What to Do When a Nail Punctures the Tire Without Air Leakage?
2 Answers
If a nail punctures the tire without causing air leakage and the car can still drive normally, you should drive at a low speed to the nearest repair shop for inspection. However, the issue must not be ignored, as failing to address it may lead to a tire blowout, posing a significant safety hazard. Most car tires are tubeless (vacuum) tires, which do not lose air quickly when punctured by a nail, providing sufficient time to drive to a repair shop for inspection. When a tire is punctured by a nail, do not pull it out immediately, as this could cause severe air leakage, making it impossible to continue driving. Moreover, if the tire pressure is high, removing the nail may result in a blowout, which is extremely dangerous. The sidewall of the tire is relatively thin, and punctures on the sidewall cannot be repaired. Additionally, if the puncture diameter exceeds 6 millimeters, the tire cannot be repaired and must be replaced with a new one.
I had a nail in my tire without any air leakage right after I started driving, which kept me on edge for quite a while. That day, I was in a hurry to get home when I heard an unusual noise from the tire. I pulled over and saw the nail stuck in it—miraculously, there was no air loss. My first instinct was to pull it out, but then I remembered the advice from experienced drivers: never pull it out! The nail was actually plugging the hole, and removing it could cause instant deflation, posing a huge risk, especially on the highway. I immediately drove slowly to the nearest repair shop, keeping my speed under 40-50 km/h and stopping occasionally to check the tire pressure. The mechanic inspected it and said it needed an internal mushroom plug repair, which cost me a few dozen yuan. He also reminded me that in such situations, I should first turn on the hazard lights, pull over, and assess the situation—never drive long distances. Regular tire maintenance is crucial too; cleaning the tread more often can reduce the chance of debris puncturing it. This experience has helped me avoid a lot of trouble—safety always comes first when driving.
