Can a Tire Still Be Used If Nailed at the Sidewall?
2 Answers
Tire punctured by a nail can still be used depends on whether the puncture has damaged the internal structure of the tire. Here are the details about nails puncturing the tire sidewall: 1. Specific conditions: If the tire crack is damaged or has affected the internal cord material, it is not recommended to repair and continue using it. If the tire crack has not damaged the cord material, it can still be used, but it is necessary to regularly check whether the wound has expanded or the cords are damaged. If this happens, replace the tire immediately. 2. Precautions: Always check the tire pressure. The inflation pressure must comply with the national standards for different types and specifications of tires. According to the vehicle the tire is fitted to, the inflation pressure can follow the recommended front and rear tire pressure agreed upon by the car manufacturer and the tire manufacturer.
Seeing a nail stuck in the sidewall of the tire immediately made me nervous. As someone who frequently drives long distances, I know the sidewall is much weaker than the tread—once punctured here, the load-bearing capacity drops significantly, especially at high speeds where a sudden blowout could cause an accident. The last time I encountered a similar situation, I immediately slowed down and pulled over to check the air leakage rate with a pressure gauge. If it was leaking slowly, I could still drive a short distance to the repair shop, but never exceeding 40 mph, as the risk increases dramatically. Sidewall punctures are difficult to reliably repair, and many shops directly recommend replacement because patches often lead to bulging or recurring leaks. I suggest making it a habit to check your tires weekly for any foreign objects or cracks—don’t risk safety to save money. Always remember: safety comes first. Spending a few hundred on new tires is far better than dealing with an accident.
