Can You Drive to the Repair Shop with a Flat Tire?
3 Answers
No, doing so can cause significant damage to both the tire and the wheel rim. Below is relevant information: Tire Introduction: A tire is a circular, elastic rubber product mounted on various vehicles or machinery to roll on the ground. Typically installed on metal rims, it supports the vehicle body, absorbs external shocks, ensures contact with the road surface, and maintains driving performance. Tires often operate under complex and demanding conditions, enduring various deformations, loads, forces, and extreme temperatures during use. Therefore, they must possess high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and shock absorption. Additionally, they need excellent wear resistance, flexibility, and low rolling resistance with minimal heat generation. Automotive Tire Precautions: Regularly inspect tires for abnormal wear and check if the tread depth is consistent on both sides. Tires have wear limit indicators; replacement is mandatory once wear reaches these marks. Promptly remove small stones or other debris from tire treads, as they can cause noise while driving and may dislodge and fly out when the wheel rotates. Early detection of issues like bulges, cracks, or deteriorated valve rubber is crucial. Pay special attention to tread and edge wear, which may result from improper alignment or incorrect tire pressure.
Driving with a flat tire? Absolutely not! I once saw a friend whose tire was completely flat, but he insisted on driving two kilometers to the repair shop. Halfway there, the wheel rim got deformed. Not only did he end up paying 500 for the tow truck, but replacing the rim cost him over 2,000. The mechanic told me that when a tire is flat, the rim presses directly against the ground, cutting through it like a knife through tofu—just a few hundred meters is enough to ruin both the rim and the inner wall of the tire. Now, I always carry a portable air pump and emergency tire sealant in my car. If I notice a leak, I use the pump to inflate it temporarily. If that doesn’t work, I call a tow truck right away—why not use the free roadside assistance provided by the insurance company? Safety first, after all—wheel rims are way more expensive than a tow truck.
Last week, my car's front right tire had a slow leak, and I was only three kilometers away from the repair shop. I thought about just driving it there, but the mechanic on the phone immediately scolded me: driving with low pressure not only damages the rims, but more dangerously, it can cause loss of steering control! Without proper tire support, the steering can suddenly veer off. Especially on rainy highways, you could flip the car in no time. I've learned my lesson now—I always keep a portable air pump in the trunk. If the tire pressure drops to 2.0, I just top it up a bit to barely make it to the repair shop. If the tire goes completely flat, it's better to just call for roadside assistance. By the way, some tires are labeled 'RUN ON FLAT,' meaning they're run-flat tires that can be driven slowly for up to 80 kilometers when flat, but regular tires can't do that.
