Not sure what a flat tyre looks like? This guide explains the key visual signs — from sagging rubber to sidewall bulges — and what happens when a tyre loses air. You’ll also find advice on what to do if it happens while driving and how to stay safe until the tyre can be replaced.
If you’re concerned about your ability to spot and identify a flat tyre, then you’ve come to the right place. From the impact of a flat tyre on your driving experience, to the look of a flat tyre when your car is still, this article is all about the obvious and visible signs that something is wrong.
But first, what is a flat tyre and why is it so important that you know how to spot one?
What is a Flat Tyre?
A flat tyre is one which has suffered damage or a puncture and, as a result, has lots its air pressure.
This means that the wheel rim loses the rubber cushioning that’s formed by its surrounding tyre and instead becomes the only part of the wheel that touches the road.
What Happens When You Get a Flat Tyre?
When you get a flat tyre, your wheel is no longer protected by that rubber barrier – and can very quickly become damaged by the weight of the car and the contact with the road surface.
Not only can the wheel become damaged by driving on a flat tyre, but the vehicle itself becomes incredibly unbalanced and difficult to control. Drivers who suffer a flat tyre will often find that the steering wheel pulls them to one side, usually the side with the flat tyre, as the vehicle loses its balance.
Other symptoms of a flat tyre include a lack of cushioning and comfort, and difficulty steering the car in different directions.
