Date Posted: Jun 26, 2025
Can You Drive on a Flat Tire?
The short and simple answer is: no, driving on a flat tire is dangerous for you and damaging to your vehicle. Doing so can lead to unnecessary wear and tear—not only to your tire but also to your wheel, suspension, and other critical components of your vehicle.
Here's What Makes Driving on a Flat Tire so Risky:
Tire Damage: Flat tires can quickly become irreparable due to increased contact between the wheel rim and the road. This can make a simple repair nearly impossible, forcing you to replace your tire entirely.
Rim Damage: Driving on a flat tire transfers all the road pressure to your wheel’s rim, which can cause bending or cracking. A flat tire may lead to your rims requiring repairs or even replacement.
Vehicle Safety Risks: A flat tire affects your car’s handling and braking capabilities, putting you and other drivers on the road at risk.
Alignment Issues: Driving on a flat can lead to misalignment, which impacts the overall safety and drivability of your car.
If you experience a flat, it’s advised you safely pull over to a safe location as soon as possible and get help from a professional.
Driving on a Flat Tire in Emergencies
While it’s not recommended to drive on a flat tire, there are rare situations where you may have no other option—for example, when you’re in an unsafe location and need to move your vehicle somewhere safer.
If you must drive, try to follow these tips to minimize damage:
- Take it slow and avoid going over 15-20 mph.
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Stick to a short distance, such as moving off an active road to a nearby parking lot or shoulder.
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Avoid potholes and rough terrain to reduce strain on your wheel and other important components on your vehicle.
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Once you’ve reached a safe spot, call professionals for assistance. FR Tire King’s skilled technicians can inspect your flat tire and determine whether it can be repaired or needs replacement.
Preventing Flat Tires
While flats are sometimes unavoidable, regular tire maintenance can significantly reduce your risk. Our professionals at FR Tire King recommend:
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Regularly checking your tire pressure to ensure it meets manufacturer specifications.
- Inspecting your tires for visible damage, such as bulges or cracks.
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Rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to ensure even wear.
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If you’re unsure about your tires’ condition, we offer free tire inspections at our Dallas, TX, location—helping you stay safe on the road.
Consider Run Flat Tires
Run-flat tires are a game-changer for drivers, offering added peace of mind during an unexpected flat or tire damage. These tires are specially engineered to maintain functionality for a limited distance even after losing air pressure, allowing you to drive to safety without needing an immediate roadside repair.
Trust FR Tire King for Expert Tire Services
When a flat happens, avoid unnecessary risks by driving on it. Turn to the experts at FR Tire King instead. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for tire repair, replacement, or maintenance. Our team is here to keep you safe and ensure your vehicle’s performance remains top-notch.
