Can You Still Drive with a Flat Tire?
2 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.
