What to Do When You Have a Flat Tire

Written by Staff Writer

If you hear a sudden thumping sound from one of your wheels while driving, you may think you can make it a few more miles to the next repair shop. However, doing so may cause expensive, irreversible damage to your car and endanger you and others on the road.

In this article, we will explore what exactly happens when you drive on a flat, how to prevent one and what steps you should take if you suspect damage.

Can I Drive with a Flat Tire?

The answer depends on the degree of damage and where you are. If your car is already parked, keep it that way. Avoid traveling until the tire is repaired. If you are still on the road, you should drive the shortest possible distance, ideally just enough to reach a safe location. Aim to go no further than a few hundred yards to about half a mile.

Even a quick, low-speed trip can be dangerous. You might damage your car, lose control and crash, If your tire is badly damaged or entirely deflated, you should only consider moving as a last resort in an emergency.

What Happens When You Drive Further

A flat cannot properly support a vehicle’s weight. As air pressure drops, the sidewall flexes more than designed, the tire loses its shape and handling gets worse.

Here are some of the reasons you should avoid driving on one:

• You lose control and braking performance. A flat severely affects your vehicle’s handling. Steering may pull hard to the left or the right, the car might feel unstable in corners and stopping distances can increase. That loss of control greatly increases the likelihood of causing a crash.
• You can destroy the tire from the inside. Internal components can break down and distort beyond repair. Even if the puncture looks small, the damage inside can require a full tire replacement.
• You can damage the wheel rim. Without an intact tire, the wheel itself may touch the road. The structure of the wheel isn’t meant to bear the crushing weight of a car directly. That contact can gouge or even bend the rim and create a permanent vibration that cannot be repaired.
• You can trigger expensive secondary problems. Wheel issues can strain your suspension and braking system. That strain can contribute to misalignment, uneven tread wear and added stress on related components.

The bottom line is: If you suspect an issue, avoid traveling further if you can. Continuing to drive endangers your car, your safety and other drivers.

Legal and Insurance Risks

Beyond the safety risks, there are also possible legal and insurance consequences to consider. Knowingly driving a vehicle in an unsafe condition can be considered reckless and may result in traffic citations or points on your license.

Insurance companies may deny claims for accidents that occur while driving on a flat, especially if they view it as negligence.

What to Do If You Suspect a Flat

When you hear thumping, experience a sudden steering change or see a tire pressure warning light, you must act right away.

1. Slow down gently. Ease off the gas, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and avoid sharp or sudden turns.
2. Pull over to a safe location. Choose a wide shoulder, a nearby parking lot or another safe place away from traffic.
3. Turn on hazard lights. Hazard lights make you easier to see and help alert other drivers to be cautious.
4. Visually inspect for issues. Look for punctures, tears, bulges, cracks or any embedded debris like nails or sharp objects.

If you hear metal-on-road sounds or see the wheel rim touching the ground, treat it as a vehicle emergency.

After You Stop

Once you reach a safe place, take action to protect your safety and your vehicle.

Option 1: Install Your Spare

If you have a spare tire, a jack and the proper tools, you can replace the flat on your own. Work on a level, stable surface that keeps you away from traffic. If you do not feel confident or safe, call roadside assistance.

Many vehicle manufacturers include a smaller donut spare instead of a full-size replacement. Use it only temporarily for short distances, usually no more than 50 to 70 miles, and keep speeds under 50 mph. Once it is on, drive gently, avoid hard braking and head straight to a repair shop.

Option 2: Use Run-Flat Tires (if Your Vehicle Has Them)

Run-flat tires have reinforced sidewalls and heat-resistant rubber that can support a vehicle for a limited distance after losing air pressure.

If you already have these installed on your car, you should still reduce speed and drive only as far as needed to reach a repair shop. Your owner’s manual may list exact distance and speed limits.

Option 3: Call Roadside Assistance or a Tow Truck

If you lack the tools, the spare is missing, the wheel looks damaged or you feel unsafe on the shoulder, call roadside assistance. A short tow usually costs less than repairing damage caused by driving on a damaged wheel.

Repair vs. Replacement

A repair shop may repair a puncture in the tread area if the damage is minor and the internal structure is still intact. A tire with a damaged sidewall must be replaced entirely.

If you drive too far on a compromised tire, the materials may be damaged beyond repair, even if you later inflate it. In that case, plan on a full replacement.

How to Prevent Flat Tires

You cannot avoid every puncture, but you can reduce your odds with a few preventive measures:

• Check tire pressure regularly. Low pressure makes tires run hotter and wear faster, while ideal pressure improves fuel efficiency and handling. Check the sticker on the inside of your driver’s door to find out how many pounds per square inch (PSI) to which your tires should be inflated.
• Visually inspect before driving. Look for uneven tread wear, cracks, bulges and embedded debris like nails and screws. Catching and repairing these early can prevent further damage and blowouts.
• Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Regular rotation helps prevent uneven wear and extends their lifespan. It also helps you spot problems before they become catastrophic. Many drivers have this done at every oil change.
• Don’t overload your vehicle. You can find your tires’ maximum load rating on the sidewall. Exceeding this weight limit with heavy loads can strain your tires and cause a blowout.
• Avoid road hazards when you can. Keep an eye out for potholes and debris in the road. Use extra caution in construction zones.

Keeping up with routine maintenance of your vehicle and driving defensively can go a long way toward preventing a catastrophic tire failure while driving.

Utilize Vehicle Maintenance and Defensive Driving Skills

When you get a flat, your goal is simple: get somewhere safe and stop driving. The longer you keep moving, the more likely you are to cause further harm. Once you’re off the road, use your spare if you can or call for assistance, then let a repair shop determine whether you should repair or replace.

To stay ahead of tire trouble, enroll in SafeMotorist’s online Basic Vehicle Maintenance course to learn how to handle routine upkeep, including how to change a tire. If you want to further develop your skills to avoid hazards and respond safely when something feels off, check out SafeMotorist’s defensive driving courses.