Damage to car tires is a common situation, especially when driving on poor roads. And most serious cuts, tears, or bulges are easily dealt with by visiting tire service specialists. However, sometimes a tire catches a nail or screw that is firmly stuck in the tread layer, completely sealing the hole and not causing the tire to deflate. In this case, the question arises: can you continue to use it, how safe is it to drive on such a tire, and is there a need to replace it as soon as possible. Also, could there be any negative impact on driving if the driver is unaware that such an incident has occurred with his tire. It is worth considering this issue in more detail. A nail is a special object that can enter the tire in different ways: sideways, evenly, partially, or fully to the head. If a nail enters the tire with its sharp end, completely sealing the hole and covering it with its cap, several scenarios are possible: when air rapidly escapes from the hole and the tire deflates very quickly. In this case, the driver can notice it almost immediately, at most the next day. Such damage cannot be repaired and does not allow for further use. To continue using the car, you need to visit a tire service to replace the tire. If a foreign object is firmly stuck in the tire and air leaks out very slowly, almost imperceptibly, the car can continue to move for a certain period. But it is important to monitor the condition of the tire. When the pressure drop in the tire becomes more noticeable, it is necessary to urgently replace the damaged tire. This scenario has its own danger, as during the drive the tire may hit a pothole, leading to a change in the nail’s direction. As a result, a sudden change in tire pressure may occur. The higher the speed of the vehicle and the older the tire, the greater the likelihood of instability and loss of control. The most dangerous potential outcome is a sudden loss of tire pressure leading to an emergency situation. To protect yourself from danger, it is important to regularly carefully inspect the tires for possible damages. Tires especially need attention after driving on rural roads or after long journeys over long distances. If a nail is stuck in the tire: recommendations from specialists. Given the listed scenarios, tire service experts give the following advice: if you realize that there is a nail stuck in the tire, first check the pressure. If the tire holds the pressure well or loses minimal air, it is better not to try to remove the nail yourself. It is better to leave it in the tire and then decide whether to continue driving or go to a tire service for replacement. If air leaks fairly quickly and the pressure does not hold, it is better to immediately change the tire. There is another alternative that allows you to save on buying a new tire and its installation. By pulling out the nail, you can completely deflate the tire, glue the hole, and reinflate the tire. Of course, not all car owners can independently repair the wheel in a way that it functions safely. Therefore, in this case, replacement will be a more rational solution.
