How Far Can You Drive with a Flat Tire?
3 Answers
Tires with small punctures can be driven for a few kilometers, while those with large punctures require pulling over to the roadside to await assistance. Below are the relevant details: 1. Run-Flat Tires: Run-flat tires are technically known as "puncture-proof tires," with the English abbreviation RSC. The inflated tire sidewall is the primary component supporting the vehicle's weight, especially for tires with a larger aspect ratio (the ratio of tire height to width), where the sidewall is particularly "thick." 2. Benefits of Run-Flat Tires: Run-flat tires can generally support the vehicle for up to 250 kilometers after a puncture. However, in cases of significant damage (e.g., a large sharp object piercing the tire) or poor road conditions, the driving distance may be reduced to just a few dozen kilometers.
Yesterday, my tire suddenly blew out while I was driving, which is no small matter. I've been driving for almost 30 years and have experienced quite a few similar situations. If you keep driving on a flat tire, it will wear out quickly, and the rim inside may even deform or crack, costing hundreds or even thousands to repair. From a safety perspective, it's the most dangerous—the car becomes unstable and prone to losing control, especially on the highway. I recommend pulling over immediately, turning on the hazard lights, setting up a warning triangle, and changing to the spare tire. If you must drive, move only a few dozen meters to a safe spot—don’t risk a long-distance drive. Regularly checking tire pressure and wear can prevent this issue, and make sure the spare tire is properly inflated for emergencies.
I learned a tough lesson about a flat tire last week. As a new driver, I panicked at first, but my driving instructor had emphasized never to drive far with a flat. Continuing to drive on a flat can completely ruin the tire, severely damage the wheel rim, and lead to expensive repairs; worse, the car may become unbalanced and risk rolling over. I cautiously drove just fifty meters to the roadside at a snail's pace and immediately called for help. From experience, the safe distance shouldn't exceed 100 meters, and speed must stay below 10 km/h. It's best not to push it—always keep warning triangles and tire-changing tools handy to save major headaches in emergencies.
