If you need to put air in your tire frequently, it's probably time to take your car to the shop and let a tire change technician replace or repair your tire. Otherwise, you might have to deal with a flat when you're out on the road, and that could be an unpleasant situation. Here's what to expect when you have to deal with a bad tire.

Remove The Tire To Examine It

The tire change technician will probably remove the wheel so they can get a look at the damage to the tire. Tires can often be repaired, but only if it's safe to do so. Otherwise, the technician will recommend replacing the tire with a new one.

Consider Options For A New Tire

If the tire technician recommends replacing your tire, you might choose a brand-new tire or a used one. New is better, but if you need a less expensive option, used might be a good temporary choice, especially if you find one with the same amount of tread as your other tires.

Another thing you need to decide is if you'll only get one new tire, two new tires, or all new tires. If your other tires are fairly new, putting one new tire on might be okay since the tread will be a close match. Otherwise, the technician might recommend you change both back tires or all four tires.

Choose Repairs When Suitable

If your tire can be repaired, then that's a good option to consider. Repairs are done by pulling a plug through the hole in the tire and applying a patch. This seals the leak so your tire is good to go back on the road. This work is done from the inside of the tire, so the tire has to be removed from the wheel first.

Have Additional Services

If it's been a while since you've had your tires serviced, you might want to have them serviced while you're at the tire shop. This could include things like rotating, aligning, and balancing the tires so they wear evenly.

Several factors determine the approach a tire change technician takes when dealing with your damaged tire. If the tire is beyond repair, the matter is determined for you. When it comes to deciding what type of tire and how many to buy, consider your budget, the age of your tires, and the type of driving you do. The tire change technician will use their knowledge and experience to help you make the right choice so you're safe on the road.

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