From sharp objects like glass and nails to worn-out tires and road hazards, several different things can cause a flat tyre. If your tyre gets flat and you only want to drive a short distance to the repair shop, you might be considering driving on a flat tyre. However, the fact is that driving on flat tyres can be dangerous and cause damage to your car.
Damage
Can you drive on a flat tyre? Yes, but if you drive on a flat tire, your tire will become more damaged and need replacement. Not to mention, it can also cause rim damage and TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system) damage. If the situation worsens, your vehicle may sustain damage as the The heel, brakes, alignment, and even the suspension and steering system can be affected.
In an inflated tyre, the air and rubber absorb the shock and suspension. If you drive long distances on a flat tyre, the rim will bear road shock, which may cause the rim to break, bend or grind on the road. The tyre bead may separate from the rim, causing the rim to grind on the road and shredding the tyre. You may have to replace your rim if you keep driving on a flat tyre.
If you let your car stay parked with a flat tyre instead of getting it fixed, then the tyre will sustain more damage, which may also affect the rim. Therefore, it is better to get your tyre repaired as soon as possible.
Underinflated
When driving on a flat tyre, you need to ensure that the rim does not touch the ground or road. Not only is it dangerous but it can also cause damage to the shoulders of your tyre. The lowest tyre pressure you can drive on is 10 PSI, though, depending on how worn out your tyre is. Driving on such low PSI will reduce your braking speed and the grip of your tyres.
Driving on underinflated tyres can cause them to wobble and flex on the road, making your car more prone to losing traction as the tyre's grip becomes very weak.
Road Accidents
Driving on flat tyres can make it difficult to steer your car in the direction you want. If you cannot control your vehicle on the road due to the steering lags, it may hit another car or a tree. Driving with a flat tyre is dangerous, so make sure you avoid driving on roads with a lot of traffic or fast lanes.
What to Do Instead?
We do not recommend driving on flat tyres. However, you may want to remove yourself from the middle of the road or drive to a nearby repair shop under certain situations. In such circumstances, drive at a very slow speed for a short distance and always keep your hazard lights on. Manoeuvre your car to the side of the road and observe the damage. It is better to keep a spare tyre or patch it if you want to keep driving.