Is It Safe to Drive with a Nail in My Tire?

No doubt, the rate of road carnage has been increasing for the past five years. Most of these accidents have been due to car tire burst.

Car owners need to keep inspecting and maintaining their tires before hitting the road. The primary purpose is to help reduce the number of road carnage on the highway in the country.

Research shows that nails have been the main contributing factor to tire bursts. Many drivers rarely inspect and check the pressure in the tires. It is something that usually gets the majority unaware.

So, is it safe to drive with a nail in my tire? Not really. It can cause a fatal accident due to a tire burst. The accident will not only affect the driver but also other road users.

It would be best to remove the nail from the tire. If the tire gets deflated, use the spare one and drive to the nearest service station for puncture fixing.

Tires are components that play a crucial role in a vehicle. These car parts usually provide traction and absorb shock while driving to boost your ride performance.

But tires are made from fabric, wire, natural and synthetic rubber. These materials can pick up nails, rocks, screws, and other sharp objects on the road to cause holes.

The good news is that tires have a longer lifespan than other parts of the vehicle. But this depends on the brand and functionality of the tires.

Can You Drive with a Nail in Your Tire?

Most car enthusiasts are addicted to driving. Some car owners have the nerves to ride even with a flat tire on the highway.

The national highway traffic safety administration has swung in action to control such reckless driving. Hundreds of drivers in Chicago have been fine for driving on a highway with a flat tire.

So, can you drive with a nail in your tire? Absolutely. But this should be for a short distance. It is unsafe to leave the nail in the tire and travel for long-distance.

Besides that, never drive a car with a flat or blown-out tire. It can create an unsafe driving condition. The issue can also result in irreparable damage to the car wheel.

If the tire is not flat despite having a stuck nail, it would be best to drive to the nearest tire repair shop right away for assistance. It will help to reduce the risks associated with tire burst on the road.

You can also seek for towing service in case the tire becomes flat while driving on the highway. It is one way of reducing road carnage and other related contingencies.

How Long Can I Drive with a Nail in My Tire?

Safety is an important element while hitting the road with your favorite car. Always schedule car maintenance when planning to travel long-distance.

Professional mechanics will inspect every part of the vehicle and suggest areas that need fixing. Slow leaks due to puncture usually mean tire repair or replacement.

Fixing tire punctures will help avoid getting stuck in the wilderness or causing an accident on the highway. These safety measures need to be given a lot of weight before hitting the road.

So, how long can I drive with a nail in my tire? It depends on the location and depth. But it would be best to ride for a short distance to the nearest tire repair shop.

Keep in mind that riding your vehicle with a nail close to the sidewall may cause a blowout to incase the tire hit a curb or pothole. You risk getting involved in a fatal accident on the road.

But nail stuck towards the center of the tire is less risky. It is likely to be patched, and the tire will experience a slow leak.

It would be best to note that it is easier and inexpensive to repair a tire with a patched nail. When the nail gets embedded at the sidewall, all you need is a new tire for replacement.

How Long Does It Take for A Tire to Deflate with A Nail in It?

Driving with under deflated tires can cause road carnage. You may also risk getting charged in the court of law for risking the lives of other road users.

Car owners need to inspect and check the tire pressure before leaving their garage. It is one of the safety measures that many drivers do ignore across the world.

So, how long does it take for a tire to deflate with a nail in it? It depends on the hole size and location of the nail. A small hole will result in slow-leaks, and sidewall puncture may cause a tire blowout.

If you notice the nail patched into the tire, it would be best to remove and repair. Penetration of a nail near the sidewall of the tire does not need repair but replacement.

A slow leaking tire can become deflate completely after 12 hours. Never drive a car with deflated tires since you risk causing further damages that might be expensive to repair.

What to Do If a Nail Gets in Your Tire?

Noticing a nail in your tire can be dangerous and jeopardize your life. Most car owners drive their vehicles for a long period before noticing the issue. Below are steps to consider if a nail gets in your tire:

Check Tire Pressure

Always check the tire pressure if you notice a nail inside it. Replace the tire with the spare one if the pressure is too low or the tire is experiencing slow leaking.

Take the deflated tire to the professional tire repair shop for fixing. The expert will also refill the tire, but you will be charged a few dollars for the service.

Repair the Tire

Take the tire patched with a nail to the repair shop. The mechanic will demount the tire and investigate the source of leaking.

A simple puncture from the middle of the tread will be repaired. But sidewall puncture will imply new tire replacement.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix A Nail in A Tire?

A flat tire will not only inconvenience you but can also be expensive. It would be best to note that the cost of fixing a flat tire depends on your region.

Fixing flat tires in some states is super expensive. But the location of the nail on the tire also plays a major role in determining the price.

The average cost of fixing a flat tire from a nail is about $20-60. However, some tire dealers will offer the service free if you previously purchased the tires from them.

But the free service is usually applicable if it falls within the warranty period. Patching sidewall puncture is impossible. The car owner needs to replace the tire right away.

More Sources and References

• Editor. Flat Tire. Wikipedia
• Editor. Motorist Assistance Service. Texas A & M University