Few things are more inconvenient than a flat tire on your way to work
or an important event. No one ever expects it to happen, but people get
flats and find themselves stranded every day of the year for various
reasons. These are a few of the top reasons people find themselves with a
flat:
Extreme Temperature: If you’ve ever experienced a steep drop in
temperature overnight, you may have noticed the “low pressure” light on
your dash the morning after. For every 10 degrees Fahrenheit the
temperature changes, your tires gain or lose 1 pound of pressure per
square inch. When the temperature suddenly drops, your tires lose
pressure. When the temperature escalates quickly, your tire pressure
increases. Sometimes, in extreme heat, your tire pressure will expand
beyond what your tires can handle, causing a failure in tire integrity. 
Leaking Valve Stem: The valve stem on your tire is the valve that opens
to allow you to fill your tires with air. The valve stem automatically
seals to keep the pressure in your tires, or at least it is supposed to.
If your valve stem becomes dirty or damaged, it can cause your tires to
lose air. Fortunately, this is an easy fix, and any mechanic or tire
shop can replace or repair the valve stem quickly.
Tire Bead Leak: Occasionally, the tire bead (the edge of the tire which
rests on the rim) will leak. To determine whether your tire bead is
losing air, spray your wheels and valve system with soapy water. If you
see bubbles emerging, you have a tire bead leak.
Road Hazards and Debris: Perhaps the most aggravating cause for a flat
tire is hazardous road conditions or debris. Whether it be a piece of
scrap metal or a pothole, sometimes these hazards are impossible to see
or avoid. Fortunately, you can usually fix the damage with a patch.
You can’t always avoid a flat tire situation, but you can take some
steps to prevent flats, such as keeping your tires well maintained and
regularly checking them for pressure and unusual wear and tear. When
being prepared doesn’t prevent a flat, you can always be ready by having
a spare available!
