A flat car tire is an irritating moment because you are stuck on a long roadside between so many cars with your spare tire. What if a driver doesn’t have a spare tire or doesn’t know how to fix a flat tire?
In such circumstances, we lead and ask our brains can you drive on a flat tire? It is completely unfair to drive on a flat tire without understanding the risks ahead..
This reading is all about the danger, safety and experience that you will get by driving on a flat tire. It also includes that what do to if such situation occurs and the way to handle it.
So, if you find this helpful, read ahead till the last word. Let’s get start to discuss;
Is it safe to drive on a flat tire?
Driving with a flat tire not only put your life in danger but also damages the structure of tire and car’s body. it sometimes also lead to serious road accidents.
Moreover, driving with a flat tire poorly effect on the driving performance and vehicle’s handling. It includes poor handling, alignment, wheel and steering system as well.
So, it is completely a danger to drive on a flat tire but you can drive for a short distance like to the nearest mechanic shop. Run flat tires are designed to be driven with no air pressure for about 50 miles that is enough to reach the manufacturer garage.
What are the dangers of driving on a flat tire?
Driving on a flat tire is filled with dangers. But what exactly are these risks? Let’s break them down and highlight them.
- Loss of vehicle control
A flat tire directly impacts driving performance. When a tire loses its air, it can no longer adjust and balance the vehicle’s weight. Hence, the driver loses most of his control over braking, acceleration, and steering.
- Damage to the Wheel and Suspension:
A flat tire doesn’t reduces the tire air pressure but it also harm the wheel and effect negative on the suspension system. When your flat tire scrap against the road, then it will surely damage the rim of your tire that is a big loss when it is irreparable. Moreover, the increased strain on suspension is also charge too much amount to repair the down the line.
- Risks of Blowout:
If you go on a long drive having a flat tire then there are increased risks of tire blowout. A tire blowout especially when you are driving may lead to a serious accident and injuries.
- Fuel Inefficiency:
Flat tire driving increase the rolling resistance that make your car engine harder. Hence it will consume more fuel and make the engine harder too work. In this way, you not only have to pay more fuel expensive but also lost efficient performance of your car.
What do you do if you get a flat tire?
After realizing that you get a flat tire, never overspeed your driving. Instead, follow these described points to prevent any danger. Have a look;
- Pull over safely
If you have a flat tire during your drive then first and foremost thing that you have to do is decrease the speed of a car. It doesn’t mean that you have to stop your car in middle of the road where other drivers may get in trouble.
- Turn on the Hazard Light
If you face a flat tire in night time then turn on the hazards light of your car. This is because to alarm other drivers about the danger when the visibility condition is low and you are standing on the road side.
- Assess the Situation
After parking your car safely on road side, inspect and find the tire damage. If the tire is completely flat then call someone for help as it is not safe to drive with damaged vehicle.
How do you fix a flat tire by yourself?
We understand that standing on a busy road with flat tire is so stressing. In this regard, we found some basic steps to fix your flat tires temporary. Just follow the provided detail and fix your tire for the time.
- Find the damage
You first have to inspect the damage. Inspect the leak with the help of some sharp objects.
- Jack the car up
After inspecting the damage, you have to use a wrench and loosen all the tight nuts. Then use a car jack and raise your car up. This will help you to work on a flat tire more efficiently.
- Clean and Plug the hole
Clean the hole completely with water. Then, use a reamer to enlarge the hole for the plug. Use some kind of adhesive while doing this process. Then, quickly insert the plug and wait until it dries.
- Go to the manufacturer’s garage
Now, your temporary solution for flat tires is ready. Since you fixed the punctured tire, you don’t have to worry about driving. Feel free to drive and reach the manufacturer’s shop for a permanent solution.
How to prevent flat tires?
We understand that it is not entirely possible to stop a flat tire, but we have shared some tricks that will help you with maintenance.
- Proper Maintenance:
Check the tire pressure and make sure the level doesn’t exceed or reduce the manufacturer’s recommendations. Tires that are underinflated or overinflated are harmful to your car.
- Inspect wear and tear:
If you see signs of damage on your tires, such as bulges or cracks, then immediately replace the damaged tires; otherwise, this damage will lead to a flat tire or tire wear.
- Regular Rotation:
It is also important to rotate the tires regularly. Regular tire rotation helps to ensure even wear, which will expand the tire’s life and reduce the chances of flat wear.
- Keep extra tools ready:
Always fix an extra tire, tool kit, jack, and wrench in your vehicle. Learn the way to change tires for emergency cases.
Conclusion
Driving with a flat tire can never be safe. That is why we have shared all the details for preventing flat tires along the way, including how to fix them in an emerging situation. So focus, follow these steps, and make your driving safe.