Instructions for driving a car short distance when the tire is flat

A car suddenly gets a flat tire on the road and there is no place to replace a tire nearby. What should the driver do? Here are some tips on how to drive with a flat tire until you find the nearest repair shop.

Have you ever had a flat tire and there was nowhere to pull over and change it? What would you do? Fortunately, you can still drive a short distance before you can’t go any further. While driving with a flat tire is generally not recommended because it can damage your wheel, there are times when it is unavoidable.

According to experienced car driving experts, it is important to go slowly, try to drive on a flat road and come to a complete stop somewhere safe as soon as possible.

Part 1: Driving a car with a flat tire

1. Drive slowly

Do not attempt to go faster than 15-20 mph (24-32 km/h) on a flat tire. Going too fast can cause permanent damage to the tire and can cause you to lose control of the vehicle. Gently press the accelerator and drive slowly until you find a suitable place to change the tire.

• Driving at high speeds will only damage your wheels more quickly because high speeds can subject your wheels to greater forces without the tires protecting them from bumps or road debris.

• If you are going downhill, let the car roll down gently by inertia with one foot ready to brake.

2. Drive on flat roads

Avoid potholes, slippery slopes, and rough, cracked roads. Poor road surfaces can damage rims, causing them to warp or become misaligned. Be wary of wet or sandy terrain, which can cause your vehicle to slide, sink, or get stuck. Asphalt roads, parking lots, and highways are the best options for a flat tire.

3. Going straight is best

Avoid taking winding, twisty roads when looking for a tire change. Instead, go slow, straight, and turn gently. Remember to look for the most straight path to take.

• Keeping the wheels running evenly can help counteract wheel drag, but don't overdo it if it hinders your steering ability.

• Fast and sharp turns can put stress on the rims.

4. Pull over to a safe place

When possible, get off the main road and head for a less busy area. Make sure the car comes to a complete stop, apply the handbrake and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that you are having trouble.

• Pull over to a level surface in case your vehicle will need a jack.

• Do not get out of your vehicle if you are unsure about traffic conditions.

5. Do not drive a car with a flat tire too far.

Never drive more than a few hundred miles with a flat tire, even if it’s not completely flat. You may have to drive further to get to a replacement, but at least you’ll be away from the dangers of the road. Remember to slow down and pull over to a safe place as soon as possible.

• You can change a tire almost anywhere, so don't try to find a separate parking space for your car.

• Ensure your safety before worrying about car repairs.

Part 2. Solving a flat car tire

1. Go to a gas station

If you see a gas station and are lucky enough not to have a flat tire, you can drive carefully to the gas station and have your tire inflated. Gas stations usually have some basic car repair supplies, such as patch kits, on hand. Gas stations are one of the few places you can turn if you have a flat tire.

• Do not attempt to reach the gas station if the distance to the gas station is too far, instead, pull over to a safe place.

• In some places, gas station employees are trained to change flat tires.

2. Keep the spare tire in the car

Most modern cars come with a spare tire either in the back or in a separate compartment. If yours is one of these, you’re in luck. Just replace the flat tire with the spare and then head straight to the garage for the final repair.

• If you do not know how to change a tire, call the advice center or follow the instruction manual.

• The spare tire is designed to help you drive for a maximum distance of 80 km and a maximum speed of 88 km/h.

3. Call a tow truck

If you can’t get to a repair shop or change the tire yourself, you have no choice but to call a tow truck. The tow truck service will come and take your car to the nearest repair facility, helping to resolve the problem quickly. In some locations, the service staff can even patch the flat tire on the spot.

• You will usually have to wait 45 minutes to 1 hour for the tow truck to arrive. That's probably not much longer than it would take you to change the tire yourself.

• When traveling, remember to charge your phone in case you need to call for service in an emergency.

4. Invest in a set of run-flat tires

Run-flat tires are specially designed to ensure safe driving even after a flat tire. The tire acts as a cushion for the wheel, reducing the stress of having to find a safe place to stop.

Whether you don’t have the automotive experience to change a tire or you just don’t like it, run-flat tires can save you a lot of hassle. Some run-flat tires can allow you to drive up to 100 miles at low speeds before the tire goes flat.

Tips

• Always be on the lookout for any objects or obstacles on the road that could puncture a tire.

• If your vehicle does not come with a spare tire, consider purchasing one and finding a place to store it in your vehicle.

• Emergency lights and reflectors can help other drivers see you if you are forced to pull over at night.

• Tires with small punctures (usually caused by nails or screws) can be patched at an auto repair shop. This will save you a lot of money compared to replacing a new tire.

• Follow the instructions exactly if multiple tires are punctured, but be especially careful when going downhill, steering or stopping.

Warning

• If you accidentally damage the wheel rim, there is a high chance that you will have to replace the wheel completely.

• Over-inflated tires can suddenly burst.

Essential equipment in a car:

• Spare tire

• Car lift and tire changing kit

• Reflective lights

• Tire pressure gauge

• Phone fully charged

According to VNN