Not all the technology and comfort and convenience features are necessary in automobiles, and many vehicles drive just fine without them. Most of the parts are necessary, but there is one item--more accurately, four items--without which a car cannot be driven, and those items are the tires. And when one tire goes flat, the vehicle is completely off the road until it gets fixed.Flat tires occur at a rate of over 220 million each year, making it hard for drivers to avoid forever. Thankfully, there are several steps that drivers can take to prevent flat tires and many tips for what to do after one happens.

Before a Flat Tire

Basic flat tire prevention starts with routine maintenance. Tires need to have their pressure checked frequently to ensure that they meet recommended requirements. Many of today's vehicles have a tire pressure system included, making this step essentially painless. Tires also need to be inspected regularly for punctures, cracks, bubbles, cuts, and other damage. If damage is noticed, it should be fixed immediately.Another basic prevention tip is to have tires rotated frequently, usually every 5,000 kilometres or every six months, to ensure that even wear is maintained on all four tires. Front tires wear down faster than back tires because they bear more weight and stress. Having uneven wear can make tires more prone to issues and results in vehicles not driving as well as they could.Tires also need to be replaced over time. Even with rotation, most tires only last up to 60,000 kilometres or less. Tire sales occur at dealerships and service centres in Ottawa, including at Orleans Dodge. It is easy to find tires, and tires should be replaced when they have worn down significantly in order to avoid a flat tire or accident.Drivers should also ensure that their vehicles are equipped with all the necessary tools and parts to fix a flat tire, should one occur. This includes a lug wrench, jack, wheel wedges, gloves, flashlight, and spare tire.

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