Is it Safe to Drive With a Punctured Tire?

A punctured tire turns into a flat tire very quickly, especially while driving down the road. Since there is nothing holding the air in the tire, it leaks out causing a flat tire. It is not safe to drive on a punctured or flat tire because it can cause a blowout or a car accident. When a tire is flat, the vehicle will pull to that side, making it hard to control. This is potentially hazardous to yourself and the drivers around you. If you have a punctured tire, it is best to pull over and assess the damage.

Here are some things to look for if you feel like you might have a punctured tire:

  • The most common cause of a punctured tire is a sharp object that was picked up while driving down the road. This object could be a nail, screw, or even a small rock. Once it punctures the tire, the tire will deflate either slowly or quickly depending on the size of the hole.

  • A punctured tire can be recognized by a loud noise, the vehicle pulling to the left or right, or the steering wheel shaking uncontrollably. If you experience any of this, pull over right away and see what is happening. Driving longer on a punctured tire can damage the rims, making for an even more extensive repair.

  • Once you notice you have a punctured tire, pull over in a safe area. Whether this is on the side of the highway or in a well-lit parking lot, it is important that you are out of the lanes of traffic so as not to cause a collision. If you have a roadside tire repair kit you know how to use, it can be applied it the puncture is small enough. If you do not have this, call a mechanic so you can have them apply a plug or change your tire if need be. This will be a temporary fix until the puncture is repaired or the tire is replaced at the tire store. Additionally, may need to have a spare tire installed, if the puncture is too large for a plug.

Driving with a punctured tire is extremely dangerous as you can lose control and cause an accident. This can injure yourself and those around you, as well as potentially cause a fatal accident. Once you experience a puncture, leaking, or flat tire, pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible. Punctures can be small, so it is best to have your tire looked at by a tire specialist.


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Recent Spare Tire Installation reviews

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1
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176
5
1
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Nicholas

12 years of experience
691 reviews
Nicholas
12 years of experience
Toyota Camry V6-3.0L - Spare Tire Installation - Knightdale, North Carolina
Nicholas finished an earlier appointment which enabled him to come by earlier than originally scheduled. I'm very grateful he chose to reschedule. While replacing a flat with my donut spare, he instructed me on how to safely drive to the tire shop for the repair. More importantly to have the shop add air to the donut spare. Nicholas did an excellent job. He as very professional. Thank you
Ford E-150 Econoline - Spare Tire Installation - Durham, North Carolina
I was VERY pleased with Nicholas' expertise and was more than delighted that he was so prompt. He was very polite and friendly, and he did a marvelous job. If I ever need any repairs to my vehicle in the future, I would definitely ask for Nicholas.

Jean

16 years of experience
157 reviews
Jean
16 years of experience
Toyota Prius C L4-1.5L Hybrid - Spare Tire Installation - Saint Petersburg, Florida
This service is so convenient! Jean is awesome, helpful, and has gone above and beyond on each visit!!

Attila

20 years of experience
1104 reviews
Attila
20 years of experience
Honda Accord L4-1.5L Turbo - Spare Tire Installation - Edison, New Jersey
I was glad that Atilla could service my car a little earlier than expected. He was prompt in taking care of my cars needs.

Pardeep

22 years of experience
1277 reviews
Pardeep
22 years of experience
Mazda 3 L4-2.0L - Spare Tire Installation - Santa Clara, California
Pardeep was flexible to meet me earlier and very professional when he worked on spare tire installation. He was so efficient and accurate with checking my engine oil and battery as well. Thanks Pardeep!!

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