How do u tell when u had a flat tire?

I understand that penny is being used to check if tires are bad or not. But I am not sure how it was used. She did not tell you what to do with penny, just the result measures of it. Therefore, I am clueless, like do you put the penny on ground by the tire to compare? Or do you use it with tire pressure gauge?
 
Silentwolfdog said:
I understand that penny is being used to check if tires are bad or not. But I am not sure how it was used. She did not tell you what to do with penny, just the result measures of it. Therefore, I am clueless, like do you put the penny on ground by the tire to compare? Or do you use it with tire pressure gauge?
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How to Check Tread

* When the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch, tires must be replaced.

* All tires have "wear bars," which are small, raised bars of rubber in the groove that indicate when tires are worn out. If your tread is worn down to the wear bars, it's time for a new tire.

* A penny is a reliable tool to check tire tread.

1. Take a penny and put Abe's head into one of the grooves of the tire tread. If part of his head is covered by the tread, you're driving with the legal amount of tread.

2. If you can see all of Abe's head, it's time to replace the tire.

* Visually check your tires for signs of uneven wear. You may have irregular tread wear if there are high and low areas or unusually smooth areas. Also make sure no nails or other objects are embedded in the tire. Consult your tire dealer as soon as possible if you see problems.
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InsWeb Special Report: How to Check Tread
 
Silentwolfdog said:
I understand that penny is being used to check if tires are bad or not. But I am not sure how it was used. She did not tell you what to do with penny, just the result measures of it. Therefore, I am clueless, like do you put the penny on ground by the tire to compare? Or do you use it with tire pressure gauge?
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DEPTH of tread, SWD. Insert penny between treads and check for depth, that's all....
 
I had tire that blown up in earlier morning, I went home during lunch break then return to drive to work after 1 hour, I just drive about few minutes and feel little bumpy then I thought it was weird stuff in engine then decided to keep drive more miles then bumpy got much worse, I was like WTF and stopped at interstate then checked it, damn, tire were blown up and called my uncle to got replaced into spare tire because I don't know how to replace it and no jack/screw in my car. I'm supposed to stop when start feel little bumpy before tire got blown up.

I have going to buy new tire in this week or so, that's so nightmare for me and spare tire make drive so little unbalance.
 
Pacman said:
I had tire that blown up in earlier morning, I went home during lunch break then return to drive to work after 1 hour, I just drive about few minutes and feel little bumpy then I thought it was weird stuff in engine then decided to keep drive more miles then bumpy got much worse, I was like WTF and stopped at interstate then checked it, damn, tire were blown up and called my uncle to got replaced into spare tire because I don't know how to replace it and no jack/screw in my car. I'm supposed to stop when start feel little bumpy before tire got blown up.

I have going to buy new tire in this week or so, that's so nightmare for me and spare tire make drive so little unbalance.
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you don't know how to replace it? tsk tsk tsk.... all men (and women) should learn how to do basic repair or what you gonna do if you're in middle of nowhere? That's why I have emergency kit in my trunk. I have 3 repair kits for just tire alone. the jack, of course, and portable electric air compressor and Fix-a-Flat (awesome life-saver thing!)

That really sucks that you do not have jack/screw in your car... You ought to go to local auto part store and buy one for yourself.
 
Silentwolfdog said:
I understand that penny is being used to check if tires are bad or not. But I am not sure how it was used. She did not tell you what to do with penny, just the result measures of it. Therefore, I am clueless, like do you put the penny on ground by the tire to compare? Or do you use it with tire pressure gauge?
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yes 2 ways - you can use tire pressure gauge and look at the instruction on the side of your door for psi information (you need to open your car door to see it lol). Most cars are 32 psi but it varies. or you can just take a quick look at your tire and feel it with your fingers. People use coin because 1. they have fat fingers or 2. they can't see it easily.

I can see my tires easily so I just look and feel. If it's close to 1cm, you're good. if it's as thin as your penny - BAD NEWS.
 
The coin measurement is for determining how much tread is left. It has nothing to do with tire pressure. The only way to check tire pressure is to use a gauge. Also, don't trust the built-in gauges at gas station air pumps. You should buy and keep a gauge in your car.
 
Reba said:
The coin measurement is for determining how much tread is left. It has nothing to do with tire pressure. The only way to check tire pressure is to use a gauge. Also, don't trust the built-in gauges at gas station air pumps. You should buy and keep a gauge in your car.
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that's good one... i used to be a general serviceman for Goodyear and i always have a air gauge with me and even quarter or tire thread gauge
 
Reba said:
The coin measurement is for determining how much tread is left. It has nothing to do with tire pressure. The only way to check tire pressure is to use a gauge. Also, don't trust the built-in gauges at gas station air pumps. You should buy and keep a gauge in your car.
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I mentioned about tire pressure because it does affect the "health" of tire. Proper tire pressure will make your tires last longer and improves the fuel efficiency as well. But thanks for clarification. You are correct that tire pressure does not determine how much tread is left.

both tire pressure and tread measurement are important to check - for your own safety!
 
jiro123 said:
I mentioned about tire pressure because it does affect the "health" of tire. Proper tire pressure will make your tires last longer and improves the fuel efficiency as well. But thanks for clarification. You are correct that tire pressure does not determine how much tread is left.

both tire pressure and tread measurement are important to check - for your own safety!
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Right-o! :P
 
jiro123 said:
you don't know how to replace it? tsk tsk tsk.... all men (and women) should learn how to do basic repair or what you gonna do if you're in middle of nowhere? That's why I have emergency kit in my trunk. I have 3 repair kits for just tire alone. the jack, of course, and portable electric air compressor and Fix-a-Flat (awesome life-saver thing!)

That really sucks that you do not have jack/screw in your car... You ought to go to local auto part store and buy one for yourself.
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No one is teach me to how to replace before it does happen.
 
I remmy back in 1987 when I was riding in my 1977 corolla while my friend were driving. (I was in back seat and two of my friends were in front.). We were nearing Indiania and I felt the thump which I thought something hit under the car then suddenly the car began to rrraaaAAATTTTTLLLEE like dicken while driving @ 75mph. The steering wheel and dashboard was shaking violently and my friends acted like scared birds, flicking their head wondering what that crap! I slapped the driver seat to get his attention and motioned him to pull over. I told them its a flat! They said ur car did really freaky thing when tire blown out. They were scared like crap that car was falling apart. :rofl: So we changed tire quickly then head for tire shop in one of city and paid $25 bucks for new tire. Then we head back to highway at 75 mph. It was really funny experience. My 67' chevy PU always have flat tire on one side cuz of bad rim. If my truck become sluggish in turning, I know I have a flat.

Catty
 
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