Can You Drive a Car with a Flat Tire?
2 Answers
You should not continue driving with a flat tire. Reasons: Driving with insufficient tire pressure will cause excessive bending of the tire body. This excessive bending generates high heat, which can burn the inner airtight rubber layer into black spots. Subsequently, the rubber will separate from the tire's cord fabric, and the airtight rubber layer may melt due to the high temperature. Continuous high heat severely damages the internal structure of the tire. Effects: The wheel rim may become damaged or deformed, ultimately posing safety hazards for driving. Car tires are one of the essential components of a vehicle. They directly contact the road surface and work together with the suspension system to absorb shocks during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smoothness. They also maintain excellent adhesion between the wheels and the road, thereby improving the vehicle's traction, braking, and off-road capabilities.
I've been driving a small car for several years, and once I found a flat tire but stubbornly drove to the repair shop, which I deeply regretted later. Driving with a severely deflated tire was extremely unstable—it felt like the wheel was dragging on the ground, the car body swayed back and forth, and I almost lost control and hit a tree. The mechanic told me that many steel wires inside the tire were broken, and the rim was also deformed from the pressure, costing me over 500 yuan to replace the tire. Driving like this not only damages the car but can also cause accidents, especially if a tire blows out on the highway, which is even more dangerous. So, I suggest stopping immediately if the tire is flat—don’t move the car—and check for major leaks. If you have a spare tire, change it yourself, but remember that a spare isn’t for long-term use; drive slowly to a professional shop for a proper fix. If you don’t know how to change it, call your insurance company or roadside assistance for help. Also, don’t forget to regularly check tire pressure with a gauge to prevent problems before they happen.
