Can You Drive on a Completely Flat Tire?
2 Answers
Tires that are completely flat cannot be driven on. Below are specific details about replacing car tires: 1. The duration for replacing car tires depends on the situation. For drivers with good driving habits, tires generally need to be replaced every 3-5 years or after driving 60,000-80,000 kilometers. If driving under harsh road conditions, such as frequently traveling on gravel roads or experiencing frequent traffic jams, sudden braking, or sharp turns, the replacement interval will be shorter. 2. The main material of tires is rubber, which naturally ages over time. This aging is characterized by the tires hardening and the sidewalls developing numerous small cracks. Typically, natural aging occurs within 4-5 years. Tires that have been in use for 5 years should be replaced promptly to avoid the risk of a blowout. 3. Monitor the wear condition of the tires. If the tires are severely worn, and the tread pattern is level with the wear indicators, the tires should be replaced. Otherwise, braking on wet or slippery roads will be more difficult, increasing the risk of losing control of the vehicle. Additionally, driving on very rough roads with excessively worn tires can easily lead to a blowout.
I remember last summer, I was driving home when my tire suddenly went flat. I stubbornly kept driving for a short distance, but after only about a hundred meters, the rim got crushed and deformed. In the end, the repair cost me nearly two thousand yuan, and I had to buy a new tire. Since then, I've learned that you absolutely must not drive on a completely flat tire because the rim will grind directly against the road, quickly getting damaged, and the car can easily lose control or even flip. Now, I always keep a portable air pump handy and check the tire pressure regularly. I recommend you also install a tire pressure monitoring app to detect abnormalities early. If this happens to you, it's best to pull over, turn on your hazard lights, and call for a tow truck—don't risk it just to save time. Prevention is key; checking your tire pressure every two weeks can help avoid such surprises.
