Even the best drivers are susceptible to flat tires, whether caused from shards of glass on the road or loose nails on a construction site. Unfortunately, this can make driving your car difficult as well as dangerous. This is why it’s recommended to have repairs done as soon as possible. Rather than doing this yourself, it’s encouraged to go to a professional to ensure it’s done right. To make it easy and do things right, follow the simple steps below.

1. Re-fill the Tire

After you learn that your tire is flat, it’s important to fill it with air so you can continue driving as safely as possible. You can do this at most gas stations for free (or for a small cost), so don’t skip it. Keep refilling to keep your tire pressure adequate until you can have the repairs done.

2. Get Repairs Done

Repairing car tires yourself might seem like a viable option because of the tire patching kits that are available to buy. It’s true that some of these work and can resolve your issue. However, many people find that these are difficult to do (and do correctly), expensive to purchase, and are sometimes ineffective. If you want to avoid wasting your time and money, then it’s better to simply go to a professional.

The cost of having repairs done on your car tires is minimal, especially when compared to the cost of actually replacing your tire (which could be your only option if you were to do DIY repairs incorrectly). What’s even better, is that the high quality materials that mechanics have will ensure the tire is repaired the right way and you can drive safely without having to fill up the air every time you get behind the wheel.

3. Regularly Check Tire Pressure

Repairing car tires through a professional is by far the best way to get more life out of any tire on your vehicle. However, remember that any punctures endured can decrease the overall longevity of the tire itself. For this reason, you should always keep an eye on tire pressure to make sure it never goes too low. This is an easy task to do that can help prevent future flat tires and ensure you’re driving as safely as possible.

4. Watch the Road

Last but not least, if you happen to notice broken bottles or metal objects on the road, do your best to avoid these. Even the smallest shard of glass can put a hole in your tire that can challenge its integrity and result in needing more repairs.

5. Consult with a Professional

If you think you need more repairs to your tires in the future, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced mechanic. They’ll do a full inspection and let you know what is necessary to continue driving safely. This is especially important if you have specialty tires, which often require more maintenance than traditional options. Even if you don’t need to have repairs, you may need to have maintenance done, such as a rotation, to ensure even wear and tear.