Should You Remove a Nail from a Tire?
2 Answers
Tire with a nail should not be removed immediately. Instead, drive the car to a professional tire shop where trained staff can safely remove the nail and inspect the puncture. Tires are made of durable rubber materials and can be categorized into solid tires and pneumatic tires. Precautions for tire usage include: 1. Regularly check tire pressure; 2. Monitor the tire wear indicators—replace the tire when the tread wears down to the indicator level; 3. Routinely inspect the tire surface for cracks or deformities; 4. Avoid potholes, curbs, and obstacles while driving; 5. Be mindful of the tire's expiration date; 6. Schedule regular front-wheel alignment checks; 7. Maintain controlled driving speeds.
Last time I found a nail stuck in my tire, it gave me quite a scare, so I quickly pulled over to check. Remember, never pull it out directly—the nail actually temporarily seals the puncture by blocking the hole. Pour some bottled water around the nail; if bubbles appear, it means there's a leak. If the tire is noticeably flat at this point, it's best not to drive on it. Use the tire repair strips from the trunk for a temporary fix and drive slowly to the repair shop. If there's no leak, don’t take it lightly either—chances are the nail just punctured the tire recently. That’s exactly what happened to me last time when I drove leisurely to the mechanic for a proper fix. The mechanic said nails in the tread center can be patched, but if the sidewall is punctured, you’ll need a new tire—no skipping on that expense. Also, don’t forget to regularly clear out small stones stuck in the tire grooves to reduce the risk of sharp objects causing punctures.