Is there any damage if I drive a distance with a flat tire?
2 Answers
Continuing to drive with a flat tire will cause serious damage to both the tire and the wheel rim, and it also poses a safety hazard. Below is a detailed introduction about car tires: Overview: Car tires are one of the essential components of a vehicle, directly in contact with the road surface. Together with the car suspension, they help absorb shocks during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smooth driving. Function: They ensure excellent adhesion between the wheels and the road surface; improve the vehicle's traction, braking, and off-road capability; and bear the weight of the car. The critical role tires play in vehicles is increasingly being recognized.
Having driven for decades, I've seen too many people stubbornly driving on flat tires with disastrous outcomes. When a tire runs flat for a distance, the rubber overheats and deforms, causing the internal cord layers to snap entirely, rendering the whole tire useless and requiring replacement. The wheel rim also gets squeezed out of shape, leading to costly repairs. The suspension system faces extreme stress, potentially causing permanent damage to springs and shock absorbers, affecting handling. Safety-wise, it's a nightmare—unstable steering increases the risk of skidding or rollover. I nearly had an accident due to this in my youth, and since then, I always remind myself: if you notice a tire leak, pull over immediately, use the spare tire in the trunk or call a tow truck—never gamble by driving on. Regularly checking tire pressure and spare tire condition saves hassle and headaches.
