Can You Drive to a Repair Shop with a Flat Tire?
2 Answers
Tire pressure is too low, it is not advisable to continue driving; forcing the vehicle to move in this condition can lead to the tread being crushed, the wheel rim coming into contact with hard objects on the road, causing damage or deformation, and in severe cases, damaging the car's suspension. If you discover a flat tire while driving, you should immediately pull over to the side of the road, replace it with the spare tire, and then proceed to a repair shop as soon as possible to have the tire patched or replaced. Hazards of over-inflated tires: Reduced friction and adhesion of the tire, affecting braking performance, causing steering wheel vibration and deviation, decreased ride comfort, accelerated wear of the tread center pattern, increased risk of tire bulging and stone trapping, excessive stretching and deformation of tire cords, reduced tire elasticity, increased impact during driving, louder driving noise, and higher susceptibility to punctures from sharp objects like nails or glass on the road, which can lead to internal cracks and blowouts. Hazards of under-inflated tires: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, higher fuel consumption, multiplied friction between the tire and the ground, rapid rise in tire temperature, softening of the tire, sharp decrease in strength, potential blowouts during high-speed driving, increased tire body deformation, prone to cracking on the sidewalls, flexing movements leading to excessive heat, accelerated rubber aging, fatigue of the cord layers, cord breakage, increased tire contact area, accelerated shoulder wear, heavier steering wheel, tendency to deviate, poorer handling, and louder tire noise.
When I was young, I once drove to a repair shop with a flat tire, and the tire ended up completely ruined, with the wheel rim also deformed, costing me even more to fix. Actually, you shouldn't drive directly to a repair shop with a flat tire. When a tire is flat, the sidewalls are easily crushed, and the friction while driving can generate heat, leading to a blowout or the wheel coming off, causing a serious accident. Even if it's just a short distance, the risk is significant. If there's a repair shop nearby, don't risk driving there. It's better to first stop in a safe place and switch to the spare tire; if there's no spare, try using an air pump to inflate it a bit. If that's not possible, call for a tow truck or roadside assistance. Remember, safety comes first—don't lose big for small gains. Ignoring safety rules to save time is absolutely not worth it. Our cars are partners we rely on every day; protecting them means protecting ourselves.
