Is it serious if a car tire is punctured by a screw but doesn't leak air?
2 Answers
Currently, almost all car tires are tubeless tires. The inner surface of this type of tire has a rubber sealing layer. When a nail punctures the tire, this sealing layer can wrap around the nail to prevent air leakage and rapid pressure loss. Therefore, if a tire is punctured by a nail, it is safe to continue driving at moderate speed for dozens or even hundreds of kilometers. Although it is safe to continue driving, you should still go to a tire shop to remove the nail and repair the tire after reaching your destination. The following are the phenomena of air leakage after a puncture: 1. Rapid air leakage: If the tire leaks air quickly after removing the nail, do not continue driving. Seek assistance on the spot, as driving with a leaking tire not only makes the tire irreparable but also poses a significant danger to the driver. 2. Slow air leakage: If the tire leaks air slowly and a repair shop is nearby, you can drive at low speed to the shop for repairs. Do not drive too fast or too far to avoid a tire blowout.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have experienced several instances where my tires were punctured by screws. I remember one time after work, I found a large screw embedded in the right rear tire. When I pinched it, it didn't seem to be leaking air, so I thought I was lucky. However, later when chatting with a mechanic, he told me that such situations are the most dangerous because the screw might temporarily block the hole while the internal structure could already be damaged. When driving at high speeds, the tire heats up and is under pressure, and sudden changes in air pressure can easily lead to a blowout or slow leakage. I immediately went to a professional shop for an inspection, and sure enough, they found minor tears in the inner rubber layer. If I hadn't gotten it patched in time, I might have had an accident during my next long business trip. As an experienced driver, I strongly advise not to delay—it's best to get it repaired the same day. A simple soapy water test can also reveal signs of minor leaks. Safety is no small matter; negligence is not an option. Regular tire maintenance is a cost-effective and worry-free approach.
