Finding a nail in your tire may be an unsettling event that leaves you unsure what to do next and if it is safe to continue driving.
It’s critical to assess the issue if you discover a nail in your tire by considering the nail’s position, size, depth, and the tire’s state. It may be dangerous to drive with a nail in your tire, and it might further damage the tire or other wheel components. If there is a chance of repairing a tiny puncture on your own, follow the offered instructions. If not, install a spare or dial emergency roadside help.
We will work with you to choose the best course of action and to comprehend the dangers of operating a vehicle on a tire that has a puncture but hasn’t gone flat. You may confidently manage this situation, protecting your safety and extending the life of your tires by according to these instructions and taking the required safeguards.
Understanding the Situation
You must carefully assess the situation if you discover a nail in your tire. Make sure the tire is not already flat or is losing air. You may then carry out the following measures if it is not flat:
Location of the Nail
Your tire may sustain varying degrees of damage depending on where the nail is. Compared to those closer to the sidewall, nails in the tread region are less dangerous. If the nail is close to the sidewall, it may result in long-term damage and need to be replaced.
Size and Depth of Penetration
The size and depth of the nail determine how much damage will be done to your tire. A blowout might occur if a larger or deeper puncture compromises the tire’s structure.
The Number of Nails
Your tire may be more susceptible to damage if there are many nails in it, so you should get expert assistance right away.
Does a Nail in Your Tire Prevent You from Driving?
It is not advisable to drive when your tire has a nail in it since it might be unsafe. This is because the nail may cause the tire to gradually lose air, impairing your car’s general performance, including how it handles and stops. Driving with a nail in your tire also increases the risk of further damage to the tire and other wheel components like the rim or TPMS sensor.
You may go a short distance at a slower pace to the closest repair shop if your tire is not losing air and the nail is lodged in the tread. But be sure to watch for any adjustments in how your car handles or any early warning signs of air loss, such as a hissing sound or a sharp drop in tire pressure.
The tire should be checked to determine whether it needs to be changed or patched right away if you discover a nail within it that isn’t flat.
Here are some things to think about:
Puncture Size
The tire must be changed if a tire puncture measures more than 1/4 inch (6mm) in diameter and cannot be repaired.
Tread Depth
Tires with tread depths of 2/32 of an inch (1.6mm) or less must be changed by law because they are deemed dangerous.
Sidewall Damage
Replacing the tire if a nail has perforated the sidewall or is situated near it is advisable. It is unsafe, and not advised to fix a sidewall puncture.
Previous fixes
The tire should be changed if it has previously been fixed, particularly if it was done in the same spot as the present nail puncture.
Age of the Tire
Tires have a finite lifetime that, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations, ranges from six to 10 years. Even though the puncture can be fixed, think about changing your tire if it is towards the end of its useful life.
Home Fix for a Nail Puncture
You may want to do it yourself if you discovered a little nail in the tire and decided it could be mended. Please be advised, nevertheless, that only very small surface holes on the tire are appropriate for this instruction. Get expert assistance or purchase a new tire if the puncture is more than 1/4 inch (6mm) or close to the sidewall.
1. Prepare Your Vehicle
Place your car in a safe, level parking spot away from the road. Turn off the engine after using the parking brake.
2. Remove the lug nuts and lift the car
Gently remove the lug nuts on the damaged wheel using the lug wrench. After that, lift the car by the manufacturer’s recommendations by using the jack.
3. Remove the wheel
Releasing the lug nuts will enable you to remove the wheel from the automobile safely.
4. Find and remove the nail
Locate the nail, then gently remove it from the tire using pliers. To protect your eyes from any debris during this phase, it’s crucial to wear safety glasses.
5. Rough up the wound hole
Put on your gloves before cleaning and enlarging the puncture hole using the T-handle reamer from the tire plug kit. The reamer should be inserted into the hole and repeatedly twisted.
6. Get the Plug and Insertion Tool ready.
A rubber plug should be centered when threaded through the T-handle insertion tool’s eye. To the plug, generously apply rubber cement.
7. Place the Plug Inside the Puncture Hole.
Till about two-thirds of the plug is inside the tire, insert the T-handle insertion tool with the plug into the puncture hole. When you swiftly draw the insertion tool, the plug should remain in the tire.
8. Cut Off the Extra Plug
Trim the extra plug material flush with the tire tread using scissors.
9. Inflate the Tire
Using a portable air compressor or tire inflator, inflate the tire to the recommended pressure. Utilize a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure.
10. Reinstall the Wheel
Reinstall the wheel to the car and manually tighten the lug nuts. Utilizing the jack, lower the car and remove it. Using the lug wrench, tighten the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure uniform pressure distribution.
11. Monitor the Tire
Check the tire pressure often in the days after the repair to ensure the plug is holding and there aren’t any air leaks. Consult a reputable tire service for further inspection and repair if you notice any pressure loss.
How Much Time Can I Drive Without a Plug?
You may need to temporarily drive with a plug-in if you have a flat tire. According to research, going around 8 miles on a blocked tire is safe.
However, this should only be done to buy some more time to find a repair shop for a legitimate, long-lasting remedy or to replace the tire entirely. Remember that the puncture’s location, the repair’s quality, and the road conditions may all affect the plug’s efficiency.
Which Is Safer, a Plug or a Patch?
Two popular ways to repair a flat tire are patching and plugging. Knowing the differences between these approaches can help you decide which is safest and more suitable for your needs.
Patching
A tire patch may be applied to a tire to repair it completely. Cleaning and prepping the puncture location is required, followed by applying an adhesive patch to the tire’s inner lining. The patch reinforces the tire’s damaged area and covers the puncture from the inside, sealing it airtight.
Pros:
- More dependable: The patch offers a more substantial and long-lasting repair since it is placed on the tire’s inner liner.
- Improved sealing: A patch stops air from escaping from the puncture site by forming an airtight seal.
- Reinforces the damaged region: The patch gives the injured area more tensile strength, preserving the tire’s structural integrity.
Cons:
- Patching a tire takes longer than plugging one since the tire must be removed from the rim, the puncture cleaned, the patch applied, and the tire must be put back on the rim.
- Patching a tire requires specialized equipment and knowledge, making it less suited for a do-it-yourself fix.
Plugging
A tire plug may rapidly and conveniently mend a flat tire. You achieve this by putting a little rubber into the tire’s hole. Most of the time, you may resume regular driving after the hole has been sealed. This is a standard technique for making a temporary repair while you’re stranded on the side of the road.
Pros:
- Quick and simple: It is possible to plug a tire rapidly, often without removing it from the rim.
- DIY-friendly: Plugging is a simpler choice for do-it-yourself repairs since it can be done with a basic tire plug kit.
Cons:
- Less dependable: Plugs may not provide a long-lasting fix since they might eventually leak or dislodge.
- Limited effectiveness: Plugs are not advised for bigger or punctures near the sidewall; they work best for tiny holes in the tread region.
Replacing a damaged tire using a patch rather than a plug is safer and more dependable. This is so that a patch may better strengthen and seal the tire’s damaged region. However, using a plug can be a helpful temporary repair technique when professional assistance is not easily accessible.
Conclusion
It’s important to evaluate the situation when you discover a nail in your tire by considering its location, size, depth, and overall condition.
Driving with a nail in a tire is hazardous, as it may cause additional harm to the tire and wheel. If it is okay for you to fix the puncture yourself, carefully follow the directions and go on safely.
If you are uncertain, you should seek professional advice. You should also monitor the tire after repair to ensure it is safe. You can prioritize your driving safety and lengthen the life of your tires by addressing the issue and taking the appropriate steps.
