Do I Need to Replace the Tire if a Nail Punctures a Tubeless Tire?
3 Answers
Tubeless tires punctured by a nail may or may not need replacement depending on the location of the puncture. If the tread is punctured and the damage is not severe, it can be repaired and continue to be used. However, if the sidewall is punctured, it is recommended to replace the tire. The tires used in cars are all tubeless tires, which do not have an inner tube and offer better performance. Car tires are one of the important components of a vehicle, directly contacting the road surface and working together with the car's suspension to reduce the impact on the car while driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smooth driving, maintaining good adhesion between the wheels and the road surface, and improving the car's traction, braking, and passing ability.
A few days ago, I got a nail in my tubeless tire, and I considered whether to replace it, but based on experience, it usually isn't necessary. Tubeless tires don’t have an inner tube, so air leaks slowly after a puncture, and in most cases, just a repair is needed. When checking, look at the nail’s location: if it’s in the center of the tread and the hole isn’t too big, it can definitely be fixed. I’ve used methods like mushroom plugs or tire repair strips—they’re cheap and easy. If the nail is on the sidewall or the hole is too large with tearing, then it’s dangerous and you should replace the tire to prevent a blowout. After repair, the tire can still last a long time, so don’t waste money on unnecessary replacements. For safety, don’t pull out the nail after a puncture; drive slowly to a professional shop for inspection and repair. Remember to check tire pressure regularly before driving to prevent issues.
Punctures in tubeless tires are quite common, and I often handle them myself without rushing to replace the tire. Tubeless tires are designed to be repairable. If the puncture hole is small and on the tread, a simple repair will suffice, saving a lot of money compared to replacing the tire. I keep a tire repair kit in my car—after removing the nail, I insert a repair strip into the hole, press it firmly, and apply glue to seal it. Alternatively, taking it to a tire repair shop for a professional mushroom plug reinforcement takes just over ten minutes and provides a solid fix. However, if the sidewall is damaged or the hole is too large, it’s best to replace the tire to avoid risks while driving. In general, after a puncture, drive slowly to a repair shop for inspection to prevent the problem from worsening.
