Can You Keep Driving with a Flat Tire?
2 Answers
You should not continue driving with a flat tire. Instead, slow down gradually and pull over to a safe location for repairs. Actions to take: Avoid slamming on the brakes. Instead, decelerate gently. A sudden flat tire at high speed can cause the vehicle to veer, and hard braking can exacerbate this, potentially leading to a rollover. While slowing down, firmly grip the steering wheel with both hands and steer in the opposite direction of the flat tire to maintain straight-line control. Pull over in a safe area as soon as possible to change to the spare tire or wait for assistance. With the vehicle's balance compromised, emergency braking may become unpredictable, increasing the risk of an accident. If you don't have a spare tire, do not attempt to drive further—call for a tow truck. Even after switching to the spare tire, avoid long-distance driving. Spare tires are not designed for extended use and are intended only for emergencies. Risks of driving with a flat tire: Safety is the primary concern, but driving on a flat can also damage the vehicle's suspension, drivetrain, and other systems. The weight of the car can deform the wheel rim and cause irreparable tire damage, necessitating replacement of both the tire and rim. Therefore, it's crucial to stop safely as soon as possible after a flat tire. If it's safe to do so, change to the spare tire. On highways, turn on hazard lights, pull over to the emergency lane, and place a warning triangle 100 meters behind the vehicle. Ensure no traffic is approaching from the left before exiting the car.
Never continue driving with a flat tire! I once had a sudden blowout on the highway—the car shook violently, and I could barely keep control of the steering wheel. That feeling of weightlessness was extremely dangerous. After a blowout, the tire completely ruptures, and the rim directly scrapes against the ground, which can scratch or even deform the wheel. The suspension system and steering mechanism may also be damaged. Forcing the car to keep moving increases the risk, especially on curves or slippery roads, where rollovers or collisions with guardrails are highly likely. At the time, I immediately stabilized the car, gently slowed down, and pulled over, turning on the hazard lights to warn other drivers. Even after putting on the spare tire, I didn’t dare to drive fast and went straight to a repair shop for inspection. A spare tire is only good for about 60 kilometers in an emergency—don’t count on using it long-term. Develop good habits: check tire pressure and wear every three months to avoid aging and blowouts. Before long trips, always check if the spare tire is in good condition; otherwise, arrange for towing services in advance. Safety comes first—taking risks on the road will only lead to greater consequences.
