You can drive on a flat tire only for a very limited distance and at very low speeds to avoid severe damage and safety risks. Generally, on a smooth paved road, the maximum safe distance is about 200 to 400 feet (roughly the length of a football field) at speeds no faster than 5 to 20 mph, enough to reach a safe parking spot. Driving longer distances or faster speeds on a flat tire can cause irreversible tire damage, rim damage, loss of vehicle control, and other safety hazards. There are exceptions with run-flat tires, which are specially designed to allow driving for up to 50 miles at speeds up to 50 mph after a puncture, but these are an exception rather than the norm. For heavy vehicles like trucks or large SUVs, the recommended maximum distance is even shorter, typically 100 to 200 feet at very low speeds. If driving on rough or aggressive terrain, the distance should be extremely minimal—just a few feet—due to the high risk of severe damage. In any case, the safest choice is to stop as soon as possible and replace the tire or call for assistance. Summary:
Tire Type| Max Distance| Max Speed| Road Type
---|---|---|---
Standard Tire| 200-400 feet| Below 20 mph| Smooth/Paved
Run-Flat Tire| Up to 50 miles| Up to 50 mph| Paved
Truck/Large SUV| 100-200 feet| Below 5 mph| Paved
Flat Tire on Rough Terrain| A few feet| Very slow| Rough/Aggressive
Speed affects distance and damage risk heavily; driving at 10 mph might allow up to 800 yards, but higher speeds (20 mph or more) rapidly worsen damage and safety risks. The guidance is primarily for emergencies when immediate stopping or tire replacement is not possible.
