Flat tires are nothing more than an inconvenience, and it’s a frustrating experience that no driver wants to go through. A flat tire will ruin your plans as you have to spend a considerable amount of time changing it and then getting it serviced. This is why staying ahead and keeping track of your BMW’s tire lifespan is the way to go.
By staying on top of service, you’re able to enjoy the longest lifespan possible from your tires. At Motor Cars International, we provide European auto owners throughout the Bridgewater area with complete tire services designed to help you get the best from your car.
Let’s talk about the best ways to avoid flat tires.
What Causes Flat Tires?
Flat tires can be caused by many factors, usually by the conditions of the road, though servicing habits also come into play. Here are some of the most common causes of flat tires:
- Aging: Even when you’re not using them, your tires inevitably degrade over time. So even old tires that have never been used still lack the quality and elasticity of newly manufactured ones. Manufacturers usually recommend replacing tires every six to ten years.
- Faulty valve system: The valve system is a part of your car that helps regulate tire air pressure, but it can eventually break down due to pressure, moisture, and age. If the valve isn’t working properly, it can cause air leaks in your tires.
- Dry rot: This is how we refer to the way rubber becomes brittle when it weakens. It loses its flexibility and elasticity and becomes easy to snap. This can happen because of exposure to harsh conditions like extreme heat.
- Road conditions: Running into sharp or irregular objects on the road can damage the rubber on the tire or even cause a sudden blowout. This is probably the toughest cause to avoid, as we can’t control the road conditions we drive on.
- Overinflation: Too much air pressure can make your tires more susceptible to damage from potholes or curbs.
Driving on a Flat Tire
If we can give you one word of advice, it’s this: Never drive on a flat tire!
Driving on a flat tire in your BMW can cause serious damage to the steering wheel, suspension system, and brakes—not to mention how dangerous it can be for you as a driver because it limits your control over the wheel.
It might be tempting to just drive a flat tire over to the shop to have it fixed, but then you might be fixing way more than just the tire. It’s better to pull over and replace it with the spare tire to avoid any additional damage to your BMW.
How to Prevent Flat Tires
Sometimes flat tires can be unavoidable when it comes to external conditions because you can’t control what’s on the road, but there are a few things you can do to make sure your tires are in good shape to withstand any unexpected obstacles or harsh conditions.
The first thing you can do is check your tires every month, as this can help you detect low tire pressure early and avoid flat tires. Make sure to check what the right tire pressure is for your BMW before driving.
Next, you can regularly rotate your tires by switching them from side to side or back to front. This helps prolong the lifespan of your tires and ensures balanced handling.
The Hard Truth
Ultimately, the best way to prevent a flat tire is regular maintenance and servicing. Annual tire maintenance appointments are key to preserving the overall performance of your tires and car.
At Motor Cars International, we provide European auto owners throughout the Bridgewater area with complete tire services designed to help you get the best from your BMW.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
For years, our team has been helping 
BMW drivers keep their tires in peak condition. We have become the go-to shop for BMW owners throughout the Bridgewater area, including:
- Brockton
- Cape Cod
- East Bridgewater
- Easton
- Martha’s Vineyard
- Nantucket
- Norton
- Raynham
- Sharon
- West Bridgewater
If your BMW is showing signs of wear or you have a flat tire, call us at 508-697-5921 or visit our shop at 1460 Pleasant St, Bridgewater, MA 02324. We’re happy to help!