Can You Continue Driving if a Nail is Stuck in the Tire Without Air Leakage?
3 Answers
Tires punctured by nails without air leakage can still allow the car to drive normally, but you should drive at a low speed to the nearest repair shop for inspection. If left untreated, it may lead to a tire blowout, posing a significant hazard. Below are some relevant explanations: 1. Most car tires on the market today are tubeless tires. If a tubeless tire is punctured by a nail, the air won’t leak out quickly, giving you enough time to drive to a repair shop for inspection. 2. It’s important to note that if a tire is punctured by a nail, you should never pull it out immediately, as this could cause severe air leakage, making it impossible to continue driving. 3. Generally, the tread of a tire is relatively thick. If a nail is stuck in the tread, you can pull it out and apply some soapy water to the puncture site to check for bubbles. If no bubbles appear, no repair is needed, and the tire can continue to be used or serve as a spare tire. If bubbles appear, it means the tire has been punctured and requires repair before it can be used again.
I always take extra caution when encountering a nail in the tire without air leakage. No visible air loss doesn't mean it's safe—the nail might be temporarily plugging the hole, but it could loosen or enlarge during driving, potentially causing sudden blowouts, especially at high speeds. I remember a long-distance trip where this nearly caused an accident. Since then, I've learned my lesson: whenever I spot a nail, even without air leakage, I immediately drive slowly to the nearest repair shop. Patching a tire is both affordable and quick, usually costing just a few dozen yuan. Never ignore it and continue long-distance driving, as repair costs could double and safety would be compromised. Make it a habit to regularly check tire conditions while driving—addressing minor issues early ensures safer journeys.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered nails in tires without air leakage multiple times. Once during heavy rain, I found a nail in my tire but the pressure remained unchanged, so I drove straight home. The next day when getting it repaired, internal cracks were discovered, costing more to fix. Experience taught me not to take such situations lightly—the nail temporarily plugs the hole, but internal tire damage may have occurred. A few bumps could lead to air loss or a blowout. My advice is to stop and check the nail's depth immediately; if it's deep, don't push your luck. Alternatively, drive slowly to a repair shop where professionals can remove and patch it properly. Safety comes first—saving a few bucks isn't worth the risk, especially with the danger of a blowout on highways.
