How far is it safe to drive on a blown tire?
Here is the scenario. Traveling on a busy interstate. We hear the trailer tire pop an the curb side. We pull to the shoulder and get out and inspect the tire. It is definitely unreapairable. There doe...
Forum Discussion
Coach-man wrote:What rubber slinging off? You are doing 5MPH at best. "Yep Im all crippled up but by golly I saved my rim"geoedgerton wrote:
Your idea of driving to a safe location is really the only safe option. I spent 32 years with the CA Highway Patrol and can vividly remember the cases where somebody did not want to ruin a wheel or something else and the result was injuries and/or fatalities. It probably won't hurt anything to limp to a safe location---pick one that is as far from the traffic lanes as possible. But, even if it did ruin a tire, a wheel, etc., so what! Going 5 miles to the next ramp might not be necessary since likely there will be some extra wide shoulder spot along the way. If not, continuing to limp on may be the best choice (with flashers going, obviously) It is always amazing how some people are willing to roll the dice working on a vehicle right next to vehicles traveling 100ft per second or more. Replacing "things" is a lot easier than the possible alternative.
"It probably won't hurt anything" ?? First as stated, you will hurt your other tire, and possibly the wheel, and if the rubber slings off, your rig! Secondly, Interstates have minimum speeds, "to limp to a safe location.." Is to create a hazardous situation on the highway! This could cause accidents, and traffic tie ups for hundreds if not thousands of people! IMHO, this is the worst advice, and from an ex trooper?
You know your own capabilities, if unable, or unwilling to change the tire from the side of the road, it is your responsibility to have some kind of road side assistance! You call them, and either sit in the TV, or get out away from the side of the road depending on the situation, and wait until the fix your problem!!
