How Far Can You Drive on a Flat Tire? (All You Need to Know)

An event like getting a flat tire is typical and happens to everybody. It happens when your car passes pointy nails on the road or any obstacles that can tear up your wheels.

So, how far can you drive on a flat tire? If you are in the event of total pressure loss, limited mobility, you can still drive a short distance of 1-3 miles to give you time to pull over at the side of the road.

Whether you have a flat tire caused by stray nails, sharp rocks, or any hazards on the road, one thing is for sure, that having a flat car is a significant inconvenience. Your last resort is to pull over on the side of the road and call for a mechanic. 

You can also do the tire change by yourself if you have the proper tools to remove and attach a new set of tires that break down.

Though driving your flat tire towards a nearby repair shop is an attractive solution, the question is, is it applicable to drive on a flat tire? Find out below if driving a flat tire is okay and what you can do during this event. 

How Far Can You Drive on a Flat Tire

How Far Can You Drive On A Flat Tire?

Yes, you can still drive on a flat tire but for pulling only at the side of the road. To be safe, after pulling over, don’t use it again until it gets fixed by a mechanic. 

Because if your car tire has lost air pressure, it will damage the tire and the rim of the tire. It can also lead you to an accident because a flat tire doesn’t have the same control as it has before. 

If you choose to drive your flat car to the shop, you need to stop and check the tire’s pressure every mile. If you can’t, you can call a tow service. 

How Far Can You Drive On A Flat Tire Without Damaging The Rim?

You can still run your flat tire without damaging the rim for one hundred meters. After that, it is the maximum length that your rim can handle.

So be careful about driving on a flat tire because it can cause more damage to its inner accessories, which may result in you spending more money on repairing it. 

How Far Can You Drive On A Flat Tire Without Damaging The Tire?

You can drive on a flat car without damaging your tire for 50 miles. More than that will tear up the tire, leading to total replacement. 

If you have a flat tire, it’s best to call for tow service than drive it by yourself to the repair shop. 

Can I Drive 1 Mile On A Flat Tire?

You can still drive generally on a flat tire for 1 mile. However, you should not drive over 50mph and no more than 50 miles because it may damage your tire more.

Can I Drive 2 Miles On A Flat Tire?

Yes, you can still drive 2 miles on a flat tire. You still have time to pull beside the road and call for help. 

Can I Drive 3 Miles On A Flat Tire?

Yes, you can still drive 3 miles after having a flat tire. However, if you have passengers at the back of your car, you need to ask them to get out, and only you, the driver, will stay in the car.

Can I Drive 4 Miles On A Flat Tire?

No, 4 miles is quite far to drive a flat tire. It will tear up the whole tire and might also damage the rim.

Can I Drive 5 Miles On A Flat Tire?

It is impossible to drive 5 miles on a flat tire without damaging the whole wheel. In addition, it will cost more money to fix, and you’ll have a headache after paying a lot of money. 

Can You Drive With A Flat Tire At All?

If possible, do not drive with a flat tire because you are just salvaging your damaged tire. Continuing to drive a flat tire, you’ll likely be damaged far more than the tire itself. 

When a tire is flat, you are not driving on the tire but its rim. This continuous grinding can bend the rims, which leads to repair or, worse, replacement.

Is It Dangerous To Drive On A Flat Tire?

Yes, it is dangerous to drive on a flat tire. Because driving on it can cause a loss of control to the whole, leading to car accidents or death. 

So, if you have one, don’t push on driving your car because if you care for your safety, it’s best to pull over immediately after your tire breaks down. 

What To Do When You Have A Flat Tire?

Suppose you notice that your car is making a grinding or groaning sound. Be alert and check the problem immediately. It’s best to pull over your car immediately at the side of the road, or you contact a tow driver or repair mechanic.

Basic Knowledge In Changing Flat Tire

If you know the primary ways to change a flat tire, you can follow the steps below:

  1. Bring out your tools and spare tire.
  2. Remove the wheel cover or the wheel hubcap from your flat tire.
  3. After that, loosen the lug nut on the flat tire and turn them counterclockwise using a lug wrench.
  4. Then, use a jack lift and remove the lug nuts.
  5. After replacing the flat tire, please put it back in place clockwise until they are tight. 

These procedures will help you get the job done with your flat tire. But, at the same time, you can continue driving. 

Summary

In summary, driving on a flat tire is a wrong decision. First, it will cause you more damage, and worse, it will cause car accidents and death. 

If this situation happens to you, be mindful of safety and do the right thing by calling for help immediately fixing the problem.

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Image credits – Canva

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My name is Hank, and I've been in the automotive industry for 27 years. I've been working in my own auto repair shop for the last 13 years, and now I want to help you here, on my blog. Let me know if you have any questions. Read more