How Long Can You Drive with a Completely Flat Tire?
2 Answers
It is strongly advised not to continue driving with a flat tire, even for short distances. A flat tire indicates very low tire pressure, and continuing to drive under such conditions will increase fuel consumption. Moreover, driving on a flat tire can cause the rim to come into contact with the ground, shortening the tire's lifespan and potentially deforming the rim. Additionally, it may lead to vehicle misalignment. Functions of Tires: Support the entire weight of the vehicle and bear the load; transmit traction and braking torque to ensure adhesion between the wheels and the road; reduce and absorb vibrations and impacts during driving, preventing severe shocks and premature damage to vehicle components; adapt to high-speed performance; reduce driving noise. Car Tire Maintenance Methods: Develop a habit of regularly checking tire pressure: Tire pressure is crucial for extending tire life. Low pressure increases tire deformation, leading to sidewall cracks, excessive heat generation, rubber aging, and fatigue or breakage of the cord layers. Inspect tire wear: Perform regular tire rotation to ensure even wear across all four tires and prevent excessive wear. Replace tires promptly when wear becomes severe. Regularly remove foreign objects from tires: While driving, small stones often get lodged in the tire treads. If not removed promptly, these stones can puncture the tire over time, causing leaks or blowouts. Adopt scientifically sound driving habits: When driving on roads with significant curvature, try to stay centered to avoid or reduce vehicle weight shift, which can cause uneven tire wear due to increased load on one side. Maintain proper wheel alignment: Front-wheel alignment significantly impacts tire lifespan, with toe-in and camber being the primary factors. Excessive camber accelerates shoulder wear (uneven wear), while improper toe-in mainly accelerates wear on the inner and outer edges of the tire.
As someone who frequently commutes by car, I've always considered a flat tire an emergency situation. If a tire is completely flat, pull over immediately—continuing to drive is extremely dangerous. The rim will directly rub against the road surface, potentially damaging both the rim and the tire within a short time, leading to vehicle wobbling or even a blowout. I once saw a friend drive a few hundred meters at low speed in this condition to reach a parking lot, only to end up with a severely dented rim and thousands in repair costs. The general recommendation is to avoid driving at all, but if absolutely necessary, move a few dozen meters at speeds below 10 km/h on flat ground—for example, to reach a safer spot to change to the spare tire. Never attempt uphill or highway driving—the risks are far too high. Safety comes first: pull over right away, turn on your hazard lights, check the tire pressure gauge or call for help using your phone, and make sure you're proficient in spare tire procedures to be prepared for such situations.
