In the last few years, however, the tires residing in our trunks have not been the same. In fact, they’re a bit smaller in diameter than the normal wheels on the car. That’s the donut tire, and it’s not meant for driving, at least not for very far. When flat tires occur, you have something that gets you going again in a pinch. Tire Basics for Dummies. When it comes to tires, choosing the right sidewall height, rubber blend & tread pattern for your climate makes a world of difference. We discuss important factors to consider. Finding the right tire to fit on a vehicle is not easy. If you want proof of the difficulty, just look at the caravan of tire trucks that follow How long you can drive with a nail in the tire depends primarily on the shape and size of the hole. If the nail itself seals the hole, you can drive for a day or two before the tire deflates. If the nail, punctures the tire at an odd angle, the flexing of the tire will cause the air to escape more quickly, giving at most an hour. Take your vehicle to an empty parking lot. Press the gas a little but don’t touch the steering wheel. Watch the logo in the center of your steering wheel. If the wheel turns more than 5- to 10-degrees over 40–50 feet (12–15 m), you may have an alignment issue. Wires showing on tires signal severe wear and are unsafe, especially at high speeds. Drive only to the nearest tire shop (within about 87 to 94 miles) for immediate replacement. Driving on tires with cords showing is unsafe, risking blowouts and loss of control, necessitating prompt replacement for safety. Many drivers allow tires to get so Check tire prices on your new tire size; Go lightweight (if you can) Source: FremontMotors; Tires That Are Too Small. Tires that are too small do have their benefits. The following are some of the pros to having smaller tires: Allows your engine to exert more torque per revolution; Increase in fuel efficiency; Increase of stability at high speeds Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST. 1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com. Read FAQ. GET A QUOTE. Driving with a slow leak in your tire is potentially dangerous because it can cause a flat tire. Once the tire becomes flat, it can become a blowout hazard. You can drive with low tire pressure for a short distance at low speeds if you need to get to a safe location or a gas station add air to your tires if the pressure isn’t below 20 psi. Avoid driving at highway speeds or for a longer distance. Driving on low tire pressure can be dangerous and cause a catastrophic blowout. When driving on a flat tire, you need to be at the lowest speed to avoid further damage to your car and prevent loss of control. Keep your speed at 15-20 mph until you find a safe space to pull over or get to the auto repair shop. If you drive faster, you’ll increase your chances of getting into an accident. 2. Yes, it is, provided it is not for a long distance and is also for a short period of time. In addition to this, you are not advised to drive with a plugged tire if the size of the puncture is close to or within the sidewall of the tire. Furthermore, do not drive on any tire with a plug that seals a hole of more than 1/4 inch in diameter. VrgM.