Can a tire with a small nail puncture but no air leakage still be used?
2 Answers
Tires punctured by small nails without air leakage are not recommended for continued use. If a tire is punctured by a nail but shows normal tire pressure upon immediate inspection, it only indicates that the nail has just penetrated recently and is firmly lodged without causing immediate air leakage. However, as the vehicle continues to be used, gaps will form at the puncture site, eventually leading to air leakage. Therefore, once aware of a nail puncture, it is essential to have the tire repaired as soon as possible. Car tires are one of the critical components of a vehicle, directly contacting the road surface and working in conjunction with the suspension system to absorb shocks during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smooth operation. They also ensure excellent adhesion between the wheels and the road surface, enhance the vehicle's traction, braking, and off-road capabilities, and bear the weight of the car.
I get particularly nervous when I find a small nail in my tire even if there's no air leakage, because a friend of mine once had a similar experience. He thought it was fine and kept driving, only to experience a slow leak on the highway that caused the tire to go flat, nearly resulting in an accident. This made me realize that the internal structure of tires is complex—a nail might puncture the inner layers, causing pressure to slowly drop or become unstable during driving, increasing the risk of a blowout. So, I strongly advise against pulling the nail out to avoid enlarging the puncture. Instead, drive at low speed directly to a nearby repair shop and let a professional inspect it. They have the tools to remove the nail and test for leaks, and usually, the tire can be patched or a new tread section can be installed at a reasonable cost, ensuring safety for family trips. Remember, tires are the only part of the vehicle in contact with the road, and any negligence can be life-threatening—safety first is always the top priority. Regularly checking tire pressure and tread condition can also help prevent such issues.
