Why doesn't the tire leak when punctured?
4 Answers
The reason why a punctured tire doesn't leak air: Most cars are equipped with tubeless tires, which have an additional rubber sealing layer about 2-3 mm thick on the inner wall of the tire, providing a certain level of protection. Here are precautions for using tubeless tires: 1. Check tire pressure with a pressure gauge: Tubeless tires must maintain the specified air pressure. Made of high-quality rubber, they have good elasticity and flexibility, with a wide range of adaptability to air pressure. Even at high pressure, they don't feel as hard as ordinary tires, so tire pressure should be checked with a pressure gauge. 2. Road condition requirements: Tubeless tires perform well on asphalt and concrete roads, maintaining strong traction and good stability even on wet surfaces. However, they have poor traction and stability on dirt roads, especially muddy ones. Motorcycles with tubeless tires are best used in urban areas and are not suitable for driving on rural dirt roads.
I find it quite common for tires to have nails stuck in them without losing air, mainly because the nail happens to wedge itself in the puncture, forming a temporary seal—just like a bottle stopper blocking the air leak. Last week when I was washing my car, I noticed a screw stuck in the rear tire, yet the tire pressure was completely normal. However, this situation should never be taken lightly. I specifically consulted a trusted mechanic, who said the tire's internal structure might already be damaged, especially with potential breaks in the steel belt layer. I recommend you visit a professional tire shop as soon as possible and never pull the nail out yourself, as doing so could cause an immediate blowout. Remember to keep your speed below 60 km/h before getting it fixed, and opt for a mushroom plug repair for longer-lasting results. Also, try to avoid parking on construction-site roads and make it a habit to check your tires weekly—it’s really important.
Hah, I experienced this twice last year. At that time, I found a thumbtack stuck in the left front tire but there was no air leakage. The mechanic told me it was because the sharp object happened to seal the hole perfectly. Actually, this situation is even more dangerous than a direct puncture—the nail can repeatedly rub inside the tire while driving, potentially causing ply breakage or delamination. I specifically studied this: the shoulder thickness of a regular car tire is only about a dozen millimeters, and if punctured and left untreated, sudden pressure loss can easily occur. I recommend that if you find a puncture, immediately take a photo with your phone to mark the location, making it easier for the mechanic to handle it quickly. When repairing the tire, remember to request a wheel balance; otherwise, the car may vibrate at high speeds. Now, I always carry a portable tire pressure gauge with me, and walking around the car to check before driving gives me peace of mind.
A tire punctured by foreign objects without air leakage is a typical case of pseudo-sealing. Based on my experience, nails or glass fragments may temporarily create a physical blockage. However, don't be fooled by appearances – damage to the inner rubber wall has already occurred. Last month, my car experienced this exact situation. Fortunately, I took it to the repair shop promptly. The technician used a detector and discovered a 3-centimeter-long internal crack, which was resolved using a mushroom plug repair. Remember to maintain a steady speed and avoid sudden braking when driving to the repair shop. Upon arrival, have the technician first test the air tightness before deciding on the repair method. Repaired tires are recommended to be moved to the rear axle for higher safety. Use a coin monthly to measure tread depth – replace the tire if it's below 1.6mm.
