Will driving a distance with a flat tire damage the tire?

[McSara]

Driving a distance with a flat tire can indeed damage the tire. Here are the detailed explanations: 1. Impact: It is not recommended to continue driving with low tire pressure. Driving with insufficient pressure will cause excessive bending of the tire body, which generates high heat. The internal airtight layer rubber may be scorched into black spots, leading to the separation of the rubber and the tire body fabric. In more severe cases, the airtight layer rubber may melt due to the high heat, and the continuous high heat can severely damage the internal structure of the tire. If the tire continues to be driven under reduced strength, it may eventually lead to tire damage or even a blowout, posing safety hazards. 2. Tire Functions: Tires bear the weight of the car and its load, which is referred to as load-bearing capacity. They transmit the forces of driving, traction, acceleration, steering, and braking to the ground, such as driving force, traction force, braking force, and steering force. This is known as meeting the dynamic performance requirements of the car, enabling its operation. Tires also allow the car to drive smoothly, maintain stable handling, and ensure high-speed safety under various weather, road, and speed conditions, which is referred to as safety. Additionally, they cushion vibrations, reduce noise, and enhance riding comfort, known as comfort.

[MacColeman]

Last time I drove my dad's old Corolla to the supermarket, the tire pressure warning light suddenly came on halfway. At the time, I thought it was no big deal since it was only three kilometers from home, so I stubbornly drove back slowly. The next day when I went to get the tire repaired, the mechanic pointed to the inner side of the tire and showed me—the steel belts were completely shredded! He said driving on a flat tire is like stepping barefoot on a soda can; the rim of the wheel directly cuts into the rubber layer. The scariest part is that this kind of internal damage is completely invisible from the outside. You wouldn’t know until the tire suddenly blows out on the highway. I’ve learned my lesson now—whenever the tire pressure warning comes on, I pull over immediately and call for help. Replacing a tire is always cheaper than risking your life.

[VanDaniella]

A neighbor in my community learned this the hard way. He drove two kilometers to the repair shop with a nail-punctured, deflated tire, only for the mechanic to shake his head upon removal. The tire sidewall had over a dozen deep grooves chewed by the rim, exposing the nylon cords. Thinking slow driving would be fine, he didn’t realize the full vehicle weight was crushing the tire against the rim, turning it into dough kneaded by steel. This damage was irreparable—a brand-new $60 tire instantly totaled. Keep a portable inflator in your car; if you must move, adding some air can limp you to the shop and save serious cash.

[LaNicole]

After a decade in auto repair, I've witnessed too many tragic cases. There was a BMW with a run-flat tire that kept driving for ten kilometers after losing pressure. Upon disassembly, we found the sidewall rubber worn as thin as paper, and the steel belts broken into seven or eight pieces. The most unfortunate was a delivery rider who rode all day with a flat rear tire, eventually deforming the wheel rim. Remember, when a tire is flat, the gap between the rim and the ground is only about two to three centimeters—essentially using the metal rim as a tire. Don't even think about driving a short distance; moving just fifty meters could crush the tire's structure. Rather than taking the risk, it's better to call for a tow truck on the spot. Saving a hundred bucks on towing fees might lead to thousands in damages.