Can You Still Drive with a Flat Tire?
2 Answers
You should not continue driving with a flat tire. If you notice a tire is losing air, promptly pull over to the side of the road to inspect it. If the tire is leaking slowly, you can use an air pump to inflate it slightly. If you don't have tire repair tools or an air pump in the car, drive slowly to an auto repair shop for inspection. If the tire is severely deflated or has a visible puncture, you should replace it with a spare tire or call for a tow truck; continuing to drive is not advisable. Tires are one of the most critical components of a vehicle, supporting its entire weight and load, transmitting traction and braking torque, ensuring proper grip between the wheels and the road, and absorbing shocks and vibrations during driving.
I have been working in car repair for many years and have seen countless car owners continue driving with a flat tire, only to end up with deformed rims or damaged suspension systems. When a tire is flat, insufficient tire pressure causes excessive stress on the tire sidewall, especially at high speeds, which can easily lead to a blowout or loss of control. This not only increases repair costs—potentially escalating from a few hundred yuan for a tire replacement to thousands for comprehensive repairs—but also endangers safety. I recommend that if you notice abnormal tire pressure, you should pull over immediately and check: use a tire pressure gauge to measure it. If the leak is severe, replace it with a spare tire or call a tow truck. Temporarily driving to a repair shop is only suitable for minor leaks, and the speed should be kept below 50 km/h, with a distance of no more than a few kilometers. Regularly checking tire pressure is key to prevention—ideally once a month—to avoid potential leaks. Remember, safety comes first when driving; cutting corners may lead to much greater consequences.
