Should the Nail in a Car Tire Be Pulled Out?
2 Answers
If a car tire is punctured by a nail, you can apply water or saliva to the punctured area to check for bubbles. If bubbles appear, it indicates air leakage, and you should not continue driving. In this case, you can choose to change the tire or seek professional repair. If no bubbles are observed, you may drive slowly to a repair shop. Tires are made of wear-resistant rubber, featuring a strong yet flexible outer shell that directly contacts the ground. They consist of the bead, belt layer, tread, and carcass. Therefore, repairing a nail puncture on the tread is relatively simple—just remove the wheel and tire for repair. If the nail is only embedded in the outer tread, it can be safely pulled out without issues. However, if it penetrates the inner tube, pulling it out will cause air leakage, necessitating a patch repair. Small punctures can be patched, but always inspect your tires before trips, especially before highway or mountain driving. If the tire shows bulging, replace it immediately. Never overlook tire condition—safety comes first.
Last time my car tire got punctured by a nail, I was wondering whether I should pull it out or not. I asked a mechanic, and he said never rush to remove it—the nail can temporarily plug the hole, and pulling it out might cause the air to escape instantly, leaving the car stranded on the road. If the leak is slow, it's best to drive slowly to a repair shop. Once, while driving in the suburbs, I noticed a nail in my tire. I didn’t pull it out, the tire pressure remained normal, so I drove at low speed to the shop. The mechanic checked and said the nail wasn’t deep and could be patched, costing just a few dozen bucks. But if I had pulled it out myself, the tire’s inner layers might have been damaged, making it unrepairable and requiring a full replacement, costing hundreds more. Safety first—don’t act impulsively. Before removing a nail, it’s best to seek professional advice. Developing a habit of regularly checking tire pressure and surface conditions can help avoid such incidents.
