Can You Drive on the Highway with a Nail in Your Tire?
3 Answers
If there is a nail in your tire and it hasn't been repaired, you should not drive on the highway. Even after repair, the decision depends on the specific situation. If the nail is in the tread area, which is thick and flat, repairing it does not compromise the tire's safety, and you can drive on the highway. However, if the nail is in the sidewall, which is thin with only two layers of cord fabric and rubber, repairing it still affects the tire's safety, and driving on the highway is not recommended. Such a tire, even if repaired, should only be used for emergency purposes in daily driving. If the tire damage exceeds 60mm in diameter or the outer wall is damaged, it is advisable to replace the tire directly.
I've driven a taxi for twenty years and encountered countless cases of nails puncturing tires. Every time, I have to remind people never to go on the highway. On the highway, the speed is fast, and the tire pressure is high. If a nail causes the air to leak completely, the car can instantly lose control and spin out. At best, it might scratch the rims; at worst, it could hit the guardrail and cause a major accident. I remember one time, a friend was in a hurry and insisted on driving onto the highway. As a result, the tire blew out halfway, the car flipped several times, and he was hospitalized for several days. The best thing to do is to find a safe spot on the roadside to park, call a tow truck, or slowly move to a nearby repair shop to fix the tire. Remember to check the tire tread and pressure regularly. Developing this habit will prevent such panic situations.
I just got my driver's license half a year ago, and last month I ran over a nail with my rear tire. At the time, I didn't know if it was safe to drive on the highway, so I called my dad and learned how dangerous it could be. On the highway, speeds are usually over 100 km/h, and as the tire heats up, the nail could cause the air to leak even faster, flattening the tire in just a few minutes. Losing control could lead to an accident. Later, I pulled over at a service area and called for roadside assistance, which cost me a bit, but it was much safer. Now, I’ve also learned to regularly check my tire condition and keep the spare tire properly inflated. Next time this happens, I’ll know to slowly drive to a repair shop instead of risking my safety to save time.