The Dos and Don’ts of Driving on a Flat Tire
Getting a flat tire is never a fun experience. It’s even worse when you’re on the road, and you have to make a decision about what to do. Should you try to drive on the flat tire and hope to make it to the nearest service station, or should you call a tow truck right away? The decision is a difficult one, and it’s important to know the risks involved.
That’s why, in this post, we’ll be exploring the do’s and don’ts of driving on a flat tire. We’ll discuss the risks of trying to drive on a flat, as well as the steps you should take to ensure your safety. Soon, you’ll have a better understanding of the best course of action when faced with a flat tire on the road.
Identifying a Flat Tire
A common sign that your vehicle has a flat tire is when you hear a loud thumping sound coming from one of your tires while driving. Additionally, visual cues such as seeing the side of the tire resting on the road or feeling the car veering to one side can indicate that your vehicle has a flat tire. Once you’ve identified that your vehicle has a flat tire, safely pull over to the side of the road or move to an area of low traffic before performing any other steps.
Preparing in Case of a Flat Tire
While on the road, keeping the necessary equipment and supplies on hand is a good idea in case you end up with a flat tire. If you have an emergency roadside assistance kit, gather all items included and check to make sure they are still functional and in good condition. You may want to have items such as gloves, reflective markers, flares, a portable air compressor, and screwdrivers in the said kit. Additionally, make sure you have a jack, wheel wrench, and spare tire stored in your trunk or backseat.
The Dos
In certain cases, you may be able to drive on a flat tire until you find a safe place for repair or replacement. Before driving on a flat tire, make sure that it is visibly intact without any visible signs of damage like tears or punctures. Secondly, drive slowly at a speed below 50 mph in order to reduce further damage and potential accidents due to lack of control from having one less functioning wheel. If possible, try to avoid large bumps and potholes while driving on the flat with the intention of preserving the tire until arriving at your destination.
The Don’ts
It is usually not recommended to drive on a flat for more than two miles or if there are visible signs that the tire is damaged; in these cases, seek professional help immediately. Additionally, do not drive faster than 50 mph when your vehicle has one less functioning wheel to remain as safe as possible. Additionally, never drive too close behind other vehicles because your vehicle may not brake as efficiently with only three functioning wheels.
Learning to Prevent Flat Tires
Learning about ways to prevent flat tires can save time and money in the long run. Some tips include regular inspections and maintenance checks during oil changes or tune-ups performed at authorized mechanics or garages and treating your tires with an anti-flat sealant solution that helps protect against punctures from nails or sharp rocks. Lastly, avoid excessive acceleration or braking while driving, as this can lead to excessive wear and tear on tires which can result in flatter tires down the line.
Conclusion
We hope this article helped you understand the dos and don’ts of driving on a flat tire. While flat tires are an unfortunate part of driving, they don’t have to be a disaster if you know how to handle them correctly. Always make sure that your vehicle has the necessary items that you need to fix a flat tire, like a jack and wheel wrench. And remember to drive carefully if you must drive on a flat. With the proper preparation and knowledge, you can make sure that you and your vehicle stay safe on the road.