Can You Keep Driving with a Flat Tire?

[MacCorbin]

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.

[Eugene]

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.

[VonMila]

Never attempt to drive on a flat tire. As a car owner, I learned this the hard way: after driving just 100-200 meters with a deflated tire, the rim got deformed, costing me hundreds in repairs. A flat tire causes severe imbalance, affecting braking and steering, making loss of control likely with the slightest lapse in attention. My advice is to gently brake and pull over safely with hazard lights on. If you have a spare, ensure you're on flat, safe ground before changing it; otherwise, call for assistance—don't risk it in heavy rain or on highways. A spare is only for short trips to a repair shop at speeds below 60 km/h. Also, regular tire replacement prevents blowouts—typically every 50,000 km or five years. Don't cut corners on safety; it should always come first.

[DelDakota]

I understand the anxiety when a tire blows out. Last time on a small road, if I had forced it to drive, the steering would have been completely out of control. After a blowout, the rim directly contacts the ground, quickly wearing out the wheel and suspension system. The safest approach is to immediately slow down and pull over, turning on the hazard lights. Check if the spare tire is usable, and ensure the car is turned off and in gear when changing the tire. If there's no spare, contact insurance for roadside assistance or call a taxi. Develop the habit of regular tire inspections: check tire pressure and wear monthly to avoid blowouts at high speeds. Don't take risks just to save trouble.