Driving on flat tires in an emergency

[Malamute]

Ive searched online several times but finding little solid info. The general result in searches tends towards "NO!! You CANT, or you'll damage the tire/rim/whatever!!!! blah blah etc". We have tons of evidence its possible based on numerous youtubes, some to the point of grinding clear down into the suspension and frame and they were still going. The question Im attempting to answer is how far can you physically drive or force a vehicle to move forward on flat tires, such as an emergency, with zero regard for vehicle damage? Vehicles are expendable in emergencies.

Part of what prompted the question and search was the story of the couple in Death Valley several years ago that had two flats out on dirt roads and decided to walk out cross country to a paved road or people. He ended up dying, she almost did before they were found.

I found one claim that someone drove 75 miles on flats. I cant find much else as far as knowing it was done or how far before the vehicle was totally unable to move. Theres many videos of 4 flats and still going for several miles. How far can it be done?

Just curious. Hollywood and TV would have everyone believe a flat, or more than one, totally stops a vehicle. We know thats not true, just how far?

 

[rdruss]

I don't think you will get any concrete answer as each tire/wheel combo will react differently as will each vehicle model depending on wheel well clearance, etc. If it was a life-threatening situation then obviously you would make a go of it and get as far as you could.

 

[Malamute]

I don't think you will get any concrete answer as each tire/wheel combo will react differently as will each vehicle model depending on wheel well clearance, etc. If it was a life-threatening situation then obviously you would make a go of it and get as far as you could.

Thanks. And I agree, there isnt going to be any concrete answer, but I was looking for some firsthand experience to get a better idea of how to look at the question. Like I said, the common belief is that you just cant drive on flat tires, even 1. We know thats not true, its based on the premise of tire or vehicle damage, not physically impossible, but how far might you be able to go? Just more info to work with, and perhaps dispel the idea it cant be done. The unfortunate case of the couple in Death Valley was a sad example of the mistaken belief that it simply cant be done.

In looking for the story I saw another one in Death Valley of a guy that died when he had 2 flats, and he was only 30 yds off pavement. His AC didnt work. That would seem to be another preventable death based on the idea one cant drive on flat tires.

I knew a guy that was with a friend on 4 wheel atvs up in the mountains, The guy I knew borrowed one from the other guy. He had a flat. The choices were leave it and come back to fix it the next day, and this was some pretty hairy trails, or drive it on the flat and probably ruin the rim. They just drove it. It seriously was probably the most cost effective way not to mention hours of trouble to come back.

 

[AuSeeker]

Just buy some run flat tires and then you don't have to worry about it!

 

[Malamute]

Just buy some run flat tires and then you don't have to worry about it!

Im not worried about it. I have zero issues with driving on flats if it became an issue. Like I said, I feel vehicles are expendable in emergencies. I think most also arent going to buy expensive run flat tires for an unlikely problem.

The question is about how far could one drive if you had to, assuming regular tires as most people have, and not making damage to the tires, rims, or vehicle the priority rather than peoples safety.

 

[AuSeeker]

Im not worried about it. I have zero issues with driving on flats if it became an issue. Like I said, I feel vehicles are expendable in emergencies. I think most also arent going to buy expensive run flat tires for an unlikely problem.

The question is about how far could one drive if you had to, assuming regular tires as most people have, and not making damage to the tires, rims, or vehicle the priority rather than peoples safety.

If you're going to run a flat tire, it will without a doubt ruin the tire every time if you drive more than a few yards, the rim is next in line for damage after the tire goes, almost every tire is going to be different as to how long it will go before the rim starts taking damage, some tires have stronger sidewalls which is what you're now driving on.

It also depends on how long you run the flat tire, how fast you drive, there no way to give you an answer, all I can say is you will find out the first time you try it!