Is it necessary to replace a tubeless tire when it gets punctured by a nail?
4 Answers
Tubeless tires punctured by nails do not necessarily need to be replaced; it depends on the location of the puncture. If the nail punctures the sidewall of the tubeless tire, it must be replaced, whereas if it punctures the tread area, it can usually be repaired. When a tubeless tire is punctured by a nail, whether it is leaking air or not, it should be addressed promptly. Otherwise, it will not only accelerate the wear and tear of the car tire but also increase the risk of a blowout. Repair method for a tubeless tire punctured by a nail: First, remove the punctured tire, then use a hard object to extract the nail. After removing the nail, apply cold patch glue around the puncture area inside the tire using sandpaper, then wait for 5-7 minutes before applying a large cold patch to the inside of the tire. If you plan to drive on the highway or engage in aggressive driving, it is best to apply two layers of cold patch glue and use two patches. Finally, reinstall the tire, inflate it to the proper pressure, and check for any air leaks. If there are no leaks, the tire is safe to continue driving.
A few days ago, my car tire got punctured by a nail. I nervously went to a repair shop and found out that a tubeless tire doesn’t necessarily need to be replaced if it’s punctured. Since tubeless tires don’t have an inner tube, a nail puncture can cause air leakage, but the key factors are the location and size of the hole. If the nail punctures the tread and the hole is small, it can be fixed with a tire plug or patch, which is cost-effective and convenient. However, if the hole is too large or located near the sidewall, like a sidewall puncture, then the tire must be replaced to avoid the high risk of a blowout at high speeds. In my case, it was just a small hole, and after spending a few dozen yuan to patch it, the tire has been holding up well for over six months. My advice is not to drive too fast in such situations—take it slow to a professional shop for inspection. Safety first is always the right approach. Also, regularly checking tire pressure and developing good habits can prevent a lot of trouble.
My experience is that a tubeless tire doesn't necessarily need to be replaced if punctured by a nail - patching is the most practical solution. Having driven for over a decade, I've had several nail punctures. Each time, I simply drove to the repair shop where they used hot vulcanizing patches or mushroom plugs to fix it. After inflating, the tire was ready to use again, costing only a few dozen yuan - much cheaper than replacement. Only when the nail penetrates deeply or the puncture is on the sidewall (making it unrepairable) must you replace the tire to prevent accidents. My last tire replacement cost over 300 yuan - painful but safety comes first. Remember, if you notice air leakage, don't panic. Pull over safely, check the pressure, and avoid long-distance driving if it's too low - head to the nearest repair shop. Always park away from debris-prone areas to minimize puncture risks.
Patching a tire is much cheaper than replacing it, especially when a tubeless tire gets punctured by a nail. Usually, you don't need to replace it right away. Last time I had a nail puncture, the mechanic said small holes can be fixed with an internal or external patch for just a few dozen yuan, and I drove 20,000 kilometers without any issues. If the damage is severe, like a large hole or cracks, replacing the tire is necessary. Cost-wise, patching costs a few dozen yuan, while replacement could be several hundred, depending on the tire brand. Safety comes first—don't risk pulling out the nail yourself; leave it to the professionals.
