Asked by: Elorri Desai
automotive road side assistance

Can a tire with a nail be repaired?

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Unfortunately, there are areas of the tire that cannot be repaired, such as the shoulder and the sidewall. In both of these locations, there is too much flex and movement and a plug-patch will not hold. Also, if the puncture is in the tread but the hole is larger than a quarter inch, it cannot be repaired safely.


Simply so, 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.

Similarly, can you repair a tire with a nail in the sidewall? 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. Puncture repairs are limited to the center of the tread area. If there are punctures or damage in the shoulder or sidewall of the tire, it is not repairable.

Correspondingly, how long can you drive with a nail in your tire?

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.

Can you repair a tire with a nail in the shoulder?

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. This tire has been punctured through the shoulder area long enough ago for part of the nail head to have worn away.

Related Question Answers

Meggan Nani

Professional

Should I remove a nail from 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. If the hole is small enough, the store may be able to repair the hole instead of having to replace the entire tire.

Simplicia Leyton

Professional

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.

Arlette Pelin

Explainer

Can run flats 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.

Francesca Valdrez

Explainer

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.

Yasmeen Salisbury

Explainer

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.

Cin Kroner

Pundit

How much does it cost to fix a puncture?

If you catch a puncture early, the repair should cost between $15 and $30. Run-flat tires generally call for complete replacement. Tire plug kits are relatively inexpensive if you know how to do the fix yourself. You can find them priced from $10 to $20.

Desamparados Erostarbe

Pundit

How far can you drive on a flat tire?

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."

Thalia Torreblanca

Pundit

Can I fix a tire with a nail in it?

Replace the tire if necessary
Also, if the puncture is in the tread but the hole is larger than a quarter inch, it cannot be repaired safely. Whether due to location or size, there are times that a tire repair is not possible and the tire must be replaced entirely. Don't take a chance driving with a nail in your tire.

Xena Vangenhassent

Pundit

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.

Edith Vitrik

Pundit

Does insurance cover nail in tire?

So if you run over a nail and get a flat, your insurance company will likely tell you you're on your own. However, insurance companies will cover damage to your vehicle if a blowout or flat tire is the culprit. Additionally, if you get into an accident as a result of a flat, insurance should also come into play.

Magencio Nurdinov

Teacher

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.

Abdelwahad Kumpell

Teacher

Is nail in tire covered under warranty?

tires are only ever covered for wear and manufacturers defects, just the same as the rest of your vehicle. Tire warranties are covered by the manufacturer of that tire, not the Kia dealership, so you go to the place that sells that brand of tire for any warranty coverage unless the dealer is willing to do it for you.

Sirio Mazo

Teacher

Lai Herbert

Reviewer

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.

Bilaly Gusmoo

Reviewer

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.

Elhadji Gittelbauer

Reviewer

Why can't you plug the sidewall of a tire?

Tires have cords that run all around the tread of the tire, the part the makes contact with the road. But on the sidewall, those cords aren't there. So, there's just no way for a plug to fill that hole. The patch won't hold, and it's going to continue to leak.

Chrystal Baidyuk

Reviewer

How does a nail get in the sidewall of a tire?

First, try to put a nail into your tire. It is not as easy as you think. Sidewall punctures happen the same way, the tread of the tire hits one end of the object, causing the other end to flip up into the bulge of the sidewall.

Pok Monaghan

Supporter

When should you not patch a tire?

Tire Repair Guidelines
  1. Repairs are limited to the tread area only. Do not repair a tire if the injury extends into the shoulder or sidewall area.
  2. A tire puncture greater than 1/4 inch (or 6mm) is not able to be repaired.
  3. A tire repair can never overlap.
  4. A tire patch, by itself, is never a suitable repair.

Hisako Aguirregoitia

Supporter

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.