Can You Get a Flat Tire from Hitting a Curb? Yes. Yes You Can

Experiencing a flat tire from hitting a curb is something most of us would prefer to avoid.

It can leave your car with other damages such as a scratch on the front bumper, a mark on your undercarriage now making a ton of noise, or even outright having a damaged tire.

Whatever the case may be, we want to reassure you that everything’s going to be fine. This guide covers everything from quick fixes for minor damage, to knowing when it’s time to seek professional help.

By the time you’re done reading this, the issue of your flat tire will be something you won’t have to worry about.

Can Hitting a Curb Cause a Flat Tire?

Yes, hitting a curb can cause a flat tire. When a tire collides with a curb, especially at a high speed or at a sharp angle, it can cause immediate or delayed damage to the tire. 

Additionally, the tire bead, which is the part of the tire that seals to the rim, can be unseated from the rim, leading to a loss of air pressure and a flat tire. Sometimes, the damage might not be immediately visible, but internal damage to the tire structure could lead to a slow leak or eventual flat tire.

If you’re currently experiencing this, the steps in the next section might help you address your flat tire issue.

CONSIDER CHECKING: What are the Different Types of Curbs?

How to Fix Your Flat Tire After Hitting a Curb

Here’s how you can resolve your ‘flat tire after hitting a curb’ problem:

Immediate Inspection

If you find your tire flat after hitting a curb, start by checking the tire and wheel for any visible damage. Pay special attention to the tire sidewall as it’s the part most likely to get hurt from the impact. 

Some car owners also point out the need to look for pinches or cuts on the tire or wheel, which could make things worse.

Temporary Solutions

If the damage looks minor, a tire repair kit or some tire sealant might do the trick temporarily. But if the impact was hard, it’s wiser to swap the flat tire with your spare tire. This way, you can drive to a service station safely.

Professional Assessment

We emphasize that you need to get a professional opinion. 

Having your tires and rims checked is super important as your tire sidewalls might have sustained damage, which is often beyond repair, and your rims might have been thrown off alignment, which is something we don’t want to have.

Take your car to a reliable tire or wheel shop where they can check the straightness of the wheel, look for any serious damage to the tire, and see if the rim is still in good shape using a balancing machine. 

Replacement and Repair

If the tire sidewall or rim has taken a hit, replacing them is usually the way to go. 

Some car owners often suggest considering used wheels as a replacement to save money, but to avoid any further problems, we highly advise that you buy new ones, especially if the old one has been damaged pretty badly.

Further Inspection for Additional Damage

Beyond the tire and wheel, it’s wise to check for other damages to your car, like to the suspension system or undercarriage, especially if the hit was a hard one. 

One reddit user shared a story about a huge gash on the bottom part of their car due to the impact, which shows why checking for extra damage is important.

Re-seating the Tire Bead

If your wheel and tire are okay but the seal is broken, there’s a DIY fix shared by a forum user involving a rope, a big screwdriver, and an air tank to re-seat the tire bead. Yet, this can be a bit risky, and it might be safer to let a professional handle it.

Addressing Further Issues

If there are scratches on the rim or other small damages, a professional repair shop can sort them out. Also, make sure any replacements or repairs match your car’s specifications, especially if you have an all-wheel-drive (AWD) car, as mismatched tires could mess with its performance.

FAQs About Flat Tire After Hitting a Curb

Before we conclude our discussion, let’s go over some topics that we might have missed:

How can I prevent this from happening again?

To prevent flat tires from curb hits, ensure you maintain a safe distance from the curb while driving or parking. 

Regular tire maintenance, like keeping them properly inflated and having them rotated and balanced, can also help in preventing damage when unexpected impacts occur.

Check out our guide on how to avoid hitting curbs when you park. This will help you prevent going over curbs unnecessarily.

How much does it cost to replace a tire?

The cost of replacing a tire can vary widely based on the brand, size, and type of tire you need. On average, a new tire can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, although high-end or specialty tires can cost more.

Can a damaged rim be repaired?

It depends on the extent and type of damage. Minor scratches and dents can often be repaired, but severe bends or cracks may require a rim replacement. It’s best to have a professional assess the damage.

Will insurance cover the cost of tire or rim replacement after hitting a curb?

Insurance coverage can vary. Some policies may cover tire or rim replacement under collision coverage, especially if other damages occurred during the incident. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage.

Is it safe to drive on a flat tire?

No, it’s not safe to drive on a flat tire as it can cause further damage to the wheel, suspension system, and even pose a risk on the road. It’s advisable to change the tire or get it repaired before driving.

How can I tell if my rim is bent?

Signs of a bent rim include vibrations while driving, uneven tire wear, or a thumping sound. A professional can provide a definitive assessment by checking the wheel on a balancing machine.

Can a tire lose air without a visible hole?

Yes, a tire can lose air due to a bead leak where the tire seals to the rim, or from a valve stem leak, even if there isn’t a visible hole. It’s advisable to have a professional inspect the tire if you’re losing air pressure frequently.

Conclusion

Here at Smooth Curb, we prioritize understanding how curbs may affect your vehicle.

Accidentally driving over a curb and causing your tire to bulge, bubble, or flatten is but one of many problems you’ll face as a car owner if you let this type of problem slide.

Thankfully, our Smooth Curb – Driveway Curb Ramp is a solution you might consider trying.

It provides a smoother transition between your driveway and the road, reducing the risk of tire damage. It’s a simple solution that could save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

If you want to learn more about topics similar to this, you can browse our blog section. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by commenting down below.

Remember, regular check-ups like keeping your tires properly inflated and avoiding rough impacts with curbs can help avoid such issues in the future.

It’s also good to educate yourself on the risks tied to hitting curbs and learn how to keep your tires in good shape to steer clear of future troubles.

We hope that we’ve helped you with this problem, and we also hope to see you in our next article.