Can a tubeless tire still run when it's flat?
4 Answers
No, a tubeless tire cannot run when it's flat, as it will cause tire damage. Car tires are one of the important components of a vehicle, directly in contact with the road surface and working together with the suspension to cushion the impact during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smooth driving. Tubeless tires, also known as low-pressure tires or pneumatic tires, have the following characteristics: 1. Puncture resistance: The surface of a tubeless tire is made of high-quality rubber, and after inflation, the external tension increases, forming a certain pressure on the inner surface, which enhances the self-sealing ability for punctures. 2. Super wear resistance: The rim of a tubeless tire has a larger diameter than that of a regular rim, and it is not affected by the heat from the brake drum during driving.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I sincerely advise against taking risks. You absolutely must not continue driving with a flat tubeless tire. Once, on the highway, I didn't address low tire pressure in time, which resulted in the tire overheating, deforming, and blowing out, causing severe damage to the rim and costing thousands in repairs. Tubeless tires rely on sealing rings to maintain air pressure. When there's insufficient air, the tire surface directly rubs against the rim, generating high temperatures that can lead to fires or loss of control. I've seen fellow drivers end up in the hospital from similar situations. Now, I've made it a habit to check tire pressure monthly using a mobile app and keep a portable air pump in the car for emergencies. If tire pressure is low, I immediately pull over and seek assistance—safety first is always the principle. Preventive measures also include installing a tire pressure monitoring system; don't skimp and risk major losses for minor savings.
I'm a recent college graduate and usually quite careful with my car, but last time I hesitated when the tire pressure warning came on. A punctured tubeless tire shouldn't be driven on, or the wheel rim could get scratched, leading to staggering repair costs. That time when I got a flat tire on my way to internship, it cost me half a month's living expenses to fix. Tubeless tires have a special design - they lose support when deflated and can deform rapidly, potentially exploding instantly. In daily life, I use free tire pressure apps to check and always squat down to inspect tire condition before driving. Among friends, we remind each other to keep some tire sealant in the car for emergencies - never push your luck and risk disaster. Small punctures can be patched, but big ones require immediate replacement. Remember, the wisest choice is to stop and inspect at any sign of abnormality.
Experience has taught me not to be careless. When we were young, we used inner tubes, and even without air, we could still move a few hundred meters. But now, with tubeless tires, any air leakage means you must stop immediately. Last year, my tire went flat, and I stubbornly drove a short distance, which ended up damaging the rim and ruining the tire. Tubeless tires rely on air pressure to seal and maintain their integrity. Without proper air pressure, the rim can chew through the rubber, causing temperatures to skyrocket, which is extremely dangerous. Safety regulations emphasize pulling over immediately and calling for help. Regular maintenance and checking tire pressure can prevent such incidents, saving both peace of mind and money.