Should You Pull Out a Nail Stuck in a Car Tire?
3 Answers
If there is no air leakage after a tire is punctured by a nail, it is best to inspect and confirm the situation. If there is indeed no air leakage, the nail can be pulled out. If air leakage occurs during the process of pulling it out, it is better not to continue removing it. Instead, the nail can be pushed back in, allowing the car to be driven directly to a tire repair shop without needing to change to a spare tire, as the tire can still be driven for a long time if the air leakage is not severe. Tires are made of wear-resistant rubber with a strong yet elastic outer shell that comes into direct contact with the ground. They consist of the bead, belt layer, tread, and carcass. Therefore, repairing a nail puncture on the tread is relatively simple. All that is needed is to remove the wheel and tire for repair. If the nail is only stuck in the outer tread, it can be pulled out without issue. However, if it has penetrated the inner tube, pulling it out will cause air leakage, necessitating a tire repair. Small holes or punctures can be patched. Always check the condition of your tires before heading out, especially before long trips, highway drives, or mountain roads. If the tire shows signs of bulging, it should be replaced as soon as possible. Never overlook the importance of tires—safety comes first.
Yesterday I dealt with a similar issue - my car's rear tire got punctured by a nail. It looked scary but I didn't rush to pull it out. While the nail remains inside, it might actually help plug the hole and slow down air leakage. Pulling it out could cause sudden deflation, which is more dangerous. The safest approach in my opinion is: First, stop to check the tire condition. If there's still air, don't remove the nail, drive slowly to the repair shop at speeds below 60 km/h, avoiding sharp turns or sudden braking to prevent accidents. If the tire is already flat, don't drive - either change to the spare tire or call roadside assistance instead of risking further damage. Pay attention to road conditions while driving normally, avoiding potholes can prevent such situations - don't be careless.
I've had a few experiences with nails puncturing my tires. I remember once in the suburbs, a nail was clearly stuck in the tread. I tried to wiggle it slightly but didn't dare pull it out, so I drove slowly to a nearby repair shop. The owner took a look and said it was lucky I didn't move it—just a patch would do. Pulling out nails is risky; the air can escape quickly, potentially causing the car to lose control, especially at high speeds, which is even more dangerous. I suggest that when you discover a nail, first check the tire pressure. If it's normal, drive slowly to a repair shop without touching the nail. If the tire is flat, stop immediately and deal with it—don't attempt to pull it out. Safety is far more important than saving money.
