Keep Your Lawn Mower Rolling: Flat Tire Causes & Quick Repairs

If its mowing day and while at the task your lawn mower tires goes flat, then definitely the scheduled set for the day is ruined. However, if you understood the cause and could fix it, your day would go as planned, and at the end, you would have a beautiful, lush lawn. Whichever mower tire you use – riding lawn mower tires, garden tractor tires, turf tires, etc. – it should be one that has good traction and maneuverability to ensure a clean, well-done, and damage-free lawn. If they go flat, it can be frustrating and time-consuming; hence, with the right knowledge, you will be able to diagnose the cause and immediately fix the problem without having to call a professional – especially if it’s fixable. 

This video is sourced from Youtube@247Parts

In this comprehensive guide, we are going to understand common causes of flat lawn mower tires and how they can be fixed to keep your mower rolling.

Table of Contents 

• Why Do Lawn Mower Tires Go Flat?
• Is Your Lawn Mower Tire Failing? Here’s How to Tell
• Quick DIY Fixes for Flat Lawn Mower Tires
• How to Avoid Flat Tires: Long-Term Prevention Strategies
• Checklists for Tire Health
• When to Call a Professional to Check the Mower Tires
• GARVEE Lawn Mower Tire Recommendations
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do Lawn Mower Tires Go Flat?

Unlike car tires, lawn mower tires are operated in very harsh conditions or grounds – muddy terrains, debris-prone areas, rocky grounds, etc. This puts a lot of stress/pressure on the valves and the rim. These tires encounter sharp objects like nails, sticks, thorns, etc., and are constantly exposed to moisture and chemicals, which contribute to their wear and tear.

Is Your Lawn Mower Tire Failing? Here’s How to Tell

The first step to prevent your lawn mower tires or even lawn tractor tires, turf tires, or garden tractor tires from going flat – basically any type of tires that you use to mow your lawn – is to understand what is causing your tires to deflate. So, let’s understand the symptoms and common causes and then move to fixing those issues.

Recognize the Symptoms of a Flat or Failing Tire

A flat tire is not always sudden; sometimes there are signs that show up eventually, such as:

• Visible wear and tear, dry rot, or bulges: Old tires start cracking, which slowly begin to deflate over time.
  
  
• Uneven cuts on the grass: You will notice your mower is beginning to tilt on one side, and the cut on the grass seems uneven because of it.
  
  
• Difficulty in pushing, maneuvering, or steering: Pushing, maneuvering, or steering becomes quite difficult. This increased resistance is sign of under-inflation.
  
  
• Hissing sound: A hissing sound is usually the air escaping near the valve stem or the rim, which is a sign of a leak. 

Once you have recognized the symptoms, the next step would be to find out exactly what the cause is. The earlier you spot these signs, the faster you can fix them before any permanent damage.

Common Causes of Flat Tires in Lawn Mowers

Below are some common causes of flat tires in your lawn mowers. 

Punctures from Sharp Objects: Your lawn sometimes can have sharp objects such as nails, thorns, glass, stones, or debris, which cause the puncture. The symptoms you will notice are a sudden flat tire or a slow leak after you have mowed on a rough ground.

• Immediate Fix: When a sharp object punctures your tire, the first thing you do is remove the object from the tire. Then with a tire plug kit or an internal patch, seal the puncture. If the damage is very severe, replace the tire completely. If it’s a tube-type tire, then you might have to patch or maybe even replace the inner tube. Before you decide to replace, check a lawn mower tire, riding lawn mower tire, or zero turn mower tire replacement guide – whichever tire your using for your lawn.
  
  
• Long-Term Prevention: To prevent such punctures in the future, inspect the lawn for debris or sharp objects lying around before you start mowing. You could even install puncture-resistant liners in your tires to prevent such incidents. Or even you could consider getting airless lawn mower tires – they are generally solid or foam-filled tires that are puncture-resistant or flat-free. 

Valve Stem Leaks: Another reason for a flat tire is when the valve stem leaks. What happens here is – the valve stem can sometimes get loose, crack, or wear with time, causing the air to leak out. This is evident when you hear a hissing sound from the stem or you see bubbles when you spray some soapy water.

• Immediate Fix: When you diagnose a leak, these are the things you can do – use a valve tool and tighten the valve. To confirm whether the air is still leaking or you have managed to stop it after tightening, spray some soapy water and check to see bubbles. Lastly, if after tightening you still find air leaking, then replace the damaged valve stem.
  
  
• Long-Term Prevention: To avoid constant leaks, make sure that your valve stem is covered with a cap. This prevents any moisture or dirt from entering the valve stem. Also, try not to bend the stem when your inflating the tires. 

Rim Damage or Bead Leaks: In case the rim is corroded or bent, then the tire bead will not seal properly. You will know that there is rim damage or a bead leak when the air around the round rim starts leaking. You will also notice that there are visible signs of rust and dents.

• Immediate Fix: The first thing you do is clean all the rust and debris from the rim with the help of a wire brush. Then, before you remount the tire, make sure to apply some bead sealer. But if the rim is completely damaged, then the obvious option is to replace it.
  
  
• Long-Term Prevention: To prevent your lawn mower tires from rusting, ensure its stored in a clean and dry space. Also, when mowing, try your best not to hit hard surfaces. 

Age-Related Deterioration: With constant use over time, tires naturally tend to corrode because they are exposed to chemicals, moisture, and UV rays. Hence, they begin to dry rot and develop cracks, which cause leaks. When you notice your mower tires are showing signs of cracks, the texture of the tires looks brittle, or the rubber is beginning to break, then this shows your tires are getting old.

• Immediate Fix: The most obvious fix for old and cracked tires is replacement. Old tires generally cannot be fixed because they are not very reliable.
  
  
• Long-Term Prevention: For your tires to last long, make sure they are inflated as per the recommended PSI. Regularly ensure that you apply some tire protectants so that the rubber doesn’t become old very quickly. Also, ensure that you store your mower in a clean and dry place, away from direct sunlight and chemicals.

Quick DIY Fixes for Flat Lawn Mower Tires

In case you happen to have a flat tire while mowing, here are some easy and quick DIY fixes.

How to Avoid Flat Tires: Long-Term Prevention Strategies

While it is essential to know what’s causing flat tires and then fixing them, it is equally important to know how to prevent flat tires in the long run. Here are some long-term prevention strategies.

Maintain Proper Air Pressure

It’s absolutely important that proper air pressure is maintained in your lawn mower tires. It is essential to maintain the correct PSI. If you overinflate the tires, it leads to blowouts, and if you underinflate, it can cause uneven wear and bead leaks. Ensure that the tire pressure is checked before you start mowing. (Also, always refer to the mower tire load rating explained in the manual to prevent stress on the sidewalls. Overloading can cause the tires to deflate.)

Inspect Tires and Lawn/Ground Before Mowing

Before you start mowing, inspect the tires and check for any signs of damage or leaks. Then go on to check your lawn for any sharp objects such as stones, sticks, glass, nails, etc.

Consider Upgrading Your Mower Ties

To prevent punctures, consider upgrading your mower tires. You can opt for airless lawn mower tires. These are foam-filled tires that are puncture-proof or flat-free and are one of the best lawn mower tires for wet grass, rough terrains, regular lawns, basically any kind of surface. Additionally, you could also consider solid rubber tires, as they are maintenance-free; however, they are less cushiony than pneumatic tires. You could also consider replacing the air inside your tire with foam inserts.

Store Your Mower Correctly

If you want to prevent punctures, then the way you store your lawn mower wheels or tires also plays a crucial role. Clean your tires and then store them in a dry, cool place, like a shed or a garage. Make sure to use tire covers to protect them from moisture and sunlight. Also, to prevent dry rot, ensure that you don’t keep your mower on concrete for a long time. 

Seasonal changes can also have a grave impact on your mower tires; it basically affects the pressure. In Winter, the air contracts, and this causes the tire to deflate. Make sure that before you store them for long, you inflate them to the correct PSI, keep them away from concrete, and in a moisture-free place.

Checklists for Tire Health

Here’s a checklist for before and after mowing to ensure your tires are in good health. 

When to Call a Professional to Check the Mower Tires

• When the rim is completely bent and is unfixable by you.
  
  
• When you notice that the tire has many cracks and there’s structural damage.
  
  
• When you have repaired the tire, but it keeps losing air.
  
  
• When you cannot figure out what the issue is by yourself. 

GARVEE Lawn Mower Tire Recommendations

Here are 3 lawn mower tire recommendations from GARVEE.

GARVEE 20x8.00-8 Tubeless Lawn Mower Tires: This GARVEE 20x8.00-8 tire is quite durable, comes with a PSI of 22, is 4ply rated and tubeless.

GARVEE 15x6.00-6 Lawn Mower Tires with Rim: This GARVEE 15x6.00-6 tire is made of high-class rubber and is tubeless. Perfect for lawn mowers and tractors.

GARVEE 13x5.00-6 Tubeless Turf Tires: This GARVEE 13x5.00-6 tire comes with a unique pattern for better grip and has a load range of B/4PR; max load: 295 lb. 

Explore more lawn mower tires on GARVEE here!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I check the mower tire pressure?

Tire pressure should be checked before the mowing session or at least once a month during the season.

2. Are solid tires a good option for lawn mowers and lawn tractors?

Yes, solid tires are good for mowing as they eliminate a flat tire completely; however, they might be slightly uncomfortable while riding.

3. What are the best lawn mower tires for wet grass?

Tires with deep grass grip tire tread patterns are best, as they ensure excellent traction.

4. Are airless tires worth it?

Yes, airless lawn mower tires are worth it as they eliminate flats completely.

5. How often should I check PSI?

You should check the PSI before every mowing session.

A flat tire doesn’t have to necessarily ruin your mowing schedule if you know how to fix it immediately – especially when it is fixable. It is all about understanding why they go flat, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing what could cause it. Once you know this, it becomes easy for you to fix it. However, it is also important that you prevent such issues by maintaining your lawn mower tires by frequently inspecting and properly storing them. Remember that only consistent care ensures long-lasting performance of your mowers.

More to read

Lawn Mower Tires 101: A Beginner's Guide To Choosing the Right Set