Flat tires are a common occurrence in any driver’s existence. At some point, every driver will
face the reality of their vehicle with a wheel deflated. While the fix might seem
straightforward, common misconceptions surrounding flat tire repairs always create
confusion. Fortunately, amid all the misconceptions and confusion, the benefit of an
extended warranty becomes clear, offering a solution beyond the immediate fix. Let's
explore three widespread myths about fixing flat tires and conclude with the real-world
solutions that an extended warranty can provide.
Plugging is a Permanent Fix
There’s a common adage in the world of automotive repair: “A plug will get you home, but a
patch will last the tire’s lifetime.” This misconception leads many to underestimate the
importance of a comprehensive tire repair. A plug works by filling the hole in the tire caused
by a puncture. It’s a quick fix that often gets done without removing the tire from the wheel.
While this may seem convenient, it’s crucial to understand that plugs get designed to be
temporary solutions. They won’t last tens of thousands of miles like a properly patched tire
might. Furthermore, they are not always effective in sealing the inner liner of the tire, which
is essential to maintaining proper air pressure.
Additionally, relying on a plug ignores any potential damage done to the belts and structure
of the tire that isn’t visible from the outside. A professional tire repair service will dismount
the tire and inspect it inside and out before deciding whether a tire can be safely repaired or
if it needs to be replaced. They’ll ensure that the internal structure is sound and that there is
no risk of the tire failing later.
Spare Tires are Universal
The belief that all spare tires are full-sized and can be used indefinitely like the rest of your
tires is another misconception. The reality is that many vehicles come equipped with a
space-saver or “donut” spare designed solely for temporary use. These spares have a
limited lifespan and are typically rated for no more than 50-70 miles of use and should not be
driven over 50 miles per hour. They are smaller than your regular tires and tnat affects how
your car performes. Moreover, the differential in size between the donut and regular tires can
place undue stress on your vehicle’s transmission, especially if it’s an all-wheel drive.
Even if your vehicle comes equipped with a full-sized spare tire, it’s crucial to consider that if
you do not include it in the regular tire rotation, its wear pattern will differ from your other
tires. This discrepancy can lead to a mismatch affecting your car’s handling and stability.
The ideal approach is to use the spare tire as a temporary solution to get your vehicle to a
service center, where the flat tire can be fully evaluated and taken care of.
Flat Tires Don’t Affect Vehicle Alignment
A flat tire can be a symptom of a bigger problem rather than the problem itself. When you get
a flat tire because you drove over a nail, that’s one thing. However, if your tire goes flat after
hitting a pothole or debris in the road, the force of the impact could affect more than just the
tire. Wheel alignment is an essential factor in how your vehicle handles and can be thrown
off by such an impact. Poor alignment not only causes your tires to wear unevenly and
prematurely but can also lead to steering and handling issues.
It’s common for drivers to repair or replace a flat tire and think nothing more of it. Yet, if your
vehicle starts pulling to one side or you notice uneven tire wear in the weeks following the
incident, it may be a sign that your alignment was affected. An alignment check after a flat
tire, mainly caused by an impact, should be a standard part of your post-repair process.
Solutions: How to Properly Address a Flat Tire
Understanding the right way to deal with a flat tire starts with assessing the damage
properly. If the tire is repairable, a professional service typically performs a patch repair from
the inside that works with a plug. This method seals the tire both internally and externally,
restoring its integrity. Using the spare tire should always be a temporary solution. It's meant
to get you to a professional who can provide a proper assessment and repair. Even with
newer technologies like run-flat tires, a thorough inspection is crucial to ensure no internal
damage.
After fixing or replacing the flat tire, an alignment check is advisable to ensure that any
potential issues from driving on a flat or from the incident that caused the flat are corrected.
Regular maintenance checks, including tire rotations, balancing, and alignment checks, can
also prevent flats from occurring in the first place by ensuring your tires are in good condition
and correctly installed.
Conclusion
Navigating the challenges of flat tire repair is made simpler with the backing of an extended
warranty. Such a warranty can cover the costs of both patch and plug repairs when
performed by professionals, giving you confidence in the safety and longevity of your repair.
In the case of non-repairable tires, among other damages in the car, an extended warranty
can help. A-protect Warranty Corporation offers its customers extensive coverage that
provides a shield over surprise damages. Contact our team for further assistance via email
at info@a-protectwarranty.com.