Tyres are one of the most important safety components of your car. When something goes wrong — whether it’s a slow leak, bulge, blowout, or even a loose wheel — it can put you at serious risk. Below is a detailed guide explaining the main causes, warning signs, prevention methods, and what to do if it happens.
1. Causes of Slow Leaks or Flat Tyres
- Punctures by nails, screws, or glass – air escapes slowly or suddenly.
- Damaged or loose valve stem – cracks or leaks around the air valve.
- Bead leak (where tyre meets rim) – caused by corrosion, dirt, or poor sealing.
- Bent or cracked rim – prevents proper sealing.
- Improper tyre installation – air leakage after mounting.
- Aging tyre rubber – micro-cracks allow air to escape.
2. Causes of Sidewall Bulges (Tyre “Bubbles”)
A sidewall bulge is one of the most dangerous tyre conditions.
- Impact damage – hitting potholes, curbs, or speed bumps too hard.
- Overloading the car – too much weight stresses the tyre structure.
- Weakened internal cords – steel belts or ply cords inside break.
- Old age + UV exposure – makes sidewalls weaker.
⚠️ If you see a bulge, replace the tyre immediately. It cannot be repaired safely.
3. Causes of Blowouts (Tyre Burst)
- Underinflation – too little air = more heat buildup = sudden failure.
- Overheating at high speed – especially with heavy load.
- Large puncture at high speed – instant rupture.
- Tread separation – layers inside the tyre split apart.
- Manufacturing defects – rare, but possible.
4. Causes of Loose Wheels (“Wobbling Wheel”)
Sometimes when people say “tyre gelong,” they mean the wheel is loose.
- Wheel nuts not tightened properly after tyre change.
- Damaged or cross-threaded wheel studs.
- Corrosion on the hub – prevents wheel from sitting flat.
- Over-tightened nuts – weakens studs, later causing failure.
- Severe impact – can crack or loosen studs/nuts.
5. Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
- Hissing sound → air leaking.
- Steering vibration at speed → possible wheel imbalance, bulge, or loose wheel.
- Car pulling to one side → underinflated tyre or alignment issue.
- Thumping noise each rotation → bulge or flat spot.
- Dashboard TPMS warning light → check tyre pressures immediately.
- Visible cracks, bulges, or exposed cords → unsafe to drive.
6. How to Inspect Your Tyres (DIY)
- Check tyre pressure weekly with a reliable gauge.
- Visual check – look for bulges, cracks, or nails.
- Soapy water test – bubbles will show leaks at valve or bead.
- Spin the wheel slowly and look for wobbling.
- Check the rim for bends or cracks.
- Test wheel nuts – make sure they are snug and properly torqued.
7. Emergency Actions if a Tyre Fails
- Slow leak → inflate temporarily; use tyre sealant if necessary.
- Puncture by nail → don’t pull it out until you can repair/replace.
- Bulge → stop driving, replace tyre immediately.
- Blowout while driving → hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off accelerator, don’t slam the brakes, and steer to safety.
- Loose wheel → stop immediately, check and re-tighten nuts.
8. When Tyres Can Be Repaired vs Must Be Replaced
- ✅ Repairable: small punctures in tread area (plug + patch professionally).
- ❌ Not repairable:
- Sidewall damage or bulge
- Large punctures/tears
- Tread separation
- Exposed cords/steel belt
- Tyres older than 6–8 years even if tread looks fine
9. Preventive Measures
- Check pressure once a week.
- Rotate tyres every 8,000–10,000 km.
- Wheel alignment + balancing regularly.
- Avoid potholes and rough impacts.
- Never overload your vehicle.
- Replace tyres when tread <1.6 mm.
- Change tyres every 6–10 years regardless of tread.
- Re-torque wheel nuts 50–100 km after changing tyres.
✅ Quick Safety Checklist
- [ ] Tyre pressure checked this week
- [ ] No cracks or bulges visible
- [ ] Tread depth above 1.6 mm
- [ ] Spare tyre inflated and ready
- [ ] Wheel nuts torqued properly
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