Can a Car Still Drive with a Flat Tire?
3 Answers
If it's a regular tire that has gone flat, the car should not continue to be driven. Below are the steps to handle a flat tire: Self-Handling: After parking the car, first turn on the hazard lights and place the triangular warning sign at an appropriate position in the oncoming lane (250 meters at night on highways, 150 meters during the day on highways, 50 meters during the day on regular roads, and 150 meters at night on regular roads). This alerts approaching vehicles to be cautious and avoid the area. Additionally, all passengers should exit the vehicle and move to a safe location to await assistance. Calling for Assistance: If a tire goes flat and you need to call for help, dial 12122 if you're on a highway—this is the national unified highway rescue number. If you're on a regular road, it's recommended to first call your insurance company, as many insurers offer one free towing service. Alternatively, you can dial 114 to find nearby auto repair shops. For flat tire rescue, you can also refer to the 24-hour emergency rescue, consultation, and complaint hotlines available in various regions across the country.
Last time I was driving on a mountain road during a trip when the right rear tire suddenly blew out, violently pulling the steering wheel to the right, sending chills down my spine. I was driving an old Jeep at the time, and the tire sidewall was torn open with a huge gash, sparks flying as the rim scraped the ground. The auto mechanic traveling with me immediately shouted to stop, saying that driving another half kilometer with such damage would ruin the rim, and flying tire fragments could easily damage following vehicles. The key issue was that after a blowout, traction drops to zero, guaranteeing a spinout when taking a turn, especially in rainy conditions—it’s practically a death wish. Later, when calling for rescue, things got worse: the rim was deformed, and even the suspension arm was bent, with repair costs high enough to buy three new tires. My advice to everyone: if you experience a blowout, whether it’s a run-flat or a regular tire, honestly turn on your hazard lights, pull over, and change to the spare tire.
Last month's experience of a tire blowout while driving home from overtime work at dawn still haunts me. I initially thought the run-flat tire could last until the repair shop, but less than two kilometers later, the rear of the car started swaying wildly, and the tire completely disintegrated, wrapping around the brake line. Only after calling the 4S store for advice did I learn that modern cars use electronic power steering, and driving without a tire can easily overload and burn out the steering gear. To make matters worse, many cars no longer come with a spare tire. The manufacturer's specified 80 km/h speed limit applies to situations with insufficient tire pressure. If the tire blows out completely, the aluminum alloy rim grinding against the road can deform in minutes, and the cost of a new rim could cover half a year's worth of fuel expenses. Take my advice: calling a tow truck directly is the most cost-effective solution.
