Should You Replace the Tire If the Shoulder Is Punctured by a Nail?
3 Answers
If the tire shoulder is punctured by a nail, it's better to replace the tire directly rather than repairing it. This area is constantly squeezed and deformed during driving as it comes into contact with the ground, so even if repaired, it may not last long before leaking air again. Therefore, if the tire shoulder is punctured, it's best to replace the tire outright and avoid further repair attempts. More relevant information is as follows: 1. The tire is the only part of the vehicle that comes into contact with the ground, directly affecting the driving stability and safety of the vehicle. If the puncture occurs in the tread area (the part that contacts the ground), it can still be repaired. However, if the sidewall is punctured, it is strongly recommended not to repair it. 2. Modern car tires are mostly radial tires, primarily composed of the carcass ply and rubber. The carcass ply consists of crisscrossing cords (some also include steel wire mesh), which mainly bear the load, while the rubber provides sealing and flexible deformation functions. 3. When a tire is punctured and leaks air, it is mainly due to damage to the inner liner, which can be repaired. However, if the carcass ply is damaged, it directly affects the tire's strength. The more cords that are broken, the greater the risk of a blowout.
A puncture in the tire shoulder indeed requires a new tire and cannot be simply repaired. I always emphasize this point when dealing with similar issues—the tire shoulder is the most vulnerable area of the tire, enduring significant bending and heat stress. If forcibly patched, even if the leak is temporarily sealed, it may lead to a blowout during high-speed driving, posing an extremely high risk. Every time this happens, I advise the driver to pull over immediately to check if the tire pressure has dropped and replace it with the spare tire. After professional evaluation at a shop, 90% of such cases require tire replacement. Safety always comes first, and choosing the right new tire is crucial—opt for durable brands like Michelin or Bridgestone, and never gamble with safety to save a little money. Regular tire inspections, including checking tread depth, can help avoid such issues by identifying potential hazards early. Spending money on a new tire is far better than risking an accident.
I have to share a similar situation my friend experienced. After his tire shoulder got punctured by a nail, he tried to save money by patching it up. The next day, while driving, he felt the steering wheel shaking and rushed to a repair shop. When the mechanic took it apart, they found the patched area had cracked open into a larger hole, almost causing an accident. So now I always remind everyone: if the tire shoulder is damaged, you must replace the tire—no compromises. Unlike the tread, the sidewall doesn’t have enough thickness to support a safe repair, and neither sealants nor patches can withstand normal driving pressures. Also, when inspecting, don’t just focus on the puncture spot; check for bulges or cracks around it. Spending a few hundred bucks on a new tire is worth it to avoid costly repairs or life-threatening blowouts later—it’s just not worth the risk. And make it a habit to clear out stones and debris from your tires when washing your car.
