Tyre Puncture FAQS: Causes, Signs, and Prevention

What’s a Tyre Puncture?

Simply put, a tyre puncture refers to a small hole in a car’s tyre made by a sharp object, such as glass, screws, or nails. Punctures are the most common damage to tyres that we see brought in.

There is no foolproof method for avoiding tyre damage and punctures, but if you see sharp objects or road debris, it is recommended that you move slowly to either side of the road rather than swerving.

If it happens that you’re on a collision course with debris, avoid stomping the brakes and try to coast over the debris. If you suddenly brake, you could potentially force your tyres down onto debris and cause a puncture.

What Causes a Tyre Puncture?

The most common causes of punctures are sharp objects. These include construction debris, sharp rocks, screws or bolts, and broken glass, among others.

Because their tread depth is deeper than what most objects could penetrate, new tyres are relatively puncture-resistant. However, the more worn down your tyres are, the easier it is for an object to pass through the tyre.

Aside from punctures, your tyres can be damaged in other ways. These include the following:

Cuts

They can occur from road debris or sidewalls rubbing on curbs or rocks. They are generally irreparable, so it’s important to replace your tyres as soon as possible.

Cracks

Due to the degradation of the tyres, they can become harder, which can cause some cracking on the surface of the tyres. The larger the cracks are, the harder and more brittle your tyres will become.

Bulges

A bulge is a change in the shape of the tyre’s surface that looks like a lump. You shouldn’t be driving your car if you see any bulges or bubbles in your tyres as they can let go suddenly and explosively.

Uneven Wear On The Tread

Your tyres will last longer if you make sure they wear them evenly side-to-side. Uneven tyre wear can be caused for different reasons, such as unbalanced or unaligned wheels, or damaged suspension parts.

What Are The Signs of a Puncture?

For early detection, it’s crucial that you become familiar with the warning signs of a tyre puncture or damage. You will know one of your tyres has a puncture if you notice the following symptoms:

• A tyre looks different from the others (e.g. it has a floppy or saggy sidewall)
• The vehicle is moving from side to side unsteadily
• You can hear a muffled thumping noise from one corner of your vehicle
• The TPMS (tyre pressure monitor system) light is illuminated.
• You find it difficult to steer the car

Can tyre punctures be fixed?

A tyre puncture can typically be repaired. Keep in mind that it’s important you get the help of a professional to fix any damage to make sure your tyre is still safe.

In some circumstances, a puncture can be irreparable. For example, there are some areas of your tyre’s surface that are flexible and easy to damage, such as the sidewall of the tyre or the shoulder between the tread and sidewall. In these situations, the best thing to do is replace the damaged tyre.

A professional puncture repair involves removing the tyre from the wheel to inspect for internal damage to the tyre.

Can I drive with a punctured tyre?

Generally, it’s not advisable to drive with a flat tyre.

You shouldn’t ignore a tyre puncture once you’re aware of it. If you drive with a flat tyre, your car's handling capabilities can be reduced, and some of its components can suffer severe damage, including suspension and steering systems, brakes, and wheels.

You can still drive very short distances with a punctured tyre at a low speed, as long as you’re able to pull over in the nearest safe place. Driving with a punctured tyre for longer distances or at higher speeds can be very dangerous for you, your passengers, and other road users.

Your local experts at Tony's Tyre and Autocare

If you're having trouble replacing a punctured tyre, please contact the expert team at Tony's Tyre and Autocare for help, advice, and tyre service in Quakers Hill. We also serve in Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Castle Hill, Rouse Hill and Box Hill.

We also offer a high-quality selection of brands, such as Toyo, Michelin, Hankook, Goodyear and Bridgestone. If you have a specific tyre preference, don't hesitate to engage in a chat with us to explore how we can be of assistance.

Come in and see Tony, Daryl and their team of highly skilled mechanics at Tony's Tyre and Autocare in Quakers Hill.

You can find our workshop at 1/402 Quakers Hill Pkwy, Quakers Hill, with convenient and accessible parking. Phone us on 02 9837 4455 or send us a message to book your vehicle with us today!