There's nothing worse than experiencing a major blowout while driving — especially in inclement weather. Although flat tyres can't always be prevented, staying ahead of general tyre wear can save you from some pretty costly repairs. Before you limp your vehicle down the road to the nearest service center, learn how driving on a flat can negatively affect your car and what you should do if this happens to you.
WHAT CAUSES FLAT TYRES?
Flat tyres can occur for many reasons, and although they can't always be prevented, staying ahead of general tyre wear can save you from some pretty costly repairs. Pay special attention to tyre pressure and tread depth, and avoid driving on them beyond their useful life. Other causes of flat tyres that may not always be within your control can include punctures from foreign objects like industrial screws and glass, slow leaks, and road hazards.
HOW FAR CAN YOU DRIVE ON A FLAT?
The answer is simple — driving on a flat tyre short distances is rarely a good idea but may be the safest thing to do to get you and your vehicle away from busy, speeding traffic. If a blowout happens while you're on the road, try to minimize the amount of time spent driving on it. Turn on your hazard lights, avoid smashing down on the brakes, and slowly navigate your vehicle to the nearest, safest location. Then, with the help of your car owner's manual or roadside assistance, install your spare until you're able to locate a nearby Wheels Of Wanneroo for repair or replacement.
If your vehicle is equipped with Run Flat tyres, you can drive up to 40 kilometers at 40 kmph on a punctured tyre — which should be plenty of time to get you to your nearest Wheels Of Wanneroo! If your vehicle isn’t equipped with Run Flat tyres, you can shop online or visit a Wheels Of Wanneroo near you to talk to our tyre experts about the benefits of Run Flat tyres.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DRIVE ON A FLAT TYRE?
FURTHER TYRE DAMAGE
A flat is not always the end all be all of your vehicle's tyres — unless you continue to drive on them. Low air pressure, small punctures, and other issues are usually able to be repaired without having to purchase a new set.
In short, avoid driving unnecessarily on deflated tyres, as this can increase the risk of puncture expansion and irreparable damage to the internal and external structure of both your vehicle and your tyres.
BENT OR WARPED RIMS
When driving on a flat tyre, not only are you damaging the structure of your tyres, but you're also concentrating more weight on your rim edges. Since these components are not meant to touch the road's surface, they can become bent, warped, or permanently damaged. Whereas before, you might have needed a simple tyre repair or replacement, you could accrue more costly repairs by having to have new rims installed.
GENERAL DAMAGE TO YOUR VEHICLE
If you continue to drive on a flat tyre and it starts to degrade, you may experience further damage to several essential components on your vehicle (i.e., brake lines, rotors, suspension parts, fenders, etc.). The result — higher repair costs and increased safety concerns for you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road.
OVERALL SAFETY HAZARDS
Your tyres aren't just designed to keep your vehicle rolling smoothly. They support the entire weight of your car, grip the road so that you have proper traction, allow you to navigate turns and stops with ease, and so much more.
When these functions are compromised, they can put you at serious risk on the road by limiting steering abilities and overall control of your vehicle. If you notice that a tyre has gone flat, stay proactive against these dangers by having them repaired or replaced immediately.
PROPER TYRE CARE
To help combat flat tyres, implement these best practices regularly.
Inspect your tyres for surface cracks or bulging
Keep an eye out for punctures or foreign objects (screws, nails, etc.)
Avoid heavy loads that may weigh down on your tyres
Avoid aggressive driving and hard stops
Maintain proper tyre pressure
Replace your tyres when necessary
Get regular tyre rotations
Now that you know what happens when you drive on a flat tyre, you may second-guess your decision to continue riding on them without getting a replacement. Whether you need tyre repair or a new one installed, head to your nearest Wheels Of Wanneroo for all of your tyre needs.