Will running flat on a tubeless tire damage it?

[LaAmir]

Short distances are acceptable, but prolonged use is not recommended as it will affect the tire's lifespan or even cause direct wear damage. The advantages and disadvantages of tubeless tires are as follows: 1. Advantages: Tubeless tires are more wear-resistant than standard pneumatic tires, offer superior dynamic balance performance, and enhance driving comfort, making them more suitable for long-distance high-speed driving over extended periods. 2. Disadvantages: The sidewalls are relatively weak with poor lateral load capacity, resulting in lower high-load performance. Some users may experience sudden air loss in tubeless tires, which could be attributed to inferior quality or damaged sidewall usage.

[Ben]

Yes, pushing a vehicle with a flat tubeless tire will definitely damage the tire. When the tire is flat, it becomes soft and limp. Pushing the vehicle puts the entire weight on the rim, which directly crushes the tire sidewall. At best, it causes bulges, and at worst, it tears and renders the tire useless. Once, I was in a hurry and pushed my car about ten meters with a flat tubeless tire, and the inner side of the tire was completely folded, forcing me to replace it—wasting 800 yuan for nothing. I also nearly damaged the suspension system, which would have been even more expensive to repair if it had been deformed. The safest approach is to pull over immediately, don’t move the car, and call for roadside assistance or use a temporary inflator. Regularly checking tire pressure is a basic practice; doing it weekly can help avoid this hassle. Tires aren’t made of iron—don’t let them bear the weight unnecessarily. Saving on towing fees might end up costing you a fortune in repairs.

[TannerLee]

Pushing a tubeless tire without air can easily cause damage. When there's no air pressure, the tire deforms severely, and the external force from pushing can cause the sidewalls to wrinkle or even break. The rim may also crush the tire bead seal, rendering the tire useless. I've seen many cases where a short push might seem fine, but the chances of damage are high. Regularly monitor tire pressure and address low-pressure warnings immediately. If you find a flat tire, don't push the car—park it in a safe spot and either use the spare tire or find a nearby inflation point. Once a tire is damaged, replacing it can cost anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand, making it safer to pay for a tow truck. Developing good driving habits, like checking tire pressure monthly, can help avoid these unexpected losses.

[KaiAnn]

Driving on a flat run-flat tire usually causes tire damage. When the tire is deflated, it lacks support, leading to uneven force distribution when pushing the car. The tire sidewall may deform, bulge, and even tear or detach, while the wheel rim could also get scratched. I remember once when my tire was leaking, pushing it for less than five meters caused wrinkles, and replacing the tire cost me 600 yuan. It's advised not to push the car—instead, park safely, turn on the hazard lights, and contact your insurance company for a free tow. Regularly check tire pressure to prevent such incidents.