If you’ve ever been in a situation where you had a flat tire, you know how nerve-wracking and time-consuming it can be to change. Luckily, run-flat tires allow you to drive on them even when they’re flat. But how long and how fast can you drive on them before they go bad?
In general, most run-flat tires will allow you to drive for up to 80 km (50 miles) at speeds of up to 89 kph (55 mph). However, it’s important to note that driving on a run-flat tire for too long or too fast can damage the tire/wheel, or cause an accident.
This post will explore the risks of driving on a run-flat tire and what to do if you get a flat tire. Stay tuned!
The risks of driving on run-flat tires
There are a few major risks associated with driving on run-flat tires for extended distances. Let’s take a look at them now.
The tire loses pressure quickly
One of the risks of driving on a run-flat tire is that the tire can lose pressure quickly. That’s because the tires are designed to be used for a short period and then discarded. Once the tire loses pressure, it can no longer support the weight of the vehicle and can cause several problems, including the following:
- The vehicle becomes difficult to handle.
- The tire can overheat and cause a blowout.
- The tire can come off the rim.
The tire tread reduces quickly
One of the risks of driving on a run-flat tire is that the tire tread can reduce quickly. That can happen due to accelerated wear and tear. Although these tires are designed to be driven on when they’re flat, it’s not ideal.
Driving on run-flat tires for farther than 80 km (50 miles) can take its toll on the tire tread, causing it to become thinner and less effective. That can ultimately lead to a blowout, so it is important to keep an eye on the condition of your run-flat tires and replace them as needed.
Driving long distances on a flat tire is unsafe
It’s also important to note that driving beyond 80 km (50 miles) on a flat tire is a safety hazard. Not only does it make it difficult to control the vehicle, but it can also cause an accident.
Here are a few risks of driving on a flat tire:
- The vehicle can lose traction.
- The tire can overheat and cause a blowout.
- The vehicle can become difficult to handle.
What to do if you get a flat tire
If you get a flat tire, it’s important to know what to do. Here are a few tips:
- If you have a spare tire, replace the flat tire.
- If you don’t have a spare tire, call a tow truck and have the vehicle towed to a nearby service station.
- Do not drive on a flat tire for more than 80 km (50 miles).
- Do not exceed speeds of 89 kph (55 mph) when driving on a flat tire.
- Keep an eye on the condition of your tires and replace them as needed.
That said, here’s a video that may come in handy when fixing a flat tire:
Wrap up
There you have it! Driving on run-flat tires comes with a few risks, so it’s important to be aware of them. If you do get a flat tire, don’t drive on it for too long or too fast.
Remember, the longest and fastest you should drive on a flat tire is 80 km (50 miles) at 89 kph (55 mph). If your tire goes flat, ensure you visit the nearest service station as soon as possible. Drive safely!