travel and lifestyle | May 27, 2026

What do I do if there's a nail in my tire?

The first thing to do if you notice a nail in your tire is do not touch it. If the nail is deep enough, it can plug the hole so air does not leak from the tire. As soon as you notice the nail, contact a tire store so you can get your tire repaired.

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Similarly, you may ask, how long can you drive on a tire with a nail in it?

A repair too close to the sidewall may cause a blowout if you hit a curb just right. If the nail is toward the center of the tire, you're in luck because it can be patched. I've driven close to 3 weeks with a nail in the center area of the tread.

Similarly, how much does it cost to fix a tire with a nail in it? On average, tire puncture repair will cost you between $10 and $20. The repair will involve getting the tire patched. Some tire dealers will repair a punctured tire for free if you purchased your tire from them. It is really a nice service to have at your disposal, and it makes you want to do business with them again.

Accordingly, should I pull a nail out of my tire?

So yes, leave the nail in until you can take the tire for a full repair and you can reinflated the tire when you are done. If you remove the nail immediately, you will have to have a spare ready because you will have a flat tire.

Is it OK to drive with a nail in my tire?

If you have a nail in your tire, it is time to have a professional look at your vehicle. It may be safe to drive a short distance, but not much more than that. The first thing to do if you notice a nail in your tire is do not touch it. If the nail is deep enough, it can plug the hole so air does not leak from the tire.

Related Question Answers

Will driving on a flat tire ruin the rim?

The flat tire "acts as a cushion," according to Car Talk, protecting the rim of the wheel. You can therefore drive — again, at a slow speed — for hundreds of yards before your wheel is damaged, "though your tire may no longer be any good."

Can you replace just one tire?

Replacing One Tire If you choose to only replace one tire, pair it with the tire that has the second-most tread depth. They should both be mounted on the rear of your vehicle. Replacing only one tire is not as ideal as replacing two or all four tires.

When should you not plug a tire?

Repair of any punctures in the shoulder and sidewall areas are not permitted. This tire has been punctured in the tread area by a screw less than 1/4" in diameter. If no internal damage is found when the tire is dismounted, this puncture can be repaired following industry guidelines and the tire returned to service.

Can a staple puncture a tire?

Sometimes that debris ends up in your tire, causing a puncture hole in your tire. Common items that can cause puncture holes are nails, industrial staples, and screws. Glass typically is not strong enough to put a hole in the tire, but it can damage the tread and damage the structural integrity of the tire.

Is it safe to drive on a slow leak tire?

Driving with a slow leak in your tire is potentially dangerous because it can cause a flat tire. Once the tire becomes flat, it can become a blowout hazard. Sometimes you will be able to hear the pressurized air escaping from the small hole in the tire.

How long can you drive on a tire with a plug in it?

If all goes as planned and you have a properly plugged and patched tire, then it should last its original lifetime or the remainder of its mileage. On average, tire experts predict that a proper plug and patch can last from 7-10 years.

Can I plug my tire?

Many times, a simple object such as a nail in the tread can result in severe damage to the sidewall that cannot be seen on the outside of the tire. Therefore, on-the-wheel wheel repairs like string plugs are not recommended and must be considered temporary. Not all tires can be repaired.

Is a plugged tire safe?

The plug is supposed to be a temporary fix, not something that is a permanent solution to repair the hole in your tire. While it is safe to drive with a plugged tire, it is only safe to do so for a short amount of time. Furthermore, the plugs should only be used on the tread of the tire, not on or near the sidewalls.

Can a thumbtack pop a tire?

eventually, yes. The thumbtack head is pressed onto the “nail”portion and when the tack embeds in the tire, the head can get knocked off of the nail. The nail then can work its way into the tire and eventually pierce the inner liner. Given enough tacks, one is sure to puncture the inner liner causing a flat.

Can a run flat tire be plugged?

Run-flat tires are designed with reinforced sidewalls that allow the tire to be driven for a limited distance without air. Some run-flat tires can be plugged, if a patch is placed over the plug.

How much does it cost to change a flat tire?

Having a flat fixed by a tire or repair shop typically costs $5-$40 for a standard tire and $30-$60 to repair a run flat tire (designed to be safe to drive on even when it is flat).

How long does it take to change a tire?

15 to 30 minutes

Will fix a flat work if I have a nail in my tire?

If you have a small hole in the tire -- from a nail, for instance -- or a slow leak around the rim, products like Fix-A-Flat can work well as temporary solutions. The can contains a liquid that's injected into the tire, along with additional air. And it won't work for every flat tire.

Are nails in tires covered under warranty?

Road Hazard Warranties If the tire can be repaired, the repair is covered for the duration of the warranty. These warranties are essentially insurance policies. If you're considering whether to buy a road hazard warranty, think about how many times you've had a nail or a puncture in your tire in the last few years.

Is it better to patch or plug a tire?

Plugs work best when you've run over a nail or similar blunt object that punctures the tire and causes it to leak air. After the nail or sharp object is removed, the plug can be inserted into the hole to fix the leak. A patch, on the other hand, is considered to be a better quality tire repair.

What do I do if my tire has a nail in it?

If it's a simple puncture to the center of the tread area, the nail will be removed and the hole repaired using a plug/patch combination. The repair shop will plug the hole from the outside and patch it from the inside of the tire. It doesn't take much time and won't cost you an arm and a leg.

How do I find a slow leak in my tire?

Mix liquid soap with water in a spray bottle and spray all parts of the tire — tread, sidewalls, the valve stem and opening (with the cap removed), and along the rim on both sides — with the soapy water until you find a spot where bubbles start to form. That's where the air is leaking.

Can you drive long distance with a patched tire?

For the most part, a properly patched tire should allow you to drive safely for a long period of time. However, there still are some concerns. Here are some things to know about driving with a patched tire safety: A patch can be a stronger repair than a plug, yet it is not designed to be used on, or near a sidewall.

How much does it cost to change a tire?

According to recent reviews, Angie's List members report paying an average cost of $637 to replace four tires, with a range of $525 to $725. According to CostHelper, a standard, all-season tire costs between $50 and $200 each with an average price of $80 to $150.