Can You Drive With a Nail in Your Tire?

December 2, 2022

"Nailed it!" is not a phrase you want to be associated with your tires. Unfortunately, you might find a nail stuck in your tire at some point. But, how do nails get in tires? Typically, you'll have a nail in your tire after driving by an active construction site ‐ or perhaps you're just suffering from a stroke of bad luck.

No matter how you got a nail in your tire, here's what you should know. Pump the brakes and read on to find out what to do about a nail in a tire.

What are the Signs You Have a Nail in Your Tire?

You may discover that your tire has a nail in it after a visual tire inspection, if your tire gauge is creeping lower, if you hear a hissing sound while near your tire, or if you hear a metal clicking sound while you're driving.

Can You Drive With a Nail in Your Tire?

So, can you drive with a nail in your tire? Yes and no. First, inspect your tire. If you have a nail in your tire but it's not leaking air and it doesn't show signs of major gouging or damage, you can likely drive your vehicle ‐ but only to your nearest tire repair shop.

If you do choose to drive your vehicle to a service center, steer clear of the freeway and limit your trip to city streets. Driving with a nail in your tire, especially at high speeds, can increase your chances of having a tire blowout that leaves you stranded on the side of the road.

Keep your trip to only a few miles. The more you drive the greater damage you are doing to your tire ‐ and potentially your vehicle. If you're wondering, "Can you leave a nail in your tire?", the answer is no. A nail in your tire will increase your chances of a flat tire or a blowout. Even if your tire doesn't completely flatten, you may soon find you have reduced tire pressure ‐ which can cause major and costly problems down the road.

Keeping your tires filled to the correct psi is important not only for your tires but also for your car in general. Improperly filled tires can result in a flat tire or imbalances, misalignments, or damage to your vehicle's suspension system.

In short, it's not recommended to drive at great distances or speeds with a nail in your tire.

Can My Tire Be Fixed or Do I Need a New Tire?

You don't necessarily need a new tire just because you've run over a nail. There are two important factors that will determine whether your tire needs to be replaced: the location of the puncture and the size of the puncture. An expert will have to inspect your tire and determine whether or not it can be fixed.

However, you can increase your tire's chances of being saved if you avoid driving on it and get it taken care of ASAP. Having your tire patched or filled costs considerably less than a new tire altogether, so mind your miles in the meantime and head straight to your local repair shop for a fix.

Depending on where the nail punctured your tire, you might not be able to patch it. If you're due for a new set of tires, shop Nissan Parts & Accessories' tire selection online to find the right set of tires for your vehicle. Then, stop by your local service center for help with the replacement. And don't forget to have your tires rotated and balanced regularly. Maintaining the health of your tires is crucial for maintaining the overall health of your vehicle.