How many kilometers can you drive with a flat tire?
2 Answers
Tires cannot be driven when flat. Here are the handling methods when a car has a flat tire: 1. First, pull over to the side of the road and identify the cause of the flat tire, checking for air leaks such as punctures, cuts, aging or cracking of the tire valve rubber. Continuing to drive with insufficient tire pressure will damage the tire, cause wheel rim deformation, and make driving unsafe with difficult steering control. 2. If only one tire is flat, you can choose to replace it with the spare tire and then go to a repair shop for fixing. 3. If you have tire repair fluid in the car, you can use it to fix the tire. The tire repair fluid is stored in a compressed air canister. When used, it is injected into the tire through the valve, simultaneously filling the tire with air while injecting the liquid. 4. If there is no spare tire, the best solution is to call for roadside assistance to tow the car away or request mobile tire repair services.
When a tire is flat, I strongly advise against driving any distance as it's extremely risky. I remember once when my tire was leaking, I stubbornly drove a few hundred meters and the tire was completely ruined, with the rim also deformed, costing me thousands in repairs. A flat tire means the sidewall directly rubs against the ground, and the friction-generated heat can lead to a blowout, especially at high speeds where the car can easily lose control. Damaged rims may also cause suspension issues, increasing repair costs. Safety comes first—if you notice a flat tire, pull over immediately and turn on your hazard lights. Check if the spare tire is usable; if you don't know how to change it or lack the tools, use your phone to call for roadside assistance or a tow truck. Develop a habit of checking tire pressure monthly and using a tire pressure monitoring system to avoid such troubles. Don't take risks to save time—life is far more important than convenience.
