As you are cycling serenely, puncture is one of the most annoying problems that can happen.
Often you can’t get to the destination and you have to stop at the side of the road to disassemble the wheel and replace the air chamber with that of spare. Such an accident can ruin the whole day!
Avoid puncture at 100% is impossible, but with some precautions you can defend your bike in some way.
First of all we distinguish the “puncture” from the “pinch”. The first happens when a sharp object (glass splinters, nails) pierces the tire and punches the air chamber. Second occurs when the tire, passing over a stone, a hole or a bump; deforms and crushes against the wheel rim causing a cut in the air chamber.
The pinches are definitely the most frequent and are mostly due to a too low inflation pressure. Before every trip it’s always better to check the proper tire pressure. It must be between the minimum threshold and the maximum threshold printed on the tire itself in bar or psi.
To prevent puncture, on the market, there are several solutions, including self-sealing air chamber.
These air chambers contain a liquid, typically latex, which protects and repairs in case of puncture. The latex fills the hole and solidifies before the air comes out. However air chambers of this type are heavier and the latex inside can dry and forcing its replacement.
Many manufacturers also propose reinforced tires with a Kevlar internal foil that prevents foreign bodies from penetrating the air chamber. However, these tires require high inflation pressures requiring the use of a compressor.
Each of these solutions should be evaluated personally according to your driving style and use of the bike.
In case your bike is an old racing model that can install the tubular tire, before move to the air chamber consider some aspects. The tubular is extremely resistant to pinching due to the lining of the inner chamber. So even keeping lower pressures it will still be protected from punctures.
Think that even the professionals mount the tubular tires before deal with pavé or dirt.