/ Featured Article
What to do if you get a flat tire while out on a ride
Have you ever been stranded on the side of the road because of a flat tire?
It’s every motorcyclist’s worst nightmare: you’re out in the middle of a ride, then all of a sudden you feel your rear end get all squirmy—or worse, you feel your front end coming loose, as if someone was pulling a carpet from underneath you. Yes, you’re faced with a flat tire, and your supposedly enjoyable ride has come to an abrupt end. So, what do you do? Well, if you’re prepared, you’ll be back on the road in no time. But if it’s your first time experiencing a flat, and you’re caught unprepared, you could be in for a really, really bad day.
Don't panic
Of course, common sense would suggest that you keep a level head when faced with adversity. Once you become aware of your predicament. Make sure you calm yourself down first before trying to solve the problem. Remember, being in a cluttered state of mind will only make things worse. In the event of a puncture or tire blowout, take a deep breath, make sure you and your bike are unhurt, and make your way to the right side of the road to further assess the damage.
Limp to the nearest gas station
If you’re lucky, and your tire is only just beginning to lose air pressure, you could be able to make it home before your wheel is completely flat. However, if your tire is completely deflated, you’re left with no choice but to limp your bike to the nearest gasoline station. Doing so may sacrifice your tire, as riding even slowly on a fully deflated tire will surely damage it beyond repair. However, assuming you don’t have any of the necessary tools on hand to get you back on the road, there’s little else you can do.
Call for rescue
If you’re riding a bigger bike, and find yourself in this situation while out on the expressway or in a faraway place, then you have no choice but to call for rescue. Pro tip: keep the mobile numbers of several emergency towing services handy at all times. By several, we mean more than just one, because chances are not all emergency towing services will be able to accommodate you at a moment’s notice. Getting in touch with friends in the nearby area, especially those who own pickup trucks is a handy option, too.
It's always best to be prepared
As is the case with all things in life, it’s always best to be prepared. As the old saying goes, “failing to prepare, is preparing to fail.” Be sure to have the essentials when it comes to tire repair handy at all times—regardless of whether or not you’re on a long or short ride. This means acquiring a good quality tire repair kit. This usually consists of rubber plugs, a set of tools to install the plugs, as well as rubber sealant, a bunch of CO2 canisters, and an adapter to fit with your motorcycle's tire valve.
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