What to Do When a Tire Gets Punctured by a Nail?
3 Answers
There are two solutions when a tire gets punctured by a nail: 1. If there is no air leakage after the puncture, you can use saliva to check if bubbles appear at the punctured spot. Generally, if no bubbles appear, it means the nail hasn't penetrated deeply and hasn't caused a leak, so there's no need to remove it. 2. If there is air leakage after the puncture, you must not continue driving. Seek assistance on the spot. Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery to roll on the ground. They are usually installed on metal rims, supporting the vehicle body, cushioning external impacts, ensuring contact with the road surface, and maintaining the vehicle's driving performance.
As a driver with over twenty years of experience, I've encountered nails puncturing my tires several times. First, ensure a safe stop—avoid high-speed driving or sudden braking, and slowly and steadily pull over to a clear roadside area. Before removing the nail, carefully inspect: if the tire leaks slowly or there's no noticeable air loss, the nail may temporarily seal the hole, so don’t pull it out randomly; if you hear a hissing sound and air is escaping quickly, immediately change to the spare tire. The steps for changing a tire yourself are simple: loosen the bolts with a wrench, position the jack (on level ground), and fit the spare tire, tightening it securely. Then, head to a professional tire shop for inspection—small holes can be patched cheaply, usually for under 50 yuan; for large holes or sidewall damage, a new tire is needed, costing anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand yuan. Preventive measures I often take: regularly check tire wear, install a tire pressure monitor, and drive slowly on construction sites while keeping a portable air pump handy. Remember, safety comes first—always check your tools are complete before long trips.
As a young urban driver, dealing with nails in tires is a common annoyance. First, don't panic—slow down and find a safe spot to pull over, like a gas station or service area. Check the tire: if the nail is still embedded and there's no air leakage, it's best not to pull it out; if there's a leak, use a tire repair strip (available online for just a few bucks) to plug the hole temporarily. Then drive to the nearest repair shop for a professional fix or tire replacement. Nowadays, apps like Gaode Maps make it easy to find nearby auto repair shops. I always keep a portable air pump in my car to inflate a leaking tire enough to reach the repair shop. A good habit is to scan the road for debris before driving and check tire pressure monthly to prevent puncture risks. Stay calm—the whole process is manageable.
