I don’t think it is a good idea to drive when you have a nail in your tire. But these details can creep up on you and can grow into a significant issue.
For example, you may believe that the nail in your tire is just a small detail, not a significant issue, or a question may arise: can I drive with a nail in my tire.
However, this minor damage can lead to much more serious problems, like a slow leak or a sudden loss of air, resulting in a blowout. It is important to properly assess the damage caused by the nail to ensure your safety and your vehicle’s functionality.
Topic Summary
Can I drive with a Nail in My Tire: What Do I Do?
Getting a nail in your tire is never a good find. It’s one of those frustrating situations where you aren’t quite sure if this is a ‘stop immediately’ or ‘keep driving’ kind of issue.
So, can you really drive on a tire with a nail? It depends on a few key factors. Understanding those details could help you make the right call.
Assess the Situation Immediately
First, the most obvious pull over to a place where your car won’t become an improvised brick barrier on the shoulder of the highway or between two lanes of traffic.
If you can stop on flat ground with plenty of room to check the tire and safely move the car off the road, do so.
Check For Air Leaks
And despite a tire that seems to be holding pressure, don’t overlook a slow leak. You might feel a stream of air escaping from around the cavity of the nail, or you might hear a hiss.
Squirt it with soapy water to be sure. If bubbles rise to the surface, you leak. Drive only as far as you need to, and get it repaired or replaced immediately.
Understand the Risks of Driving with a Nail
There are a number of dangers to driving with a nail lodged in your tire. The first risk is the structure of your tire. The penetrant can compromise the structural integrity of the rubber.
At high speed, in particular, a tire that is compromised can fail suddenly (blowout), causing loss of control, which can result in an accident.
Another risk is that driving on a punctured tire can damage the tire beyond repair. In which case you won’t be able to simply patch the puncture but should instead replace the entire tire.
When It’s Safe To Drive
If the damage is minor and your tire pressure is okay, you might be able to drive to the nearest tire shop for repair and reach home safely.
However, I strongly recommend that you take it slow and stick to a single lane road where you can always pull over if your situation gets worse.
It also helps if you check your tire pressure on the way and after you reach home to make sure your pressure has not increased.
Get the Tire Repaired or Replaced Quickly
And, while a nail hanging out of a should be puncture hole may or may not be causing you problems at the moment, you really should have the tire repaired or replaced as soon as you can.
Most tire shops will use a plug and patch to repair a tire that’s been punctured in the tread area, but they will replace that tire if the nail is in the sidewall or the tire’s been run flat.
Consider Carrying a Spare
If you tend to drive where you’re more likely to get a puncture, such as on construction sites or in the countryside, keep a spare tire or a puncture repair kit in your vehicle. They can save your life on the way to the tire shop.
How To Fix a Nail in Tire?
If you have a nail in your tire, don’t wait for a blowout. Get it fixed right away so you don’t end up with a blowout or any other damage. This simple tutorial will show you how to patch a tire with a nail in it.
1. Gather Your Tools
The repair kit will likely contain a tire plug with a reamer tool, insertion tool, and rubber cement. You’ll also want a pair of pliers, as well as a tire pressure gauge. (You’ll need access to an air compressor either in your car or at a petrol station.)
2. Locate the Nail
If the tire is still on your car, get it jacked up and take the tire off. Find where the nail is.
3. Remove the Nail
Now, carefully, two pliers are pulled to the nail and pulled out of the tire. Try not to damage it any further.
4. Prepare the Hole
Put the reamer in the hole that the nail has made. This will clean the hole and slightly enlarge it so the plug will fit.
5. Apply Rubber Cement
Rubber cement on the end of the tire plug will help seal the hole and get the plug to set in.
6. Insert the Plug
First, push the plug through the tool and bunk it into the hole. Keep half an inch of the plug sticking out on the other side. Pull out the tool very fast. You’re done!
7. Trim Excess Plug
Use your knife or scissors to cut off any loose plug material so that the surface of the tire and the plug are flush.
8. Reinflate the Tire
One should always use a tire pressure gauge to check if the tire is properly filled. If not, an air compressor can be used to inflate the tire up to the car manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
9. Check For Leaks
Soap the area around the plug with soapy water. If there are no bubbles, the plug has been saved. There will be bubbles if the plug is in contact with the tile, which should be shifted or put back.
10. Reinstall the Tire
If you took out the tire, put it back on your vehicle, and lower the jack with the lug nuts as tight as possible.
A plug is only a temporary solution, depending on where the puncture is located. I’ve encountered plugs that get pulled out of the tire from bumps in the road, punctures near the sidewall (where belts and supports are impractical to repair), or tires that have been driven on flat for a few miles (see: flat spotted).
Take your tire to safe hands sooner rather than later for a more lasting solution, or swap the hoof for a new one.
Is It Safe To Drive with a Nail in the Tire?
If your tire has a nail in it, it’s a good idea to drive carefully. If the nail is situated in the tread and not losing air too quickly, it’s a good idea to drive to the nearest shop and get it removed or replaced.
However, if you start to drive around with a nail in your tire for an extended period, there is a greater chance of you suffering a blowout and losing control of your vehicle, something you surely want to avoid.
If your tire is losing air for any reason, it’s not safe to drive on, and your surest course of action is to pull over. Even worse, should your nail be located in the sidewall, the structural integrity of your tire is compromised.
It’s unsafe to drive on a sidewall puncture. If you’ve got a nail in your tire, get safe by having it inspected by a professional as quickly as possible and remove any further danger you might be presenting to yourself and your fellow motorists.
Can You Patch the Tire Rather Than Replace It?
Yes, it’s often possible to get your tire repaired rather than replaced if the puncture is in the tread area instead of in the sidewall.
A typical repair would involve a patch of rubber adhered to the inside of the tire to cover and seal a hole.
When done properly, a patch will undo much of the damage caused by an unplugged flat and restore the usability of a tire.
However, if the damage is too close to the sidewall or if you’ve driven your vehicle on a flat tire, it’s often necessary to replace the tire. If you’re not sure whether your tire can be repaired, have it checked by a professional.
FAQs About Can I drive with a Nail in My Tire
Can I Drive Long Distances with a Nail in My Tire?
Generally, it is a bad idea to drive long distances with the protruding nail when it is in your tire, even if it no longer leaks air quickly. The nail could work its way further into the puncture or shift relative to the air cavity as the tire is driven on and eventually blows out entirely. It is a good idea to get the tire inspected and repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
How Do I Know If the Nail is Causing a Slow Leak?
Listen for a hissing sound near the nail, Or add soapy water around the nail. If bubbles form, then air escapes. If the tire pressure goes down over several weeks, you probably have a slow leak.
Can a Tire with a Nail Be Repaired?
Yes, in many cases, a tire with a nail in the tread is safely performed by a professional using a plug and or patch. However, if the nail puncture is in the sidewall or shoulder portion of the tire, as opposed to the tread, or the tire had been run flat at all after the flat tire occurred, the tire is not safe to repair and will be a candidate for replacement.
Is It Safe To Remove the Nail Myself?
Removing the nail without first assessing the extent of the damage could cause a rapid loss of air, making safe driving impossible. Best leave the nail in and drive with caution to a repair location where the damage can be professionally assessed.
What Should I Do If My Tire Blows Out While Driving?
If the tire bursts, stay calm and decelerate gradually. Don’t brake. Keep the vehicle going straight and pull slowly to the roadside as far off it as possible (the flat wheel will wobble). Once parked, switch on your hazard lights and call for help if required. Never drive with a flat.
Conclusion
While having a nail in your tire is less than ideal, it’s not always an immediate hazard. You can determine if it’s worth continuing to drive if you judge the situation, perform a quick air leak check, and ground yourself in the risks.
Most agree that the safest decision is to get your tire checked out as soon as possible. But when you’re unsure, erring on the side of caution will lead to the safest outcome for you and your vehicle. A safe road trip is more important than expensive repairs.