What kind of nails can puncture car tires?
2 Answers
Three-legged caltrops can puncture car tires. A three-legged caltrop is a steel-made, triangular-shaped nail with four sharp points. No matter how it is thrown on the ground, one point will always face upward, supported by the other three points acting as legs. If a tire is punctured by a nail, it is recommended not to remove the nail immediately. Instead, drive to the nearest auto repair shop before removing it. If no air leakage is found after removing the nail, you can continue driving; if there is air leakage, a tire repair is necessary. There are two methods for tire repair: the traditional plug method and the patch method. Generally, the patch method is used. For small nails, the patch method is sufficient, being simple and convenient. If the tire is punctured by a larger nail, a mushroom plug repair must be used.
After driving for so many years, I've seen numerous cases of tires being punctured by nails. The most common culprits are large iron nails from construction sites, especially sharp round-headed ones that can easily pierce rubber tires. I've picked up discarded screws, self-tapping screws, and even small thumbtacks on the road—all of which can cause slow leaks or sudden blowouts. Particularly on bumpy roads or construction zones, nails are easily picked up by tires, with higher speeds increasing the risk of penetration. I've even encountered a customer's car punctured by a pin—small but capable of causing leaks over time. It's advisable to avoid construction debris while driving and regularly inspect tire surfaces. If you find embedded foreign objects, try a temporary repair kit or visit a repair shop promptly for professional handling to prevent unexpected blowouts. In the long run, developing a monthly inspection habit can save a lot of trouble.
