, ensure your vehicle is parked safely away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and use your emergency brake to keep your vehicle in place. If you're on a busy road or highway, consider calling for professional assistance rather than attempting to change the tire yourself.

Inspecting the Tire 

Once you've identified the flat tire, it's important to inspect it for damage. Look for any cracks or cuts in the tire sidewalls and excessive wear or bulges. If the tire appears to be undamaged, check the tire pressure using a tire pressure gauge. If the tire pressure is low, inflate the tire to the advised level. Even better, a free professional inspection from Northuis Auto Repair can take the guesswork out of tire inflation and tire blowout prevention.

You can also check the tire tread for wear using the following methods:

The Penny Tire Test

To conduct this test, insert a penny into the tire tread with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, it's time for new tires. 

The Quarter Tire Test

Similar to the penny test, insert a quarter into the tread with Washington's head facing down. If the top of Washington's head is visible, it's time to replace your tires.

Tire Tread Wear Bar Indicator

Tread wear bars are little bars embedded in the tire's tread. As the tire wears down, these bars become more visible. Once the bars are level with the tire tread, it's time for new tires

Replacing the Tire With a Spare 

If you need to change a flat, you must first understand how to use your spare tire. Before hitting the road, ensure your spare tire is in good shape and fully inflated. Also, familiarize yourself with the location of your spare and the tools required to replace it.

Repairing a Damaged Tire 

If the tire is punctured but the damage is not too severe, the tire may be repairable. Northuis Auto Repair can assess the damage and do tire patching or plugging if needed. However, not all punctures are fixable, and an expert diagnosis is required to decide if repair is possible. 

Tire Replacement

If the tire is damaged beyond repair, you'll need to replace it. It's critical to replace the impaired tire as soon as possible to avoid further vehicle damage and stay safe on the road. To guarantee even wear and proper handling, ask the professionals at Northuis Auto Repair tire service to replace all four tires at the same time.

Tire Maintenance and Safety 

To prevent flat tires, practice good tire maintenance and safe driving practices. Some good habits include: 

• Checking tire pressure regularly and inflating to the recommended level
• Rotating tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles 
• Avoiding potholes and other road hazards 
• Driving at a safe speed and avoiding sudden stops and turns

Additionally, some vehicles come equipped with run-flat tires or tire sealant kits that can help in a flat tire emergency. It's important to know what type of tires your vehicle has and how to use any included emergency tire repair kits.

Contact Northuis Auto Repair For Flat Repair

Northuis Auto Repair has been helping our neighbors in Jenison, MI with stellar tire maintenance and tire care since 2014. We are committed to supporting tire safety to protect you and your passengers when you're on the road.

Contact us at (616) 930-7589 , visit us online at 2012 Chicago Dr., Jenison, MI 49428. We pledge to give you top-notch service at fair prices with straightforward communication.