Is there any damage if driving a distance with a flat tire?
3 Answers
Tire pressure is crucial for tires, and both excessive and insufficient pressure can shorten the tire's lifespan. Insufficient pressure increases tire body deformation, leading to cracks on the tire side, flexing movements, excessive heat generation, rubber aging, fatigue in the cord ply, and cord breakage. It also enlarges the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating shoulder wear. Excessive pressure overextends the tire cords, reduces the tire body's elasticity, increases the load on the car while driving, and may cause internal cracks or bursts upon impact. Additionally, high pressure accelerates tread wear and reduces resistance to rolling.
I've been driving for decades. Once, my rear tire inexplicably went flat, and I stubbornly drove about ten kilometers to work. When I arrived, I found the rim was crushed out of shape, and the tire sidewall was scraped and torn—completely ruined. The mechanic said this kind of thing happens all the time, especially on paved roads. If you're driving slowly, it's not as bad, but if you hit potholes or curbs, the tire's internal cords can break even faster, and fixing a bent rim is ridiculously expensive. What's worse, driving on it for too long can even damage the suspension system, making the car prone to losing control over bumps—a major safety hazard. So if your tire goes flat, don't take it lightly. Pull over immediately, change to the spare, or call for help to avoid regret. Nowadays, I make it a habit to check my tire pressure every month—it saves money and peace of mind.
Oh, I learned my lesson the hard way. Once I didn't notice a slow tire leak, and as I kept driving, the car started bumping around. At first, I thought it was just uneven road, so I stubbornly drove all the way to the mall—only to find the tire completely flat and the rim dented. Driving on a flat tire is like dragging a heavy iron ring; the sidewall rubs and overheats, the internal structure breaks down quickly, and you might even end up needing major wheel hub repairs. You might manage for a short distance, but beyond a few kilometers, the risks skyrocket, potentially damaging the suspension system. The repair costs could end up way higher than a new tire. Now I've wised up—I check tire pressure before heading out and keep a portable air pump in the car for emergencies. If this happens to you, my advice is to pull over immediately—don't push your luck.
