Can I Still Drive If Tire Pressure Is Low?

Yes—if the pressure is only slightly to moderately low, you can usually drive a short distance at reduced speed to add air. If a tire is severely underinflated, visibly flat, damaged, or won’t hold air, do not drive; use a spare or call roadside assistance. Below, we explain how to judge the severity, the risks, and the safest next steps.

What “low tire pressure” actually means

Your vehicle’s correct pressures are on the driver’s door placard and in the owner’s manual, not on the tire sidewall. “Low” generally means below that placard value. Most Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) turn on when a tire drops by about 25% below the recommended pressure (exact thresholds vary by vehicle and system).

To make sense of percentages, here are example thresholds for a common placard value of 35 psi (check your vehicle for the correct number):

• About 10% low: ~31–32 psi (noticeable but typically safe to drive carefully to a pump)
• About 20% low: ~28 psi (increased risk; keep speeds down and go straight for air)
• About 25% low: ~26 psi (often triggers TPMS; avoid driving if possible until inflated)

Because every vehicle and tire is different, treat these as examples. Always compare your readings to the exact placard pressure for your car.

Risks of driving on low tires

Underinflation makes tires flex more, generating heat and reducing control. Even short drives at highway speeds can quickly damage the tire or wheel.

Key risks to consider include:

• Heat buildup leading to internal tire damage or blowouts
• Poor handling, longer stopping distances, and reduced stability (especially in rain)
• Faster, uneven tread wear and potential sidewall damage
• Higher fuel consumption and possible wheel/rim damage if the tire is very low

If you must drive briefly to reach air, reduce speed, avoid hard turns or braking, and minimize load.

Can you drive, and how far?

If it’s slightly low (up to ~10% below placard)

You can generally continue driving cautiously, but top up as soon as practical. Expect modest handling and braking penalties. Check pressure cold (before driving or after the car sits for at least three hours) and bring it to the placard value.

If it’s moderately low (~10–25% below)

Drive only a short distance at reduced speeds (ideally under 50 mph/80 km/h) directly to a pump or use a portable inflator. Avoid highways, heavy loads, and long trips until corrected. Recheck for a puncture or leak after inflating.

If it’s severely low (≥25% below), visibly flat, or damaged

Do not drive. A tire this low can overheat and fail quickly, damaging the tire and wheel. Install the spare, use a manufacturer-provided repair kit, or call roadside assistance. If the tire won’t hold air, is cut, has a bulge, or the bead is unseated, it needs professional service.

Run-flat tires: a specific exception

Run-flats can be driven for a limited distance at limited speeds when deflated—commonly up to 50 miles (80 km) at up to 50 mph (80 km/h)—but follow your vehicle and tire manufacturer’s exact limits, which can vary by model and load.

What to do right now

Use this step-by-step approach to handle a low tire safely and avoid further damage.

1. Find the placard: Check the driver’s door jamb for the correct cold pressures (front/rear may differ).
2. Measure cold: Use a reliable gauge before driving; if you’ve been driving, let tires cool or expect a higher hot reading.
3. Inspect the tire: Look for nails/screws, cuts, sidewall bubbles, or a visibly squashed sidewall.
4. Add air to placard spec: Inflate to the exact numbers on the placard, not the sidewall max.
5. Recheck and listen: Confirm the pressure holds and listen/feel for leaks around the tread, valve stem, and bead.
6. Watch the TPMS: A solid TPMS light typically indicates low pressure; it should go off after correction. A flashing light often means a system fault—consult the manual.
7. Monitor over the next days: If the same tire keeps dropping, have it professionally inspected and repaired or replaced.

If you can’t safely inflate where you are, use a portable inflator/sealant kit if supplied by the manufacturer, fit the spare, or call for assistance.

When to stop driving or call for help

Pull over safely and avoid driving on the tire if any of the following apply.

• The pressure is at or beyond ~25% below the placard, or the tire looks flat/squashed
• The tire won’t hold air, or you hear/feel active leaking
• There’s sidewall damage, a bulge, exposed cords, or a bent/damaged wheel
• You’re towing, heavily loaded, or must use high-speed roads before you can inflate
• The TPMS light flashes (system fault) and you can’t verify pressures with a gauge

Driving further in these conditions risks a blowout, wheel damage, and loss of control—use a spare or seek roadside support.

Tips to prevent low pressure

Simple habits greatly reduce the chance of getting caught out by a soft tire.

• Check pressures monthly and before long trips, using a quality gauge
• Adjust for temperature: pressure changes about 1 psi (0.07 bar) per 10°F (5.5°C) change
• Carry a compact 12V inflator and keep valve caps on to protect valve cores
• Inspect tires regularly for embedded objects and uneven wear
• Don’t rely solely on TPMS; it often alerts only when pressure is significantly low

Staying proactive keeps handling sharp, fuel use lower, and tire life longer.

Common scenarios

TPMS light comes on cold, then turns off later

Cool mornings can drop pressures enough to trigger the light; as you drive, heat raises pressure and turns it off. Add air to reach the placard value when the tires are cold, not after warming up.

Nitrogen vs. air

Nitrogen can leak a bit more slowly and reduce pressure swings, but it doesn’t remove the need for monthly checks. Mixing air and nitrogen is fine; maintain the placard pressure either way.

Summary

You can usually drive a short, slow, direct route to add air if the tire is only slightly to moderately below the placard pressure. Avoid highways and heavy loads, and inflate promptly. If the tire is severely low, visibly flat, damaged, or won’t hold air, do not drive—use a spare or roadside assistance. Always set pressures to the door placard, check them monthly, and investigate any repeated loss of pressure.

How urgent is the low tire pressure light?

Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the TPMS Light:
Tires that are low on pressure cannot make proper contact with the road, causing significant and uneven wear. Uneven tread wear reduces the tire’s life dramatically, which leads to costly and premature replacement.

How long can you drive on a low pressure tire?

You can generally drive only a very short distance to the nearest air source (a few miles at most) at low speeds (under 50 mph) if your tire pressure is slightly low, but you should stop immediately if the tire is flat or below 20 PSI to avoid tire failure, damage to your wheels, and loss of vehicle control. Driving on an underinflated tire, even for a short time, can cause uneven wear, reduce braking performance, and increase the risk of a blowout, so it’s critical to inflate the tire or get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. 
If your tire pressure is slightly low:

1. Assess the situation: Pull over safely and visually inspect all four tires. Check if one tire is visibly lower than the others or feels soft to the touch. 
2. Drive to an air source: If the tire is not completely flat, drive a short distance at a slow speed to the nearest gas station or mechanic to inflate it to the correct pressure. 
3. Check for damage: While at the air source, look for a nail, screw, or other damage that might be causing the air loss. 

If your tire is completely flat or significantly underinflated:

1. Stop immediately: Do not drive on a flat or very low tire. 
2. Call for help: Use your spare tire or call for roadside assistance to get your vehicle to a service station for repair or replacement. 

Why driving with low pressure is dangerous:

• Accelerated wear: Low pressure causes the tire to flex excessively, leading to uneven and faster wear of the tread. 
• Reduced control: Insufficient tire pressure can negatively impact your vehicle’s handling and braking, increasing stopping distances. 
• Increased risk of blowout: The extra heat and stress placed on an underinflated tire can lead to a sudden and dangerous tire blowout. 
• Wheel damage: Driving on a flat or severely underinflated tire can damage the wheel (rim) itself, as it cannot properly cushion impacts. 

At what point is tire pressure too low to drive?

Much of this will come down to the individual car, but generally, the lowest tire pressure you can drive on is usually 20 psi. Only use that lowest bar for emergencies—you should not regularly drive on tires with 20 psi unless necessary. Anything below 20 psi, and you’re driving on a flat tire.

What happens if you drive with low tire pressure?

Driving with low tire pressure is dangerous because it compromises safety by increasing the risk of blowouts, reducing handling and braking ability, and increasing stopping distances. It also leads to premature and uneven tire wear, makes your car less fuel-efficient, and can cause damage to your vehicle’s suspension. You should reduce your speed and seek an air source as soon as possible if you notice low tire pressure.
 
Safety Hazards

• Increased risk of blowouts: Opens in new tabUnderinflated tires flex excessively, causing heat buildup which can lead to a sudden, catastrophic tire failure at high speeds. 
• Poor handling and stability: Opens in new tabLow pressure affects your tires’ contact with the road, leading to less traction, sluggish steering, and reduced responsiveness, especially in critical situations. 
• Longer stopping distances: Opens in new tabThe decreased traction and altered tire contact patch mean your brakes won’t be as effective, increasing the distance it takes to stop. 
• Higher risk of accidents: Opens in new tabPoor handling and increased stopping distance make it harder to avoid obstacles, increasing the chances of skidding or accidents, particularly in wet or icy conditions. 

Vehicle & Tire Costs

• Accelerated tire wear: Opens in new tabThe sidewalls of underinflated tires bend and flex more, leading to rapid and uneven wear on the tread. 
• Reduced fuel economy: Opens in new tabTires with low pressure have higher rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. 
• Suspension damage: Opens in new tabThe increased flexing of underinflated tires puts extra stress on your vehicle’s shocks and other suspension components, which can lead to expensive repairs. 

What to Do

• Reduce speed: If you notice your low tire pressure light, reduce your driving speed immediately. 
• Find an air source: Head to the nearest gas station or auto shop to inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. 
• Inspect tires regularly: Check your tire pressure frequently, as temperature changes and minor leaks can cause it to drop below safe levels.