Can a car still be driven if a run-flat tire is punctured and loses air?
3 Answers
Run-flat tires can still be driven even when completely flat, as their sidewalls are extremely rigid and can fully support the vehicle's weight to continue driving for a certain distance. Relevant details are as follows: 1. Run-flat tires: These are tires designed to prevent blowouts, also known as puncture-proof tires. They are marked with RSC on the sidewall. Structurally, run-flat tires do not differ significantly from regular tires, except for the reinforced design on the sidewalls. 2. Function of run-flat tires: In the event of a tire blowout, run-flat tires can still allow the car to continue driving at speeds below 80 km/h for a certain distance. However, due to their harder construction, the friction noise between the tire and the road surface is louder, significantly reducing the vehicle's quietness and comfort, which is a drawback of run-flat tires.
Run-flat tires are designed to allow the car to continue driving for a certain distance even when they are flat. For example, the car I often drive now has this feature. Its sidewalls are reinforced to support the wheel when deflated, preventing a complete breakdown. Normally, you can drive about 50 to 80 kilometers at zero tire pressure, and it's recommended not to exceed 80 kilometers per hour. Once, when I was driving, my tire got punctured and completely deflated, but I slowly drove for several dozen minutes to a repair shop without any issues. However, you shouldn't drive too far or for too long, as it might damage the wheel rim or suspension system, making repairs more expensive. In short, if you encounter this situation, just drive slowly to the nearest repair shop—definitely avoid highways or long-distance speeding. It's only a temporary emergency solution, not a permanent fix.
In my experience, run-flat tires can indeed allow you to continue driving when they're flat, but it depends on the situation. Normally, if I have a flat tire while driving, the car will display a tire pressure warning, and I immediately slow down and pull over to check. If the tire is flat, because of the special structure of run-flat tires, the wheel won't completely collapse and can support low-speed driving. Ideally, you should drive to a repair shop without exceeding the manufacturer's recommended distance, usually 50 to 60 kilometers. I once drove like this when I was in a hurry and ended up spending some money to replace the tire. But remember, driving too aggressively or too far can easily damage the inner side of the tire or affect handling, posing significant safety risks. My advice is to drive slowly and find a place to repair it as soon as you have a flat tire—don't delay. This feature is helpful for daily commuting, but don't rely on it to drive dangerously every day.
