If you have ever looked at your tires and thought they looked a bit flat, even though the air pressure was correct, you’re not alone. Many people experience this issue.
In this blog post, we will discuss why your tire may look like it is flat but is actually not and what you need to know about it.
Why Does My Tire Look Flat But It’s Not?
The main reason for why your tire may look flat even when it is not is because tires are designed and made to have a small degree of flex.
This means that a properly inflated tire may appear to be under inflated but in fact will be inflated to the correct PSI.
Is it normal for tires to look like they are flat?
If you think that something looks wrong with your tires, the first thing to check is that they are inflated to the correct PSI. You can find your car’s recommended PSI in the owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s side door.
If your tires turn out to be under-inflated, then fill them up and check again in a day or two. If they are still flat, then there may be an issue with the tire and you should take it to a mechanic to have it looked at.
On the other hand, if the tires are properly inflated but still look a little flat, then it is most likely normal for them to look like they are slightly flat due to the design of the tire or one of the following reasons and is nothing to worry about.
Cold outside temperatures
When winter comes and the temperature outside drops, this causes the air pressure in your tires to decrease, making them look flatter than they actually are.
Cold weather makes the pressure in your tires decrease anything between 1 to 3 PSI, or about 1 PSI for every 10 degrees the temperature drops. If this is the cause, it is important to top your tire up to the correct pressure.
Large vehicle Weight
If you have a truck or SUV, the weight of your vehicle will cause your tires to look flatter than they actually are. This is because the weight of the vehicle pushes down on the tires, making them look flatter.
Alternatively this can also be because of extra additional loads or weight that you may have added to your vehicle.
Vehicle left to sit for extended period of time
If you have not driven your vehicle for a long time, such as over the winter, the tires may appear to be flat. This is because the air pressure in tires decreases slowly over time, making them look less inflated. This is because rubber is porous, meaning that air molecules are able to escape very slowly over time.
If you have not driven your vehicle in a while, it is recommended to check the air pressure in the tires and inflate them if necessary.
You own Radial Tires
Radial tires are one of the oldest types of tire constructions still used on vehicles today. They are made with ply cords that run from the bead to the tread at a 90 degree angle in a radial pattern, which is where they get their name from.
One of the characteristics of radial tires is that they have a tendency to flex more than other types of tires and look a bit flat, even when they are properly inflated. This is due to the design of the tire and its especially soft sidewalls and is nothing to worry about.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a few reasons why your tires may look flat but they are not. If you are ever unsure, it is always best to check the air pressure in your tires to be sure. The easiest way to do this is using a tire pressure gauge.
If you find that they are properly inflated but still look flat, then it is most likely due to one of the reasons listed above and is nothing to worry about.
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it informative. If you have any questions then please leave a comment below or get in touch via email or through social media and we will read and respond to every comment, email or question. Thanks for reading!
Why does my front tire look flatter than my rear tire?
The main reason for why this happens is because the front tires of a car typically carry more weight than the rear tires. The engine is the heaviest component in a car and this is normally located over the front wheels of a car, which causes the front tires to carry more weight and appear flatter.
Additionally, front tires typically go through more wear and tear than rear tires since they are the ones that do most of the work when it comes to steering and braking. Over time, this can cause the front tires to appear flatter than the rear tires.
How to tell if your tire is flat?
If you think that something looks wrong with your tires, the first thing to check is that they are inflated to the correct PSI. You can find this information either in the owner’s manual of your car or on a sticker located on the driver’s side door.
It is also worth checking for any damage or sharp objects that may have punctured the tire and caused a slow leak of air.
What is the correct inflation level for a tire?
The correct inflation level for a tire can be found in the owner’s manual of your car or on a sticker inside the driver’s door. This is usually between 30-35 PSI for most tires on average sedans.
It is important to inflate your tires to the correct PSI because this can help improve fuel efficiency, increase the lifespan of your tires, and improve the handling of your car.
If you are ever unsure about what the correct inflation level for your tires should be, it is always best to consult with a professional or the manufacturer of your car.
What are the consequences of driving on a flat tire?
Driving on a flat tire can be extremely dangerous and can cause serious damage to your car. It is important to get the tire fixed or replaced as soon as possible if you find that it is flat.
Some of the consequences of driving on a flat tire include: decreased fuel efficiency, increased wear and tear on the tire, decreased handling of the car, further damage to your wheel and potentially a tire blowout.
A blowout is when the tire suddenly loses all of its air and fails completely. This can cause the driver to lose control of the car. This is extremely dangerous and can lead to a serious accident.