On this page
- Why shouldn't you remove the nail from the tyre?
- What should you do if you find a nail in your tyre?
- Can you drive with a nail in the tyre?
- Can a tyre with a nail in it be repaired?
- Can I use the repair kit with a nail in the tyre?
- How does SOS Tyre deal with a nail in the tyre?
- Frequently asked questions
Why shouldn't you remove the nail from the tyre?
You shouldn't remove the nail because it's often what's keeping the hole closed: while it stays in, the air escapes slowly, whereas if you pull it out the tyre can deflate within minutes and leave you stranded.
What's more, by seeing the object in place, the technician can better judge the angle of penetration and the depth of the damage, which are decisive in establishing whether the tyre can be repaired.
What should you do if you find a nail in your tyre?
- Leave the nail, screw or metal object exactly where it is.
- Measure the tyre pressure and compare it with the others.
- Photograph the spot, including the edge of the tyre in the shot so its position relative to the shoulder is clear.
- Note down the size written on the tyre sidewall.
- If the tyre is deflated, don't move the car and call for assistance.
- If the pressure is holding, keep journeys to a minimum and have the hole repaired as soon as possible.
Can you drive with a nail in the tyre?
With a nail in the tyre you can drive only for short distances, at moderate speed and if the tyre is holding the correct pressure. The nail can move as the wheel turns, widen the hole or shift, and the leak can suddenly get worse.
Don't drive if the tyre pressure warning light is on, if the tyre looks squashed or if the object is near the sidewall. In those cases, treat the problem as a puncture.
Can a tyre with a nail in it be repaired?
A tyre with a nail in the central area of the tread can usually be repaired, provided the hole is small, the tyre hasn't been driven on deflated and the internal inspection shows no other damage.
| Where the nail is | Repair |
|---|---|
| Centre of the tread | Usually possible |
| Near the shoulder | Needs assessing, often ruled out |
| On the shoulder or sidewall | Not repairable, the tyre must be replaced |
The final verdict rests with the technician after removing the tyre. The criteria are explained in when a tyre can be repaired.
Can I use the repair kit with a nail in the tyre?
A sealant kit can plug a small hole in the tread, but it isn't the ideal solution if the nail is still in and the tyre is holding: in that case it's better to have a proper repair done straight away. Sealant is designed for emergencies; after use the tyre must be checked by a tyre fitter, and some products can complicate a later repair.
Always follow the instructions of the kit and the car manufacturer. For a comparison of the options, read repair kit or space-saver.
How does SOS Tyre deal with a nail in the tyre?
SOS Tyre quickly reaches your car in Milan and its province, on the road or wherever you've parked it, at any time. Call +39 377 326 0999 or fill in the assistance request with your location, vehicle and tyre size, attaching a photo of the nail.
The technician only removes the object at the time of the job, inspects the tyre and, if it's within the limits, carries out an on-the-spot repair; otherwise they fit your spare wheel with a wheel change.
Frequently asked questions
If the nail has been in the tyre for days and it isn't losing air, can I leave it?
Better not. Even if the tyre is holding now, the nail can shift, widen the hole or let moisture into the tyre's structure. Have it repaired as soon as possible: a small hole in the tread dealt with promptly has a good chance of being repairable.
Is a screw in the tyre different from a nail?
The principle is the same: don't remove it, and its position needs assessing. Screws have a thread that often keeps them firmly anchored and seals the hole better, but they can have a larger diameter. Whether it's repairable depends on the size and position of the hole.
How can I tell whether the nail has gone in deep?
You can't know for certain from the outside: a nail that seems to be just resting on the surface may have gone through the tread. If the tyre is losing pressure, the nail has definitely pierced the structure. Only by removing the tyre can the internal damage be seen.
Does the nail make a noise while I'm driving?
Often, yes: you hear a rhythmic ticking that gets faster with speed, caused by the head of the nail touching the tarmac with every turn of the wheel. If you hear this noise, stop safely and check the tread of all the tyres.