How to Avoid Tire Flats

How to Avoid Tire Flats

Nothing can ensure that your bike will not get a flat tire. However, you have a few options that might dramatically reduce getting a flat tire. If you follow my advice and utilize these products, you may never have to deal with tube punctures or patch kits again.

A flat tire can be a massive frustration for bikers, as it entirely relocates their day plans. Imagine trying to catch a sunset at the mountain top and finding your bike flat; frustrating. 

Although it can't be guaranteed that you can avoid tire flats, it can be proclaimed that tire flats can be delayed. This helps bike riders visit the tire shop less frequently and enjoy their biking experience without interruptions.  

A flat tire may be identified by the hissing of air, the swaying of the handlebars, and an unhappy cyclist pulling over to the side of the road. It happens to everyone, and it isn't perfect when it's you.

How Flat Tires Occur

Before you can learn how to avoid flat tires, you must first understand why they happen. One of the following causes the majority of flats on the road:

A hard impact pins the tube between the rim and the tire or another item, such as a rock. Pinch flats are also known as snake bites because the impact usually creates two holes in the tube, one on top of the other.

Broken glass, thorns, and other dangerous objects may be found on the road.

There is a fault in the rim that may be observed.

Also, the thing you might not think about is inflating tires too full.

As a cyclist, you'll come into instances when you'll have to peddle over shards of glass or hit an unexpected bump. A few items of equipment will help you go through this circumstance without suffering a puncture before you do so.

Types of Tire Flats

Before you can learn how to avoid flats, you must first understand how they happen. Puncture flats are the most common and noticeable sort of flat tire, and they're caused by thorns, nails, broken glass, metal wire, or other sharp objects penetrating your bike's tire and tube.

The second most frequent flat is a pinch flat, which occurs when the bike hits a large, sudden bump and forces the tire to compress as it absorbs the stress. The tube can become stuck between the tire and the rim if the tire fully compresses, resulting in two small holes on opposing sides of the tube.

The sidewall blowout is the third and least common type of flat tire, which occurs when the tire bead breaks due to road damage or a flaw. This will probably result in a flat tire, which will not be fixed by changing or repairing the tube; instead, a new tire will be required.

How to Avoid Tire Flats

1. Checking Tire Pressure

Always make sure your tires are correctly inflated as your first line of defense. Each tire's required air pressure range is specified in psi (pounds per square inch) (pounds per square inch). 

The correct pressure may be found on the tire's sidewall. As a general rule:

Road tire pressure should be between 100 and 140 psi.

Mountain bike tires should have a pressure of 30 to 50 psi.

Prodo S e-bike tires have a pressure of 15-20psi during summer, but around 30 psi during winner.

An urban and recreational bike tire should have a pressure of 60 to 80 psi.

Under-inflation might result in "pinch flat" problems. The under-inflated tire contracts to the rim when you hit a bump, leaving two little holes that resemble snake bites. On the other hand, over-inflation does not result in flat tires but, in extreme cases, can result in the tube being blown out.

Using a tire pump or gauge, check your tire pressure. Higher-end tire pumps come with a pressure gauge, but you'll need to bring your own if you have a lower-end pump. 

2. Basic Tire Care

It's a good idea to regularly check your bike tires for embedded glass, rock shards, or other sharp items, especially after riding a route with a lot of garbage. These little embedded things may not cause a flat right once, but they can gradually work through a tire, eventually puncturing it. Remove the debris with your fingernail or a little tool before creating an issue.

Regularly check your tire sidewalls and tread for excessive wear, damage, dryness, or cracking. You're more likely to get a flat tire if your tires have any of these signs. If you're concerned about the condition of your tires, have them evaluated by a respected bike store.

3. Using a Tire Sealant

This solution is beneficial since it may be used to repair a flat tire or prevent future flats. The concept is simple: a little amount of sealant is squirted into the tube through the valve stem to cover the inside. When a small puncture or cut develops, the sealant quickly covers the hole and produces a plug that often lasts longer than the tube or tire.

To avoid flats, specific tubes are "pre-Slimed." These tubes are often thicker and more thorn-resistant, and when pre-injected with Slime, they provide an excellent flat-avoidance strategy. Sealants do not protect against severe gashes or scratches on their own, and some can be a pain to apply.

4. Replace Old Tires

If you've had several flats, worn tires are likely to fault. Check for fraying or wear on the thread on the inside of the tire (the side that touches the tube). While the exterior rubber may appear to be in bad condition, the tire does not need to be changed unless there are evident cuts.

It's time to replace the inside fabric or rubber borders that fit within the rim when they begin to degrade.

5. Using Wide Tires

A wider tire can be a good option if you ride or travel over bumpy roads. Why? On uneven roads, impact punctures, also known as pinch flats, are common, and the additional air volume will assist in preventing them.

The extra weight is the only downside of a wider tire. This shouldn't impede your typical training or commute unless you're racing or climbing steep slopes. Choose a 700 x 25mm or larger tire to lessen the chances of a puncture.

6. The Right Tube for the Right Tire

If you wish to utilize a wider tire, ensure you have the right inner tube. Inner tubes, like tires, come in a variety of widths. If you buy a 25mm wide tire but maintain a 23mm wide inner tube, the rubber on the tube will be stretched too thin, increasing your chances of having a flat. To be safe, use the correct tire tube size. 

Race-light inner tubes should also be avoided. While they are more lightweight, they do not provide the same amount of protection as cheaper butyl rubber tubes.

7. Picking the Right Route

Glass and other debris that may cause a flat are cleared from significant thoroughfares regularly. Bikers have a tendency to ride closer to the shoulder, which is where the majority of the glass and other hazardous objects collect. If your bike here frequently, you're more likely to get a puncture.

Stay as far away from the gutter as possible if no bike lanes are available. As you move away from the curb, your visibility to approaching traffic improves. Potholes and maintenance holes should be avoided wherever feasible. You can lessen your chances of suffering an impact puncture by paying attention to what's ahead of you.

8. Do not over inflate tires

The tires of Velowave Prado S e-bikes are deflated for safe transportation purposes. You will need to inflate the tires when receiving the bike. Please follow the instructions below for proper and safe operation.
When you see the gap between the tire and the rim, please do NOT inflate the tire
directly in case of tire skewing or bursting.
1. Please turn over the bike to stand it on the seat. Inflate the tire with a small amount
of air until the gap disappears and the tire edge just touches the rim.
2. Check if the valve faces the center of the wheel hub, adjust if it’s not centered.
3. Check if the inflating line is well balanced along the rim. If not, squeeze the tire on
the unbalanced point until it’s adjusted properly.
4. Continue to inflate the tire to 15 psi. Rotate the wheel to see if it’s balanced. Then continue to inflate to the suggested tire pressure.

To Sum it Up

Tire flats are inevitable. However, they can indeed be delayed. This can be done by using different methods discussed above, which will help your tire remain functional for an extended period. 

By checking tire pressure more frequently, taking good care of what sort of tubes you install and the route you take can help reduce the hassle of getting your tire inflated every time you go out. 

Also, different tires are preferred for different routes, which entirely depends upon your choice and preference.