A flat tire is one of the most frustrating car problems, and it’s unfortunately also quite common. Many drivers who experience flat tires wonder whether they can drive to an auto repair professional instead of waiting for a tow truck to arrive. Learn more below about whether it’s safe to drive when one of your car tires has gone flat. 

Dealing With a Flat Tire

The Dangers of Driving on a Flat Tire

Car tires provide the support your vehicle needs when they’re fully inflated. Once they begin losing air, your vehicle is thrown off-balance. The axles and wheel bearings on one side, or on three corners, may be higher than the others. This not only puts a strain on those components, but it also impacts your auto alignment and causes your car to pull to one side. As a result, it’s harder for you to drive in a single lane and avoid oncoming hazards.

Additional Consequences

Even if you know the hazards, you may be tempted to continue driving when one of your car tires is flat. However, consider that your insurance may not cover you if you willfully ignore a glaring problem like a flat tire. If the flat causes you to lose control of the vehicle and injure another motorist or their property, you could face more serious liability issues — not to mention the physical damage and injury that could occur. Even if you’re convinced your wheel bearings and axles can handle the strain, driving on a flat can also damage your brakes, calipers, and suspension components. 

The Right Way to React When Your Tire is Flat

When you realize you have a flat, pull the car over. If you have a patch kit, try applying it to small punctures from nails or glass shards. Larger issues, like a gash or full blowout, will require you to change the tire. Many vehicles are equipped with a spare inside the trunk, sometimes under a layer of carpeting. If you’re unsure of how to handle the issue, ask your local mechanic to do it for you.

If you’re experiencing any issue with your car tires, contact M & C Tire in Kalispell, MT. Whether you need new tires, tire rotation, or even a simple inspection, this specialist offers attentive service and plenty of top brands. This Tire Industry Association (TIA)-certified professional has been in business since 1979, providing excellent service to the areas of White Fish, Columbia Falls, Big Fork, Lakeside, and Somers. To get in touch with them, call (406) 752-9662.