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Is It Safe to Drive on a Flat Tire? What You Need to Know

Is It Safe to Drive on a Flat Tire? Here’s What You Need to Know

Crews have started road construction along Route 30 and a section of Roosevelt Avenue in the York area. And with road construction comes unexpected debris that drivers in York may – literally – run across.  And this can cause unexpected issues like a flat tire.

When you find yourself with a flat tire, it can be tempting to continue driving to get to a safer location or the nearest repair shop. But is it actually safe to drive on a flat tire? In short: no, it’s not safe, and doing so can lead to dangerous consequences for both you and your vehicle.

So, in this blog the experts at Meineke in York, dive into why driving on a flat tire is a bad idea, what risks are involved, and what you should do if you ever find yourself in this situation.

Why Driving on a Flat Tire is Dangerous

Loss of Control

A flat tire drastically reduces your vehicle’s handling. Because, with less traction, turning and braking can become unpredictable. So, if you hit a pothole or swerve suddenly to avoid an obstacle, you could lose control of the vehicle. And this can lead to an accident.

Risk of a Blowout

Driving on a flat tire increases the risk of a blowout. Because, when a tire loses air, the weight of the car puts excessive pressure on the rubber, causing it to deteriorate quickly. And, a blowout can occur, leaving you stranded in an even more dangerous situation. Or worse, it could cause an accident if it happens while you’re driving at high speed.

Damage to Your Vehicle

The longer you drive on a flat tire, the more damage it can do to your vehicle. So, let look at some of your vehicle’s parts that can be harmed:

    • The Rim: With no air cushioning between the road and the rim, the metal rim can come into direct contact with the road. And this can cause bending or cracking.
    • The Suspension and Alignment: Driving on a flat can put strain on your car’s suspension system, misalign your wheels, and damage shock absorbers. And all of these issues are costly repairs.
    • The Tire Itself: Once you’ve driven on a flat for any length of time, the tire will likely be beyond repair. And this means you’ll need to purchase a new one instead of simply patching it.

Increased Fuel Consumption

Flat tires also reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Because, when your tires are not properly inflated, your car has to work harder to move. And this means burning more fuel.

What to Do If You Get a Flat

Instead of driving on a flat tire, here are the safe steps you should take:

Pull Over Safely

As soon as you notice the tire is flat—whether you hear a thumping noise, feel your vehicle pulling to one side, or see a dashboard warning—slowly pull over to a safe location. And if possible, find a parking lot or a wide shoulder away from traffic.

Turn on Hazard Lights

To alert other drivers, turn on your hazard lights. And this is especially important if you’re on a busy highway or low-visibility road.

Assess the Damage

If it’s safe to exit your vehicle, get out and inspect the tire. And if it’s just low on air, you might be able to inflate it with an emergency air pump. However, if the tire is fully flat or you see visible damage, it’s time to take further action.

Change the Tire

If you have the necessary tools and experience, changing the flat tire yourself is an option. But be sure to use the car jack, spare tire (or “donut”), and a wrench. And always consult your owner’s manual for proper instructions and make sure to only drive short distances on a spare tire.

Call for Help

If you’re unable to change the tire, or if you don’t have a spare, call a roadside assistance service or a towing company. Because they will help you get your car to a safe location for repairs, like Meineke on East Market Street in York.

Prevention Tips

While flat tires are sometimes unavoidable, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk:

  • Check Tire Pressure Regularly: Make sure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI level. Because, low tire pressure can lead to flats, so keeping an eye on this is key.
  • Inspect for Wear and Tear: Worn-out treads, nails, or debris embedded in your tires can eventually cause flats. And regularly inspect your tires for signs of damage.
  • Avoid Road Hazards: Keep a lookout for potholes, sharp objects, and debris on the road. Because, these can puncture your tires or damage your wheels.

Meineke Car Care | Flat Tire | York, PA

Meineke is Here to Help if You Get a Flat Tire

But, remember… driving on a flat tire is unsafe, not just for you but for others on the road. And, it’s also a sure way to cause more extensive (and expensive) damage to your vehicle. So instead of taking the risk, pull over, assess the situation, and call Meineke on East Market Street in York for help if needed.

If the Meineke on East Market Street in York is not a convenient auto repair center for you, Meineke has 14 car repair centers is South Central Pennsylvania:

MEINEKE CAR CARE | LOCAL CAR CARE | LOCAL MECHANIC | YORK CAR CARE | YORK AUTO CARE | CAR CARE NEAR ME | OIL CHANGE NEAR ME | ASE CERTIFIED | EV CARE | EV BATTERY | CLUTCH |BRAKES NEAR ME | BRAKE FLUID | SERPENTINE BELT | TRUCK CARE | TRUCK MAINTENANCE | TIRE REPAIR | TIRES

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