Is It Harmful to Leave a Car with a Flat Tire Overnight?
2 Answers
Leaving a car with a flat tire overnight will not cause harm. As long as the vehicle is not moved, a flat tire will not damage the wheel rims. Every car's suspension is designed to handle a certain amount of drop, and the thickness of the tire will prevent damage to the suspension. It is best to call a professional tire service to help replace the tire and inspect it. The following are relevant details: 1. Check Tire Pressure: First, determine the tire pressure, roughly how much it is. Whether it is completely flat or just slowly losing air. Cars with built-in electronic devices can directly measure tire pressure. The simplest method is to step on the tire with your foot. If there is some give, it means you can still drive a short distance to the repair shop. Note that the speed should not be too high, not exceeding 60 kilometers per hour, and avoid sudden braking. It is best to drive slowly along the far right side of the road to the repair shop. 2. Replace the Spare Tire: If stepping on the tire yields no response and it remains completely flat, and the situation is severe, then you should not continue driving. You need to replace it with the spare tire. The trunk of the car contains the necessary tools, including a jack and the required wrench to remove the bolts. The location of the spare tire varies by car model but is generally easy to find, usually under the trunk or in a more visible spot. After replacing the spare tire, go to the repair shop as soon as possible to replace it with a normal tire.
I usually pay close attention to the condition of my tires when driving. If a tire goes flat and is left overnight, the damage can be quite severe. The full weight of the car presses down on the flat tire, which can easily deform the sidewall. Over time, the internal structure may even fracture. Once deformed, even after refilling with air, the tire may become unbalanced, causing severe vibrations while driving. The wheel rim could also get damaged, especially if parked on uneven ground. This can increase repair costs, as replacing a new tire or fixing the rim can be expensive. I believe that if a leak is detected, it should be addressed immediately—either by patching the tire or using a spare. Avoiding curbs when parking can also minimize damage. Developing a habit of checking tire pressure monthly with a simple pressure gauge can prevent long-term parking risks. In short, don’t delay—safety and cost-efficiency both matter!
