A flat tire is always an inconvenience. No matter who you are or where you’re heading, you rely on your vehicle to travel safely and on time. Regardless of the age of your tire, a nail or other sharp object lying in the road could cause your tire to lose sufficient air pressure or blow out. But how far can you drive on a flat tire?
When you’ve got somewhere to be, and a flat tire interrupts your plans, don’t panic. Rely on the experts at Big Chief Tire to get you back on the road.
How Far Can You Drive on a Flat Tire?
When you notice your ride is a little bumpier than usual, you may want to stop and inspect your tires. After you identify your flat tire, there are a few steps to take.
Go to a Tire Shop
First, it is recommended that you proceed to a tire shop as soon as possible to avoid any structural damage to your brakes, wheels, alignment, and more. But how far can you drive on a flat tire? Some tires are built to sustain pressure loss.
These particular tires are called Self-Supporting Run Flats, or SSRs. They should be able to carry you for another 50 miles after going flat, as long as you don’t accelerate over 50 miles per hour.
Pull Over
If your car does not have SSRs, pull to the side of the road safely to replace your flat with a spare or contact emergency roadside services for assistance. Unfortunately, tire sealant is not a quick fix for all flat tires. It won’t work for punctures bigger than ¼ of an inch, shredded tires, or blowouts.
Stay Calm
Before pulling over, there are several best practices to keep you safe. Stay calm, and do not slam on the brakes. While the flat tire may be startling, it is best to keep your cool while assessing the situation.
Scan your surroundings to find a suitable place to stop, preferably with a level surface, if you have to change your tire. When you’ve found a good spot, stay in control of your vehicle, ease over to the shoulder, and come to a slow stop.
Take Action
After you have made it to a safe location, it’s time to take action to get the tire fixed. There are several options available to address your flat tire.
- If you are not confident in changing your tire on your own, your first option is to call roadside assistance. Companies like AAA will send a qualified car professional to your location to assess the severity of your flat tire.
- If you are not confident in your tire-changing abilities, you’re not alone. You can get a tow to Big Chief Tire in Jacksonville, FL. We understand how important your car is to your life. Our team will provide you with the excellent tire service you need to get you back on the road in no time.
Types of Flat Tires and What They Mean
Not all flat tires are the same. Understanding what kind of flat you’re dealing with can help you make the right decision, whether it’s changing to a spare or calling for a tow.
Slow Leak
A slow leak is often caused by a small puncture or a bad valve stem. You may not notice it right away, but over time your tire will lose air and start to feel low or look underinflated. If your TPMS light is on but you don’t see visible damage, this might be the issue. These can sometimes be patched, depending on the location of the leak.
Puncture
This is the most common type of flat tire. Nails, screws, or sharp road debris can puncture your tire and cause it to lose air rapidly. If the puncture is in the tread area and under ¼ inch in size, it might be repairable with a plug or patch. Anything larger or near the sidewall usually requires a replacement.
Blowout
A blowout is a sudden and total loss of tire pressure. It’s often caused by hitting a pothole, curb, or driving on worn tires. Blowouts can’t be repaired and require the tire to be replaced entirely.
How To Avoid Flat Tires in the Future
One flat tire is more than enough. Take preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of it happening again:
- Check your tire pressure monthly
- Have your tires inspected and rotated regularly
- Stay under the tire load limit
- Watch for any road hazards that may impact your ride
Knowing when to install new tires will also keep you safe from any blowouts or flats. If you’ve had your tires for several years, or you notice uneven wear on your treads, you may want to consider replacements.
Some flat tires are inevitable. Road debris and other hazards can make getting a flat tire unavoidable. Be aware of any road hazards that may puncture your tires, and try to avoid them when you see them.
Don’t let a flat tire ruin your day. Be prepared ahead of time and know what to do once it happens. For any car repair, from flat tires to engine issues, head over to your local tire shop in Jacksonville, FL, Big Chief Tire.
Visit one of our six locations to let one of our professionals take care of it for you. Schedule an appointment at Big Chief Tire repair shop for any car issue today.
