If you’ve ever had a nail or other sharp object puncture your tire, you know how frustrating it can be. Not only is it a hassle to have to deal with a flat tire, but it can also be dangerous if it happens while driving.
How long a tire will last after a nail impact depends on the spot where it was punctured and the size of the nail; if the nail pierces the surface of the tire, you can drive for up to 10 miles.
However, the nail on the tire’s sidewall is considered unrepairable and would lead to a blowout if you don’t immediately stop the vehicle.
In most cases, a nail in a tire will cause a slow leak. This means that the tire will gradually lose air pressure over time.
If you continue to drive on the tire, the pressure will eventually get low enough that the tire will go flat. This can be dangerous because a flat tire can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
However, depending on the size of the nail or the area of the puncture, the nail might not cause harm to the tire even when pulled out.
In this article, you’ll discover if driving with nail(s) in your tire is safe and how long it will last before going flat.
Nail in Tire; How Long Will it Last?
Various factors will determine how long the tire will last after getting in contact with the nail. These include;
Type of Nail
Nails come in different sizes and are used for other tasks; if a short nail gets into your tire, you don’t need to fret too much since some don’t usually contact the inner linen of the tire.
Although if you continue refilling the tire with the nail still intact with the tire, it’ll cause an air leak and cause your tire to start losing pressure.
In another case, when a longer nail gets into your tire, you’ll need to get rid of it immediately to avoid further damage.
You should notice this when the tire starts losing air pressure more frequently and goes flat overnight because of the contact the nail made with the inner linen of the tire.
Position of Nail Contact
Another factor that affects how long a tire will last when it comes in contact with a nail is the angle of position of the nail.
If the nail stabs the tire’s surface, you still have a longer time to drive before checking the state of the tire.
However, if the nail comes in contact with the sidewall of the tire, then you’ll need to install a spare tire or get a replacement as soon as possible.
If a nail comes in contact with your sidewall, it’s often unrepairable.
Amount of Air Output
The amount of air coming out of the tire due to the impact also plays a vital role in how long you can drive after a nail gets into your car.
Driving with Nail in Tire, Is it Safe?
It’s important to note that driving on a tire with a nail is unsafe. The nail could work its way further into the tire, causing more damage and potentially leading to a sudden loss of air pressure. This could be dangerous and cause you to lose control of your vehicle. It’s always better to be safe and have the tire repaired as soon as possible.
How to Fix a Tire with a Nail in It
You can use many DIY techniques to fix a tire with a nail in it, but it’s advisable to take your tire to a professional if you’re confused about how to go about them.
Some ways to fix a tire with a nail in it include;
- Nail Removing and Patching
- Plugging
- Plugging and patching.
You can check our article on how to patch your tires yourself for a complete guide.
However, the first thing to do once a nail is found in the tire is to remove and install a spare tire before working on the tire.
FAQs
Q: Is it OK to drive with nails in a tire?
Driving on a tire with a nail in it is unsafe. The nail could cause a slow leak, leading to a sudden loss of air pressure while driving. This could be dangerous and cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
Q: Do I need a new tire if I have a nail in it?
You don’t need a new tire if the nail is on the tire’s surface. However, nails on the sidewall of the tires are unrepairable and should be replaced instantly.
So, getting a new tire depends on the position that the nail comes in contact with the tire.
Q: How long can you drive on a tire with a screw in it?
Depending on the depth of the impact, you can drive on a tire with a screw in it for up to 10 miles extra before making a stop.
But you must install a spare tire to avoid causing severe damage to the affected tire.
Conclusion
A Nail in a tire can be frustrating and dangerous. If you notice that your tire is losing air pressure, a professional must check it out as soon as possible.
Don’t risk driving on a tire with a nail in it – have it repaired and keep yourself and others safe on the road.
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