Can You Drive With a Flat Tire?
Unsafe to drive – tow recommendedToxic: You should not drive on a flat tire. Pull over, install the spare if it's safe to do so, or call roadside assistance or a tow truck.
How far can you drive?
Do not drive. Pull over immediately and safely. Install the spare tire if you have one, or call roadside assistance. Run-flat tires are the one exception—check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's specific distance limit (typically 50 miles at 50 mph max).
Why you must stop driving
- Tire is visibly flat or collapsed
- Strong rhythmic thumping from one corner
- Steering pulls violently to one side
- Vehicle feels unstable or difficult to control
What happens if you ignore it?
Driving on a flat destroys the tire sidewall within a few hundred yards and can bend or crack the wheel rim. In a worst case, the rim digs into the pavement, causing a loss of steering control and a possible accident.
Typical repair cost: $20–$400
When to call a tow instead of driving
- No spare tire is available
- Spare tire is also flat or damaged
- Tire has visible sidewall damage or a large tear
- You are unable to safely change the tire at your location
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive slowly on a flat tire to the next exit?
No. Even at very low speed, a flat tire destroys the sidewall within about 100 yards, ruins the rim, and risks sudden loss of vehicle control. The only safe option is to stop and change the tire or call for help.
Does my car have a spare tire?
Many vehicles made after 2015 no longer include a spare tire—they come with an inflator kit only. Check your trunk before you need it. If you only have an inflator kit, it won't help with large gashes or severe sidewall damage.
What is a run-flat tire?
Run-flat tires have reinforced sidewalls that allow driving for a limited distance (typically 50 miles at 50 mph maximum) after a puncture. Check your owner's manual for your car's specific run-flat distance limit.