Can You Still Drive with a Flat Tire?
3 Answers
You should not continue driving with a flat tire; instead, slow down gradually and stop at a suitable location for repairs. Here is some relevant information: 1. Tire aging: Tires made of rubber have a limited lifespan. As they age, their elasticity and toughness significantly decrease, and the longer they are used, the higher the chance of a blowout. According to tire manufacturers, the general lifespan of a tire should be around 2 years or 60,000-80,000 kilometers. 2. Damage caused by external forces: In addition to normal rolling wear, some damage is caused by other external forces. In crowded cities, parking sometimes requires driving over curbs, and in poor road conditions in suburban areas, running over small stones can also cause localized excessive wear on tires. These are unavoidable occurrences.
Speaking of car tire blowouts, I've been driving for decades and experienced it several times. Let me tell you straight: never keep driving after a blowout. The tire goes completely flat, and all the pressure shifts to the wheel rim. Driving in this condition will instantly damage the rim and suspension system. At high speeds, the car is prone to losing control and skidding, posing extreme risks. I've seen people push their luck by driving a few hundred meters, only to face skyrocketing repair costs—thousands just to replace a deformed rim—or worse, causing a rear-end collision. You must immediately slow down, pull over, turn on your hazard lights, and find a safe spot to stop. Putting on the spare tire is the easiest solution; it's in the trunk. Just use the jack to lift the car, remove the bolts, swap the tire, and tighten everything—the tools are all there. Learning how to do this beforehand is very useful. But if you're unsure or the spare isn't an option, call roadside assistance right away—don't try to save time. Make it a habit to regularly check tire pressure and wear, like testing pressure monthly, and replace old tires promptly to prevent blowouts. Safety always comes first—nothing matters more.
As a budget-conscious person, I strongly advise against driving after a tire blowout, or you'll be pouring money down the drain. Continuing to drive on a flat tire will directly damage the wheel rim, costing hundreds or even thousands to replace, and may also harm suspension components, potentially doubling repair costs. Once, I stubbornly drove a short distance after a highway blowout, only to spend 50% more on repairs—the towing fee alone cost more than those few miles driven. Stop immediately, turn on hazard lights, and pull over—don't cut corners. Changing to the spare tire is the most economical solution; spares are usually stored under the trunk and can be installed with basic tools. If unsure, call professional roadside assistance—their fees are still cheaper than post-damage repairs. Regular tire maintenance like monthly pressure checks and early replacement of worn tires prevents sudden blowouts, saving both hassle and money.
