You’re driving and get a flat tire. There goes your day out the window. What do you do?
Now you have a challenge. You look for the spare tire, but it’s not there. You feel the temptation to drive the car to a mechanic to get a new tire.
In an emergency, you might have to resort to this, but it’s not a good idea to continue driving on a flat tire.
The consequences of driving on a flat are mind-blowing. Read this article to learn why you shouldn’t drive in this condition.
How Long Does a Tire Last
Tires don’t last forever. This is something you must be aware of as you must replace your tires once it’s time.
Take time to inspect the tires. Look for nails that might have gone through the rubber. A nail can slowly deflate a tire causing it to go flat.
Don’t wait until the tires show wear or damage. As a general rule, you should replace your tires after 50,000 miles. Most experts recommend replacing tires every 6-10 years.
You must practice tire maintenance. Doing so will help reduce the likelihood of getting a flat tire. It can save you from getting a major headache down the road.
Driving on a Flat Tire Is Bad for the Car
Driving on a flat tire can cause damage to more than just the tire. If your tire has severe damage, it’ll likely be gone. This will leave you with a rim.
You shouldn’t drive on the rim. Doing so can cause damage to the rim. It can grind or bend the rim.
If you damage the rim, you’ll have to repair it. That’s if you’re lucky enough to salvage it. There’s a big chance, you’ll have to replace it.
A degraded tire can start to break apart as you drive. This can cause the tire to flail around in the tire well. It can damage the fenders and wheels.
Driving on a flat tire can do more than damage rims. It can damage other parts of the car.
A flat tire can mess with the car’s balance. It can bend and pull the alignment out of its place. It can also damage the rotor, suspension, and the brake lines.
Even if you have a minor puncture, it’s not a good idea to drive your car with a flat tire. There’s always the risk of damaging the sidewalls. This can cause the initial puncture to expand, leaving you with a bigger problem.
The cost of the repairs you’ll have to make if any of this damage occurs isn’t worth driving on a flat. Prevent this type of damage to your car.
Risking Your Safety and the Safety of Others on the Road
You can risk more than damaging your car by driving on a flat. Driving under this condition can increase your risk of getting in a serious accident.
The damage a car can get from a flat tire can affect how it drives. Remember, it can damage the brakes and suspension. This can cause a car to behave unexpectedly as there isn’t proper traction.
This might cause you to lose control of the car. It can result in a crash. You might suffer an injury, or even die.
The outcome can be worse if you decide to drive like this during bad weather. Rain or snow can cause you to easily sway. A car that shifts from side to side is hard to control.
If you choose to drive on a flat tire, you put the lives of others at risk. Losing control of the car can cause you to get into an accident. Other drivers might not have the time to react to move out of the way.
It’s a mistake to drive on a flat tire. It’s common for people to drive slowly when they have a flat. They believe it can reduce damage.
This is wrong. A driver who’s speeding or isn’t paying attention can crash into the car. It’s a car accident waiting to happen.
What You Should Do If You Get a Flat Tire
Now you know that driving on a flat tire can cause a lot of issues. So you might be asking, “What do I do if I get a flat tire?”
The first thing you should do is to pull over to a safe point. Your best bet is to pull over to the side of the road and out of the way of traffic. Make sure to turn on the hazard warning lights.
If you’re a DIY person and have the right tools, change the flat tire. Chances are your car will not have a spare tire.
In this case, you must get new car tires. The best thing to do is call for help.
A car tire repair service will have the tire you need. They will replace the tire for you. It will be a hassle-free service.
Don’t Drive on a Flat Tire
Getting a flat tire is a driver’s worst nightmare. If you ever find yourself in this situation, there’s one thing you should never do. Don’t drive on a flat tire.
Driving with a tire can lead to damage. It can also lead to a disaster. To avoid issues, change your tire for a new one. Contact us to learn how we can help you get a new tire for your car.
