YACT: How do you tell if a formerly flat tire is safe?

[tnitsuj]

I had a flat the other day and drove for about a mile or so with very low pressure until the vibration finally indicated that something was wrong. When I pulled over the tire was completely flat and thier was smoke coming off it. The tire is plugged now (had two holes in it) and back on my car as a spare. Should I trust it even as a spare or just buy a new tire?

 

[Zenmervolt]

Sidewall is probably shot, but it could work as a spare if it's treated gently. Just hope the sidewall doesn't puncture.

ZV

 

[radioouman]

Just drive it and if it falls apart/vibrates/goes flat you'll need to replace it.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Take it to a tire place and have them look at it. They will be able to tell you if it is safe or not.

 

[TheAudit]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Take it to a tire place and have them look at it. They will be able to tell you if it is safe or not.

Yep.
It might be okay if you didn't ride on it for too long.
You probably can keep it as a spare.

 

[Quixfire]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Sidewall is probably shot, but it could work as a spare if it's treated gently. Just hope the sidewall doesn't puncture.

ZV

 

[jpeyton]

Run the car up to about 120MPH with the tire on; if it holds, it's safe.

 

[Kadarin]

If there was smoke coming off of it, I'm guessing it's probably not safe to drive on. You might even see a groove in the sidewall, which is bad. Definitely take it to a tire shop for assessment.

 

[DurocShark]

Take a rope, tie it around one side of the tire.

Throw the rope over a heavy tree limb.

Tie the other end to the other side of the tire.

Tada!

 

[DurocShark]

 

[IamElectro]

Originally posted by: DurocShark
Take a rope, tie it around one side of the tire.

Throw the rope over a heavy tree limb.

Tie the other end to the other side of the tire.

Tada!

I would agree turn that baby into a tire swing and buy a new one. A tire is cheaper than an accident