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A flat tire can be one of the most frustrating moments for any driver, often striking at the most inconvenient times. Whether it occurs during a routine commute or a long-awaited road trip, the sudden loss of tire pressure can throw a wrench in your plans and raise a flurry of questions: Should you attempt to drive on a flat tire? How far is too far? And at what point is a tire considered flat vs having low air pressure? At Zisser Tire, we know the value in being prepared for the unexpected. Part of our job is repairing flats and assisting customers with finding replacements when repairs aren't possible. That's why we want to make sure you're equipped with the right knowledge and strategies to navigate flat tire occurrences with confidence.

Here’s what you need to know about the risks and recommendations regarding flat tires.

Understanding Flat Tires

A flat tire occurs when a tire loses air pressure, which can be caused by punctures, leaks, or damage. When a tire is flat, it loses its structural integrity and can no longer support the weight of the vehicle properly. This not only impacts the vehicle's handling but also poses a safety risk to the driver and others on the road.

When most people think of a flat tire, they think of a sudden and substantial loss of air pressure. However, flats can also occur gradually over time. If you have a leak or small puncture that you don't catch, and you don't drive a lot, you might find out you have a flat tire the next time you get in your car. The tire trouble light would not have had an opportunity to warn you before the tire was completely flat in this scenario.

When Does an Underinflated Tire Become a Flat Tire?

J.D. Power defines a flat tire as anything lower than 20 PSI. In other words, a flat tire is severely underinflated. Depending on why the tire has lost air (or is losing air), an underinflated tire can turn into a flat, as in the example above where the driver had a leak or puncture that went unnoticed for an extended period of time. However, it's important to remember that the tire pressure light will also come on when the cause is related to the weather; in this case, the underinflated tire simply needs more air.

Risks of Driving on a Flat Tire

Driving on a flat tire can lead to significant damage to both the tire and the vehicle. The sidewalls of the tire can become compromised, leading to irreparable damage. Additionally, driving on a flat can damage the wheel itself, creating another expense. Most importantly, driving on a flat tire increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle, which can lead to accidents.

Recommendations

When you have a flat tire, the best course of action is to stop driving immediately. If you are on a busy road, pull over to the side, when safe, and turn on your hazard lights. If you're in town, see if you can pull over safely into a parking lot. Next, assess the situation: if you have a donut tire or spare tire and know how to change it, and you feel you are in a safe location at a safe time to do so, you can proceed with changing your tire. If not, call for roadside assistance.

Schedule a Flat Tire Repair in Dellwood, MO & Wentzville, MO

Driving on a flat tire isn't advisable due to the risks of further damage and safety hazards. Always address flat tires promptly and seek assistance when needed. Regularly checking your tire pressure and maintaining your tires can help prevent flats. If you aren't already checking tire pressure levels monthly, at a minimum, there's no better time to start.

As for your damaged tire, it might not be a complete loss. Before you go looking at replacements, give Zisser Tire a call. We provide tire repair services in Dellwood and Wentzville, MO. Bring your flat tire to one of our tire shop locations for service. We will examine the tread and if the tire meets industry standards for repair, we can save you the cost of a replacement, and in the event the tire is beyond repair, we have a great selection of tires available from many brands, all at competitive prices.