Can You Continue Driving with a Flat Tire?
2 Answers
Tire leakage should not be ignored, and it is recommended to stop at a safe location for inflation or repair. Continuing to drive with a leaking tire increases fuel consumption, reduces tire lifespan, and can even damage the vehicle's suspension, leading to drifting, imbalance, or even rollovers during driving. Car tires are one of the essential components of a vehicle, directly in contact with the road surface, working together with the suspension to absorb shocks while driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smooth operation. Methods to protect tires: 1. Avoid abrupt starts; whether the car is empty or loaded, start smoothly at low speed to prevent dragging the tires against the ground, reducing tread wear; 2. Drive straight on good road surfaces, avoiding unnecessary swerving or sharp turns except when passing other vehicles or avoiding obstacles, to prevent lateral cutting damage between the tire and rim.
Last time I had a flat tire, I stubbornly drove a few hundred meters, which resulted in a complete blowout. The rim got deformed, costing me over 2,000 yuan to repair, and I almost had an accident. Since then, I absolutely refuse to drive with a flat tire because control becomes unstable, braking distance increases, and it's easy to skid if you're not careful, especially at high speeds. I suggest you slow down and stop as soon as you notice it, find a safe place to turn on your hazard lights, and check the tire condition. If you have a spare tire, you can use your own tools to replace it. Make it a habit to check tire pressure regularly—buy a small tire pressure gauge to keep in the car and check it weekly to detect issues early and avoid such emergencies. Safety comes first when driving; don’t underestimate tire problems.