MythBusters test wild theory that a manhole cover could work as a flat-tire replacement and the truth is odder than you'd expect

Have you ever thought about the theory of whether a manhole cover could work as a flat tire replacement? Probably not, but MythBusters did – and they documented the entire thing in their latest video.

Presenters Jamie and Adam wanted to see whether the wild theory actually has some foundation in fact.

The experiment involved ripping a manhole cover out of the ground and bolting it onto a working car.

And the truth is a lot odder than you might expect.

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MythBusters test a manhole cover… to replace a flat tire

Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman are very well-known for testing the wildest theories in the world.

The duo are the main presenters of the MythBusters TV show (and now YouTube channel).

And this video might test the wildest theory imaginable.

Can a manhole cover actually work as a replacement for a flat tire?

“It’s round, it’s metal…I think it’s perfect!” a beaming Adam said to open the video.

Jason explained that his co-host is adamant (no pun intended) that the theory can work.

The first big thing to note straight off the bat was the size.

It turns out that the manhole cover was the perfect size for the car.

“All Adam has to do is cut out some boltholes and then bolt it on,” Jason explained.

But two problems were staring the presenters in the face.

First, the manhole cover was only an inch wide, so traction was going to be a big problem.

The other issue was the fact that the manhole cover was made out of cast iron.

This was a problem because cast iron is, by its very nature, quite brittle.

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This wild theory has an odder truth than you think

With the classroom section of this wild theory over, it was time to put it to the test and see what actually happened.

The pair put on their seatbelts before Adam slammed on the gas.

After a fiery, spark-laden start, the car actually began to move.

Unbelievably, it actually worked – and Adam managed to accelerate to 40mph.

The pair headed to the end of the straight, managed to reverse successfully, and then headed back up to the top again.

What was amazing was that the manhole cover worked in every way.

Because of its perfect size, it was extremely stable and manoeuvrable.

Adam was even able to parallel-park with the flat tire replacement.

After getting out of the car, both Adam and Jason expressed their disbelief.

Adam, in particular, was especially shocked.

He expected the wheel to crack after sliding around with it fixed to the back.

But the manhole cover didn’t have a scratch on it.

This has to be the oddest wild theory that has actually been proven to work in the real world.