how long can a car run with deflated tires

[LandonDella]

Driving on a completely flat tire is extremely dangerous and should be avoided. You should not drive more than a few hundred feet, and only at a very slow speed (under 15-20 mph), to get your vehicle to a safe stopping point. Continuing to drive on a deflated tire, especially at highway speeds, can cause catastrophic damage to the tire, wheel, and even your car's suspension in a matter of miles. The primary risk is the destruction of the tire's internal structure, which can lead to a sudden blowout and loss of vehicle control.

The exact distance you can "limp" a car on a flat depends heavily on the vehicle type, tire condition, and road surface. Modern vehicles, especially those with low-profile tires and alloy wheels, are particularly vulnerable. The weight of the car rests directly on the wheel rim, which grinds against the road, generating intense heat and friction.

Immediate Risks of Driving on a Flat Tire:

• Tire Destruction: The sidewalls are crushed and pinched between the rim and the road, shredding the internal cords and belts. The tire will be irreparably destroyed.
• Wheel Damage: The alloy or steel wheel can be bent, cracked, or gouged. Replacing a wheel is significantly more expensive than repairing a tire.
• Suspension and Brake Damage: The uneven forces can damage components like the control arms, struts, and even affect the braking system.
• Loss of Control: The vehicle will pull sharply to the side of the flat tire, making it difficult to steer, especially during braking.

The following table outlines the potential consequences based on driving distance on a fully deflated tire:

Driving Distance on a Flat Tire	Likely Consequences
0 - 200 feet	Minimal damage possible if driven under 10 mph to reach safety. Tire may still be salvageable.
1/4 mile (1320 feet)	Significant sidewall damage; tire is likely not repairable. Risk of wheel damage increases.
1 mile	Severe damage to tire and high probability of bent or cracked wheel.
2-5 miles	Almost certain destruction of the tire and wheel. Potential for suspension damage and a dangerous blowout.

Your best course of action is to stop as soon as it is safely possible and install your spare tire or call for roadside assistance. Do not attempt to drive to a repair shop on a flat.

[DeSadie]

I learned this the hard way. I had a slow leak and thought I could make it to the next exit. Big mistake. After just half a mile, the steering got super heavy and the car was dragging. By the time I stopped, the tire was shredded and the rim was scraped up. The mechanic said I ruined a perfectly good wheel. Don't push it. Stop immediately. It's not worth the cost or the risk.

[SanThomas]

Think of it like this: the air in your tire supports your car's entire weight. When it's flat, the floppy rubber sidewall and the metal wheel rim become the contact point. They aren't designed for that. You're essentially grinding away your tire and wheel against the pavement. The heat buildup alone can cause the rubber to disintegrate and lead to a blowout. Even a short distance can cause irreversible, expensive damage.

[StBrianna]

As a parent, my first thought is safety, not the car parts. A flat tire makes your vehicle unpredictable. It pulls to one side, especially when you brake, which could cause you to swerve into another lane. If the tire comes completely apart at speed, you could lose control. The only safe distance to drive on a flat is the absolute minimum needed to get completely off the road and onto the shoulder. Your safety and that of your passengers is the only priority.