Oval tires are a problem that often affects cars parked for long periods. This phenomenon occurs when tires slowly lose pressure and, if not resolved in time, can cause extremely dangerous situations for driving safety.
Slow punctures and how to recognize them:
One of the main reasons behind the creation of the oval tire is precisely the presence of a slow puncture. These are situations where the tire gradually loses pressure due to debris, such as rocks, nails, or screws being embedded in the surface.
It is possible to visually notice abnormal wear on the tire shoulder, with marks left by contact with the asphalt due to deformation.
Furthermore, even through hearing it may be possible to identify the presence of a foreign object in the tread, for example thanks to the typical noise produced during its rotation. However, this problem mainly concerns older cars, as modern ones must be equipped with TPMS sensors for monitoring pressure, which warn the driver of any
anomalies by the lighting of warning lights on the dashboard.
Clearly it is not pleasant to be subjected to a slow puncture and not be able to recognize it in time: it could happen that the most obvious signs appear at the least opportune moments, for example when we absolutely need the vehicle and the puncture does not give us the possibility of put it into gear.
Luckily, run-flat tires exist, tires designed to continue working even after the loss of air pressure.
What to do in case of a puncture and when it is convenient to repair or replace the tyre:
If you notice the presence of a puncture and a consequent loss of pressure promptly, the best solution would be to inflate the affected tire as soon as possible. However, care must be taken not to overinflate it: hot tires show a pressure higher than the actual one and will deflate again after they cool down following
a stop. There is no single answer regarding the convenience of repairing or replacing damaged tyre, as there are several factors that influence the decision, such as the type of damage, the type of debris and the tire itself.
Usually, if the anomaly is identified in good time, you can opt for a repair at a cost
a few tens of euros. If the damage has extended too far to affect the shoulder of the tire, it will be necessary
proceed to replace it, given the importance of this area for the structure of the tire and its resistance to stress.
Puncture repair kits: a temporary solution:
If you have a puncture repair kit, which is increasingly popular in modern cars and includes a compressor and puncture sealing foam, it is possible to carry out a temporary tire repair. However, it will be necessary to contact a specialized tire dealer to proceed with a permanent repair, thus avoiding the risks associated with a slow puncture situation and the consequent possibility of permanent damage.
Possible external causes of the puncture: damaged wheels and rims
It would be wrong to think that the only causes behind a slow puncture are exclusively linked to the damage suffered by the tire itself. In fact, there are other circumstances that can lead to the development of this problem, such as damage caused to the rims following impact with potholes or steps in the road surface. In these cases, it will be necessary to immediately replace the entire rim, with significantly higher costs than those expected to repair a tire.
Prevention is better than cure: how to avoid slow punctures and tyres
ovalized
To minimize the risk of having an oval tire due to a slow puncture, it is essential to periodically check the tire pressure and check their wear. Furthermore, it is advisable to adopt a cautious driving style, trying to avoid potholes and other obstacles that could cause damage to the wheels and rims of the car. Constant attention to the condition of your tires and a responsible approach to driving are the best allies to avoid unpleasant inconveniences linked to slow punctures and the consequent risk of tire ovalization.
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