A Nail in Tire Situation? Here’s What to Do
Finding a nail in your tire is more common than you think. You can’t be sure where that nail came from, whether it’s from a nearby construction site or a truck carrying debris, but there’s a more pressing matter at hand. You need to handle the situation as soon as possible and remove the nail for everyone’s safety. In this blog, we will guide you on how to fix a nail in a tire situation and what signs of damage to look out for.
Is it Safe to Drive with a Screw in Your Tire?
You can drive with a nail in your tire for a short distance. However, it’s dangerous to keep moving for a long time. How long you can drive with a nail in your tire depends on several factors. If the tire is leaking very slowly, it’s safe to drive a few hundred miles. However, you have to be careful because driving too far may still damage the tire.
If the tire is losing air rapidly, you should avoid driving, as it is dangerous for you and other drivers on the road. The low tire pressure might make it hard to control the car, especially during turns or emergency maneuvers.
How to Drive with a Nail in Your Tire
If you have to drive with a nail in your tire, it’s important to drive very carefully. Try to maintain a slow speed and not take sharp turns. Keep the trip very short and reach the nearest repair shop if you can.
How Long Does It Take for a Tire to Deflate With a Nail in It?
When a nail is stuck in a tire, it can take minutes to weeks for the tire to deflate. It depends on many factors, like the size of the nail, the location of the puncture, air pressure, tire type, and condition. In all cases, you should address the issue as soon as possible.
Can I drive with a nail in my tire if it’s not flat?
If the tire is not flat after you find a nail in it, it means it is a temporary self-sealing tire puncture. In that case, you can drive for a short distance, but that doesn’t mean should ignore it, as it’s not a permanent fix. The wisest course of action is to drive to a repair shop and have a professional inspect the tire and decide whether to repair or replace the tire. It’s also best to avoid removing the nail yourself, as it will cause the tire to go flat.
Read More: How to Change A Flat Tire
How to Repair a Tire With a Nail in It: DIY it
Method 1: DIY it
If you have a tire plug kit, you can DIY the tire repair process. It’s a simple process. Below are the steps.
Step 1: Inspect the Tire
Finding the nail is the first step towards repairing the punctured tire. It determines if you should fix the tire or if it’s unrepairable.
When is the tire unrepairable?
If the nail is in the sidewall or shoulder area, that means the tire is unrepairable. That applies to passenger tires and light truck tires. Additionally, if the nail is in the tread area, but larger than 1/4 inch (6 mm), it is also unrepairable. In these cases, you need to install a spare tire if you have one.
Another important thing to watch out for is if the wheel has other plugged holes from previous incidents of the tire getting punctured. In that case, we strongly advise against plugging the hole again.
If the nail is not in the shoulder area or too close to it, and is smaller than 1/4 inch (6 mm) in diameter, then proceed with the next steps of tire repair.
Step 2: Remove the Nail
The next step is to remove the nail from the tire. If it’s a screw, you can simply use a drill or screwdriver to unscrew it. A nail can be extracted with a claw hammer, vice grips, or a pair of pliers. In most cases, you will get a hissing sound and a flat tire. But don’t worry, that’s the air coming out. When it’s time to plug the tire, it will be refilled.
Step 3: Ream the Hole
After removing the nail or screw, you begin to ream the hole. That’s when a tire plug kit comes in handy. The kit usually contains a tool with a file at the end of it. This tool roughs out the hole if you push it in and out of the hole a few times.
Step 4: Plug the Hole
Next, we fill the hole shut. Find the tool in the kit that looks like a needle and crimp the tire plug between the ends. Insert the threaded needle into the hole, push it with some force until only a little bit of it is sticking out. The plug should keep air in the tire. You can also patch the hole from the inside as an extra safety measure for your vehicle.
Then, pulling the plug tool out should be easy. The plug will stay in the hole. You should then trim the end that sticks out as close to the tire as you can. Voila! You’ve repaired your tire.
Method 2: Let the Professionals Handle It
If you don’t have a tire plug kit or are unable to repair the tire yourself, you can let the professionals handle it.
Where to Get the Nail in the Tire Fixed
To get your tire repaired by a professional, you need to drive to the repair shop and find a tire technician to repair or replace the punctured tire with a new one.
We understand that you may not always be able to drive as far as you can to reach the tire shop. That’s why we’ve designed the best roadside assistance service in Canada for your vehicle. Tire repair and replacement are among the many services included in our membership program. If you need a nail in tire repair service and an emergency flat tire service near you, join the CDRA membership
How Long to Fix a Nail in a Tire
It can take anywhere between 15 minutes to an hour and a half to fix a tire with a nail in it. If it’s a simple plug or patch job, it can take around 15-40 minutes. If the professional has to use more complex methods, like vulcanization, or if they need to remove the tire from the rim, it may take longer, up to 90 minutes.
How Much Does a Nail in a Tire Repair Cost?
The cost of a nail in a tire repair can range from $10 to $40, depending on many factors. The shop where you repair the tire, the tire’s type, the repair method, and the extent of the damage all influence the price. If you are a part of a roadside assistance program, like CDRA’s, the cost will be included in the membership fees. That means you will get your tire repaired at no extra cost.
Nail in Tire – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I check my tire for damage?
To check the tire for damage, visually inspect the tread and sidewalls for any nails, cracks, bulges, or cuts. You could also spray soapy water over the tire, and if bubbles appear, there’s a leak.
How do I know if there is a nail in my tire?
Look for any metal objects embedded in the tread. A clicking noise while driving or a drop in air pressure are strong indicators.
How did I get a nail in my tire?
Nails and screws are commonly found on roads near construction zones, parking lots, or debris-strewn areas. They easily get caught in tire treads.
How bad is it to drive with a nail in my tire?
It’s dangerous to keep driving a long distance with a nail in your tire. A nail can cause air to leak, damage the tire structure, and increase the risk of a blowout. Get it repaired quickly.
Can a nail cause a tire to blow out?
Yes. A nail can worsen the puncture or shift, leading to sudden air loss or even a high-speed blowout, especially if the tire is underinflated.
Do I need new tires if I have a screw in it?
Not always. If the screw is in the tread and the damage is small, the tire can likely be repaired. If it’s near the sidewall or the puncture is large, replacement may be needed.
Is it better to plug or patch a tire?
A combination of a plug to seal the hole and a patch from the inside is considered the safest and most reliable method.
Can a patched tire cause a blowout?
A properly done patch won’t cause a blowout. However, poor repairs or fixing damage in the wrong area, like the sidewall, can lead to failure.
Is patching a tire a permanent solution?
Yes, when done correctly on a repairable area of the tread, a patch can last the lifetime of the tire.
What happens if you leave a nail in your tire?
It’s dangerous to keep driving with a nail in your tire, even if it’s not flat. Over time, the tire will lose air, potentially leading to a flat tire or a blowout.
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