Is it harmful if a tire runs over and breaks a glass bottle?
4 Answers
Whether glass shards damage car tires depends on the situation. If the glass shards the tire runs over are not sharp, the tire is generally fine. This is because car tires often encounter small stones and glass fragments during driving, and the tread structure of car tires is quite robust, containing steel wires inside. Hazards of low tire pressure: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface leads to higher fuel consumption; factors such as increased tendency to veer, which are detrimental to driving safety; increased movement in various parts of the tire causes abnormal heating due to excessive rolling; reduced functionality of the cords and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage, and excessive friction between the tire and rim causing damage to the bead area and abnormal wear; The friction between the tire and the ground multiplies, causing a sharp rise in tire temperature, softening the tire, and drastically reducing its strength. High-speed driving under these conditions may lead to a blowout; increased deformation of the tire body makes the sidewalls prone to cracking, while flexing movements generate excessive heat, accelerating rubber aging, fatigue of the cord layers, and cord breakage. It also increases the tire's contact area with the ground, hastening wear on the tire shoulders.
A few days ago, I also ran over a glass bottle while driving, and the shards flying everywhere were really nerve-wracking. After crushing it, my main concern was glass debris getting stuck in the tire treads, potentially puncturing the tire and causing a leak or even a blowout. Especially at high speeds, the impact of the fragments is stronger, which can at least accelerate tire wear and at worst lead to loss of control and an accident. I immediately slowed down and pulled over, carefully inspecting the tire surface with a flashlight, and only continued driving after confirming there were no issues. I recommend everyone not to take such situations lightly—safely pull over and check the tire condition to ensure no foreign objects are lodged in them before continuing. Driving records also show that it's better to slow down when there's a lot of debris on the roadside—prevention is better than cure.
I ran over a broken glass bottle with my tires and had a similar experience before. The primary concern is tire damage. The shattered glass forms sharp fragments that can easily embed into the rubber layer, especially if the tires are aged or have cracks, making them prone to punctures. I checked several times afterward, and a drop in tire pressure served as a warning sign. It might not be noticeable over short distances, but long-term, it could develop into slow leaks or bulges. Since saving money on new tires is ideal, I recommend stopping after running over glass to remove visible debris with tools and then driving a short distance to check if the tire pressure remains stable. Additionally, tires are more vulnerable in rainy conditions or on rough roads, so paying extra attention to the road surface can help avoid trouble.
Having glass bottles crushed under my car has happened several times. The sound of shattering is loud, but most of the time the tires can handle it without issues. However, I always check the wheels afterward with my phone flashlight to see if any glass is stuck in the treads. If I find any debris, I remove it to prevent potential hazards. While tires are designed to resist foreign objects, broken glass is sharp, so it's better to be cautious. When this happens, I drive slower and avoid sudden acceleration—safety first. Even if there's no immediate damage, regular tire maintenance helps prevent problems. A quick check and simple cleanup are usually enough to get back on the road.
