What to Do When a Nail Punctures Your Tire?
2 Answers
Here are the methods to handle a car tire punctured by a nail: 1. If the puncture hole on the tread is only 6mm, for economic reasons, you can opt for tire repair and continue using it without replacement. This is because a nail insertion won't significantly damage the tire's structure, steel belts, fabric layers, or polyester layers, and the tire can be effectively repaired. 2. If the tread is deformed or the tire body is severely damaged, it is necessary to replace the tire. Tread deformation is actually influenced by the tire body. When the tire body is subjected to significant force, its internal structure gets damaged, leading to deformation, which in turn causes the tread to deform. In such cases, tire replacement is required.
If your car tire is punctured by a nail, don't drive recklessly. Pull over to a safe spot, such as an open area away from traffic, and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. After getting out, inspect the tire. If the nail is still embedded, don't pull it out—removing it will cause air to leak faster. Take a photo for reference in later repairs. Changing to a spare tire is a common solution. If you have a spare and tools, do it yourself: remove the nuts, lift the car with a jack, replace the tire, and tighten the nuts without overdoing it. If you don't have a spare, use a tire sealant spray to plug the hole, inflate to the recommended pressure, and drive slowly to a repair shop, keeping speed between 60-80 km/h and distance under 50 km. At the shop, they can patch the hole or replace the tire for a safer fix. When parking in risky areas like construction sites, check the tread to reduce hazards—safety first, don't take chances.
