Why is there no air leakage when a tire is punctured by a nail?

[OGiselle]

The reason why a tire does not lose air when punctured by a nail is that the nail has not penetrated the tire completely, or the nail is temporarily blocking the air outlet, preventing air from escaping. However, it is essential to replace the tire with a spare as soon as possible and take the punctured tire to a repair shop for patching. If the nail has not fully penetrated the tire, carefully removing the nail allows continued use. If the tire is punctured and leaks air, it must be repaired. Never pull out the nail immediately after the tire is punctured, as doing so can cause the tire to lose air rapidly due to decreasing pressure. In some cases, tires with higher pressure may even burst on the spot, leading to unnecessary personal injury.

[VanDaniela]

I see many people encounter situations where a tire is punctured by a nail but doesn't lose air, which is quite common. The reason could be that the nail didn't penetrate all layers, only getting stuck in the rubber or fiber layers on the tire's surface without reaching the airtight part. Alternatively, the nail itself might have temporarily sealed the puncture, preventing air leakage. For self-sealing tires, the internal sealant would flow to plug the hole. However, don't take it lightly—I once saw a driver who ignored it and drove on the highway, only for the nail to wiggle out, causing a sudden slow leak that eventually led to low tire pressure and a blowout, which was extremely dangerous. I recommend you immediately drive your car to a professional tire shop for inspection—they can test whether there's an actual leak. Additionally, make it a habit to check your tire pressure weekly and inspect the tire surface for bulges or foreign objects. Safe driving relies on detailed maintenance. Tires are in direct contact with the road, and any issue can affect handling—we can't gamble with our lives.

[LeHolden]

Last week, I also had a small nail stuck in my tire. There were no visible changes on the surface, and it didn’t seem to be losing air while driving, so I thought it was a minor issue and ignored it. Later, while washing the car, I discovered the nail was actually deeper, lodged in the sidewall of the tire—it just hadn’t leaked immediately. The thick rubber of the tire can cushion the puncture to some extent, but it can’t withstand long-distance bumps. A fellow car enthusiast I know had a similar experience—after pulling out the nail, it started leaking slowly, forcing him to rush to a tire repair shop. I suggest you stop and check the tire pressure as soon as possible. Don’t pull the nail out forcefully; instead, drive to a professional repair shop for proper handling. When driving, try to avoid construction zones and piles of gravel to reduce such incidents. Poor tire condition directly affects braking and steering, increasing the risk of a blowout at high speeds. I always remind myself: safety first—never underestimate small issues.

[AidenDella]

It's quite common for a tire to have a nail puncture without leaking air, as the nail might only penetrate the shallow layer or temporarily plug the hole. However, I must point out that this poses significant potential risks, such as slow air leakage or a blowout at high speeds. It's advisable to have a professional inspect it immediately to avoid any unforeseen incidents.