Can You Still Drive with a Punctured Tire?
4 Answers
It is not recommended to continue driving with a punctured tire. Here are the reasons why you should not continue driving after a tire puncture: 1. Once you notice that the tire is punctured and losing air, you should immediately pull over to the roadside and contact relevant personnel. Otherwise, it may lead to the tire being completely ruined. 2. If the tire is punctured but not losing air, do not remove the foreign object by yourself, as doing so may cause air leakage. You can drive slowly to a repair location. 3. If you find that the tire is losing air severely, do not force yourself to drive. Not only is it bad for the tire, but it also poses a driving hazard. 4. The tires are one of the most important parts of a car. In daily life, regular inspections are necessary. Check for side bulges and scratches, front punctures and scratches, and also observe the tire's wear condition, checking for uneven wear, etc. Before each drive, it's advisable to check if all four tires are properly inflated.
I've experienced tire punctures several times myself, and honestly, it's quite frightening. You absolutely mustn't drive fast recklessly, especially on highways where blowouts are more likely—that's extremely dangerous, as a sudden blowout can cause immediate loss of control. I recommend pulling over immediately to check how severe the leak is—press the tire with your finger; if it feels soft and deflated, it's definitely no good. If it's just a small puncture, you might be able to drive slowly for a short distance, keeping the speed under 20 km/h, aiming to reach the nearest repair shop before stopping. Remember to always check road conditions before driving to avoid potholes and debris, which can help prevent punctures. Additionally, keeping a spare tire and a tool kit in your car is crucial—it can be a lifesaver in critical moments. Safety first—don't risk your life to save trouble, and call for roadside assistance promptly when needed.
During my novice driving period, my car also had a punctured tire, and I was panicking at the time. Fortunately, a friend gave me some guidance: if the puncture isn't deep, you can barely drive, but you must be extremely careful—only move at low speeds in the city, such as driving a few hundred meters to the nearest auto repair shop. Keep the speed strictly between 15 to 20 km/h, no faster, otherwise the pressure could be too high and risk a blowout. I tried it myself—you really can't push it too hard, as damaging the tire sidewall would be even worse. After parking, first turn on the hazard lights, ensure safety, and then check the tire. For prevention, develop a habit of regularly checking tire pressure. Buying a digital pressure gauge makes it much easier—address issues early to avoid accidents. In short, play it safe and avoid reckless long-distance driving.
From an experienced driver's perspective, where the tire is punctured matters. For small holes with slow leaks, I use a portable air pump to inflate it fully and slowly drive home for repair when I have time—but never take it on the highway, as high speeds will definitely cause issues. Keep your tools well-equipped for roadside emergencies. Always watch the road while driving and avoid gravel areas whenever possible.
