No one wants a flat tyre or the experience of driving when your car starts pulling to one side out of nowhere with an odd thumping noise. It’s frustrating and unexpected, and there's never a good time to deal with a flat tyre.
But here's the question we're always asked: Can you keep driving with a flat tyre? The simple answer is no, you shouldn’t.
Many drivers don’t realise the full extent of the risks until the damage is already done. Driving on a flat tyre doesn’t just make handling your car challenging; it can cause serious mechanical issues and end up costing you much more than a tyre replacement.
The Dangers of Driving with a Flat Tyre
The fact is that, unless you are using runflat tyres, if your tyre doesn't have enough air, it can't properly support the weight of your vehicle. Before you think that this isn't a big deal, here's what can go wrong when you drive with a flat tyre:
- Loss of Steering & Braking Control – You'll have more difficulty steering and breaking because a flat tyre cannot maintain traction with the road.
- Serious Wheel & Suspension Damage – When a tyre has no air left, your wheel rim absorbs all the impact from the road.
- Risk of a Tyre Blowout – A flat tyre is already weakened, and driving on it only worsens things. The extra heat and friction can cause it to completely tear apart, which is extremely dangerous at high speeds.
- Higher Fuel Usage – A tyre with low or no air pressure increases resistance on the road, forcing your engine to work harder and burn more fuel.
Common Mistakes Drivers Make with Flat Tyres
There's never a convenient time to get a flat tyre, but in your panic, you should avoid making these mistakes that can turn a simple problem into a much bigger issue. Here are some of the most common mistakes drivers make when dealing with a flat tyre.
Not Stopping Immediately
Some drivers attempt to keep driving because they believe they can reach either a service station or their destination before repairing the flat tyre. Driving on a flat tyre will destroy the tyre entirely and severely damage your wheel rims. So, what's the best thing to do? Pull over to a safe spot as soon as possible.
Stopping in a Dangerous Spot
While you should stop quickly, where you stop matters. Pulling over in a blind spot, narrow road, or high-traffic area puts more than your vehicle at risk. Turn your hazard lights on, slow down, and pull over at the safest possible spot.
Forgetting to Use Hazard Lights or Warning Signs
Other drivers need to know you’re in trouble. Failing to turn on your hazard lights creates a dangerous situation for other road users, especially at night, in poor visibility weather conditions, or heavy traffic.
Not Checking the Spare Tyre
Don't assume that your spare tyre is in good condition - always check it for damage and punctures before fitting it.
Temporary Solutions vs Permanent Fixes
Only after you've pulled over and dealt with the immediate problems can you contact Tyrepower to schedule the necessary permanent repairs for your vehicle.
Temporary Solutions
- Fitting a Spare Tyre – If your car comes with a full-size or space-saver spare tyre, swapping out the flat will get you to a service centre safely. Just remember, space-saver tyres aren’t made for long distances or high speeds.
- Tyre Sealant or Inflator – For small punctures, a quick fix like tyre sealant or an emergency inflator can help. It won’t permanently repair the tyre, but it may be enough to get you to a nearby Tyrepower store.
- Run Flat Tyres – If your vehicle has runflat tyres, you may be able to keep driving for up to 80 km at a reduced speed. Even with runflat tyres, our team will need to check your tyre.
Permanent Fixes
- Getting the Tyre Repaired – If the puncture is minor and in the tread area, a professional repair can safely extend the life of your tyre.
- Replacing the Tyre – If the damage is severe—like a blowout or a sidewall tear—your only safe option is to replace the tyre.
Get Your Tyre Repaired or Replaced at Tyrepower
Our team knows how frustrating a flat tyre can be, so we offer expert tyre repairs, replacements, and wheel services to get you safely back on the road. Book online or visit your local Tyrepower store today
