Can a car with a flat tire drive a short distance?
3 Answers
Whether a car with a flat tire can drive a short distance depends on the type of tire. If it is an ordinary car tire, it cannot drive a short distance when flat. However, if it is a run-flat tire, it can drive a short distance even when flat. When a run-flat tire is flat, the vehicle can continue to drive approximately 80 to 150 kilometers as long as the speed does not exceed 80 km/h. More information about tires is as follows: 1. Run-flat tires: The primary function of a run-flat tire is to ensure that the vehicle does not lose balance instantly in the event of a tire blowout, thereby maintaining safety. Cars equipped with run-flat tires can still drive a considerable distance even if a tire blows out at high speed, giving the owner enough time to reach a repair shop for tire replacement. 2. Ordinary car tires: When an ordinary tire is flat, the sidewall of the tire will be subjected to pressure. The sidewall is the weakest and most dangerous part of the tire. Once it is rubbed, the internal fabric layers of the tire can easily break, posing significant safety risks. In severe cases, it may also cause the wheel rim to become out of round. If the wheel rim is out of round, even the rim itself may need to be replaced.
Never drive with a flat tire, not even for a short distance. When the air is completely gone, the rim will directly press against the road, making the tire sidewall prone to tearing. If the rim gets deformed, it's a big hassle, and repairs can easily cost thousands. Driving becomes unstable, and even slight braking can lead to loss of control or skidding. Driving at night is even more dangerous, increasing the risk of hitting the roadside or causing a rear-end collision. I've seen several accidents where drivers tried to save time by driving a few hundred meters, only to end up with a ruined tire and a dented rim, ultimately requiring a tow truck. Safety first—if your car stops, don't move it. Either replace it with a spare tire or add some air before driving. It saves both hassle and money. Don't take risks by trying to tough it out like others; this is basic driving knowledge.
If there's really no other option, such as being in a remote area with no rescue available, you can drive very slowly for a short distance. Maintain a speed of 10-20 km/h, drive gently without sharp turns or sudden braking, and try to move to a safe parking spot. I've been in a similar situation myself, only driving a few dozen meters to a sheltered area, but the tire still got slightly damaged. It's best to use a portable air pump to add some temporary air beforehand, making the drive a bit safer. Keeping a small tool in the car is all it takes, and it doesn't cost much. But try to avoid this method as much as possible, since the tire lacks support, and driving for too long risks rim deformation and may even affect the suspension system.
