Your tires are susceptible to getting just about anything lodged in the rubber, from a nail to a screw. When you get a screw in the tire, you want to know what to do next. Should you keep driving on it or have it repaired immediately?
These are all questions you want to know the answer to before you are faced with the situation.
In this guide, I discuss what you should do with the screw in the tire. I also look at reasons to repair it versus why you might consider replacing it. If you choose to repair it, I outline the steps to follow.
How Does A Screw Get In Your Tire?
The screw can get in your tire in various ways, though many think it is an act of sabotage. While it may be a probable cause, you should also factor in the environment your drive in to get to the root of the problem.
Here are some of the ways that a screw can make its way into your tire.
Driving Over Screws
The most common way of getting screws in your tire is by driving over them. A thing that you will realize with the screw-on tire issue is that it mostly affects the rear wheels. In this situation, a screw will mostly lie vertically on the ground.
When the front wheels pass over the screw, they flip them over by the head, leaving them erect, and the rear wheels go over them. Smaller screws are easy to get into tires due to their center of gravity, which allows them to stand vertically on the road.
With small screws in the tire, the situation is not as dire as they do not cause much damage. The thickness of the tread may prevent the small screws from causing much damage.
Screws on Puddles
You may also drive over screws in puddles on the road. It is hard to determine if there are any obstacles as they are beneath the water in such a scenario.
The water disturbance in the puddle may cause the screws to raise or point at an angle where they can easily penetrate the tire.
Screws in Wooded Planks
Screws in wooden planks are also a risk to your tires. The plank gives them the stability to stay upright.
When you drive over the planks, the screws penetrate your wheels, and the wood may easily disintegrate due to the vehicle’s weight. With the screw exposed, it may dig further into your tires.
Sabotage
Sometimes you may find screws in your tires, and the first thing that clicks is someone sabotaging you.
At times, it may be the case, and the person responsible may either drive the screw in or place it in a vantage place where you will drive over it.
If you suspect you are at the risk of sabotage, you should always look under around the tires before driving off. You can also perform a sweeping act with your feet around the wheels to ensure you are not at risk.
What To Do If You Find a Screw In Your Tire?
The following items should be taken into consideration when addressing a newly discovered screw within a vehicle’s tire. Such consideration will assist you in accurately assessing the need for repair.
On the Road vs At Home
If you are on the road when a screw-related puncture is noted, you will be forced to make an important judgment call. If a check of the affected tire’s pressure reveals little to no air loss, you are likely safe to drive to the nearest tire shop for repair.
On the contrary, if the affected tire has begun to go flat, you will have to install the vehicle’s spare tire or opt for temporary roadside repair with the use of a tire plug kit and portable tire inflator.
In these situations, it bears mentioning that the use of Slime or Fix-A-Flat products is not advised on TPMS-equipped wheels.
When a puncture of this type is noticed at home, the best option is always to play it safe and install the vehicle’s spare tire. Alternatively, if no spare is available, the vehicle can be jacked up in place, at which time the punctured tire can be removed.
In either event, the affected wheel/tire combo can be taken to a local tire shop for carry-in service.
Leaking vs Not Leaking
Not all screw punctures are the same. In fact, some do not reach a tire’s inner liner, thereby failing to cause an actual leak.
When assessing a screw-related puncture, soapy water or glass cleaner distributed from a spray bottle can be used to judge whether a true leak exists.
Simply spray the screw liberally, while looking for signs of progressive bubbling. This bubbling would signify the presence of an actual leak.
Location of Screw (Tread vs Shoulder vs Sidewall)
Unfortunately, not all tire punctures are repairable. Only those contained squarely within a tire’s tread are safe to repair, assuming the hole in question is not too large.
Punctures originating in a tire’s shoulder or sidewall serve as grave safety risks, thereby necessitating the replacement of the tire as a whole.
Generally speaking, any puncture situated closer than two finger-widths inboard of a tire’s shoulder is considered non-repairable.
Depth of Screw (Puncture vs Outer Tread Layer)
As mentioned above, not all screws puncture as deeply as others. While one screw might pierce deeply, compromising a tire’s inner liner, another might bury a little deeper than a tire’s outer tread, thereby producing no actual leak.
When in question, one should employ the use of soapy water or glass cleaner as described above, to determine the actual severity of the puncture itself.
If this testing reveals no detectable leak, the offending screw should be turned counterclockwise to remove it from the tire’s tread.
What Happens When a Screw Is in Your Tire?
Having a screw embedded in your tire is more than just a minor annoyance. When a tire gets punctured by a screw, a series of events is set in motion, which, if left unaddressed, can lead to undesirable outcomes.
The details below should convince you that you need to remove the screw from your tire ASAP!
#1. Potential Damage to the Tire.
When a screw penetrates your tire, it creates a pathway for air to escape. The severity of the air leak largely depends on the size and location of the screw.
A small screw lodged in the thick part of the tread may cause a slow leak, giving you ample time to seek repairs. However, larger screws, or those closer to the sidewall, can lead to rapid air loss, as the sidewall is more flexible and less robust than the tread.
#2. Safety Risks.
A tire punctured by a screw can drastically alter the vehicle’s handling characteristics. The immediate concerns include:
- Loss of Pressure: As the tire loses air, your vehicle may pull to one side, making steering and handling unpredictable. However, this may also be a sign of other less-distressing issues, such as a missing tire air cap.
- Decreased Braking Efficiency: A deflating tire has a reduced contact patch, the area of the tire that touches the ground, affecting your braking capability. A more severe cause of this symptom is brake fad.
- Risk of Blowout: If the puncture causes a rapid loss of air, there’s a higher risk of a blowout, especially at high speeds, which can lead to loss of vehicle control.
#3. Long-Term Impacts.
Failing to address this problem in a swift manner can lead to devastating long-term effects on your tires and car’s performance.
- Premature Tire Wear: A punctured tire often wears out faster, especially if it’s continuously losing air. This uneven wear can result in the need for early tire replacement.
- Suspension Issues: Driving on a damaged tire can put undue stress on the vehicle’s suspension system, potentially leading to premature wear of components.
- Decreased Fuel Efficiency: A deflating tire can decrease fuel efficiency, which translates to significant fuel cost increases. Address the problem sooner and you won’t have to spend needlessly.
- Compromised Handling: With a damaged tire, your vehicle’s handling might never be the same, especially if the tire’s internal structure is compromised.
Repair vs. Replace: Screw in Tire
#1. Location of Puncture.
The main consideration comes down to where the tire has been punctured. If the screw went into the tread of the tire, it’s likely repairable.
However, if the screw has entered the side of the tire, you have no option but to replace it. The trouble comes in when it’s between the sidewall and the tread. In most cases, it’s best just to replace the tire and rest easy.
#2. Punctured Object.
A tire punctured by a nail is often more repairable than any other object. The nail leaves a tiny hole that’s simple to patch.
Screws create more damage because they aren’t smooth and straight like a nail. The threads create a jagged hole, making it harder to repair.
#3. Age of Tire.
Brand-new tires are just as susceptible to blowouts from a screw as an older tires. However, you might be more likely to repair the hole if you just had the tire installed.
Give careful consideration to the costs of a potential blowout. Ruining the axle and suspension or causing an accident is going to be far more expensive than replacing a tire.
#4. Level of Risk.
What amount of risk are you willing to take? If you are only happy with complete peace of mind, you need to have the tire replaced.
If you are willing to have the hole plugged or patched, make sure you at least choose a reputable shop. Picking technicians with experience and the right equipment helps you reduce the risk slightly.
#5. Person Driving Car.
Your final consideration comes down to who will be driving the car most frequently. If you are driving the car, it’s much easier to take the risk for yourself.
If your spouse or grandma is driving the car, you might prefer to replace the tire. Some people might not be as equipped to handle a blowout if it occurs.
How to Repair Tire Puncture
If you choose to have the tire repaired, you should take it to a qualified tire shop. However, you could do it yourself if you have the expertise. You will also need special tools, such as a tire changing kit. Here are some basic steps to consider:
- Take the tire off of the car and remove it from the rim.
- Remove the screw by the head with a set of pliers. Pull it out slowly.
- Spray some buffing solution over the puncture hole.
- Buff out the tire with a machine and sandpaper. Move in a circular motion.
- Clean out the inside of the tire with a solvent.
- Apply rubber cement over the area where the patch will sit.
- Remove the sticky portion from a radial tire patch.
- Stick the patch to the inside of the hole. You want to cover the entire hole.
- A rolling tool is required to go over the patch. Roll it in all directions, ensuring that the entire patch has been touched. This tool helps to remove air bubbles from the patch so it sticks better.
- Mount the tire back on its rim and inflate it.
- Check for any air leaks.
- Put the tire back on the car. It’s best to keep a close eye on it for the first few days to ensure the fix is solid.
The directions will be slightly different if the patch used also contains a plug. These are commonly used at tire shops for puncture repairs.
Is It Safe to Drive With Screw in Tire?
When the staple rather documents your tire, your crucial consideration is whether the atmosphere coercion will carry.
Besides, you must believe what intention ensues if you don’t immediately extract the tack from the tire. The location can evolve unsafe as you move on it, guiding to the detachment of the print.
No. It is not suggested to push with a pin in the tire. If it’s not spreading air directly and it won’t induce any troubles in the temporary period, it could guide you to situations in the long term, and you could be abandoned down the highway.
If you restart pushing on the tire with the staple inside, you could yield more extra deterioration.
The probability of a blowout is improved if the nail is discovered in the tire’s sidewall. If you speak a pin in the sidewall, it’s constantly most useful to position your surplus tire to be infallible. Ideally, you enjoy maintaining the tire punch restored instantly.
If it’s repairable, you can opt for that street. If the tire ought to be returned, put a renewed one on. The expense you are heading to expend now differs from what choice transpires if you push a significant mishap. Don’t accept any opportunities.
Somebody selected to push on the deflated tire anyhow and restart, refilling it with air. The thinking method is that the tire intention must be returned anyhow, so they strength as agreeably gain their banknotes worth out.
That’s acceptable, save you could be placing yourself and others in jeopardy, specifically if that dilemma evolves more comprehensively and the tire yields air unexpectedly.
Preventive Measures To Avoid Future Tire Damage
Finding a screw in your tire can be troubling, but taking proactive steps helps keep tires safe. Strong tires make for smooth rides and fewer surprises on the road. Let’s dive into how you can protect your tires from future harm.
Routine Tire Maintenance Practices
Regular tire check-ups keep you ahead of any issues. Here are some key tire maintenance habits:
- Inspect tires monthly for wear, tear, and foreign objects.
- Check tire pressure regularly with a reliable gauge.
- Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles for even wear.
- Align and balance wheels to prevent uneven tire wear.
Choosing The Right Tires To Mitigate Risks
Selecting appropriate tires is critical for safety. Focus on these factors:
| Tire Factor | Reason for Importance |
|---|---|
| Tire Size | Ensures proper fit and vehicle handling. |
| Tread Type | Matches driving conditions for better grip. |
| Quality Brand | Provides durability and performance. |
| Load Capacity | Holds the weight of your vehicle and cargo safely. |
When choosing tires, consider season and terrain. Invest in quality and avoid second-hand uncertainties. Safe journeys start with solid ground contact.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Tire From a Screw?
The cost of repairing a screw-punctured tire is often minimal. In fact, one should seldom expect to pay more than $20 to have their vehicle’s tire repaired, as the repair itself is rather simple and quick to complete, assuming that the shop in question has the right equipment at its disposal.
Some tire shops, such as Discount Tire or Les Schwab, will even provide this service for free as a matter of convenience.
FAQs.
Q: Can A Tire With A Screw In It Be Repaired?
Yes, you can repair a tire with a screw in it, depending on the location of the damage. If the damage is on the tread, you can patch it up.
However, if it is on the side, you will notice that your preferred tire shop won’t repair the tire. The problem is hazardous, and the solution you have is to get a new tire.
Q: How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Tire With A Screw In It?
Averagely, fixing a tire with a screw in it will cost you between $10 and $20. The price depends on the garage, as some may be high. The cost may be higher if you want additional services like wheel alignment.
Q: How Long Can You Go With A Screw In Your Tire?
The distance you can move with a screw in your tire depends on how deep-set it is in the tire. If it is a long nail, you may drive for around 10 miles to notice that you have a looming issue.
When you discover the problem, sort it out immediately for the best experience on the road. A small screw does not pose much risk, with some falling off. However, if you notice it, you should remove it immediately to be on the safe side.
Q: What Do I Do If I Find A Screw In My Tire?
If you find a screw in your tire, you have to contact a professional to remove it. You can drive to a garage for an inspection to check on the extent of the damage and have the necessary repairs.
Never pull the screw from the tire if you do not know what you have in your hands. You may pull it off in the wrong way and cause more damage to the tire.
Q: How Dangerous Is A Screw In Tire?
A screw-in tire is very dangerous as it can cause secondary issues like rough driving, deflated tires, and tire imbalance. If the screw is on the tire shoulder, it means the tire is no longer worthy of the road, and you need a replacement.
Q: Should I Pull A Screw Out Of Tire?
If you notice a screw in your tire, you should not pull it out, mainly if it is on the sides. If you see it, go to a mechanic and let them deal with the situation professionally. If you have the right skills and a puncture repair kit, you can try to sort out the issue.
Q: Do I Need A New Tire If I Have A Nail In It?
You may need a new tire if the nail penetrates the tire shoulder. If the issue is on the treads, it is relatively manageable as you can easily patch it up.
In other instances, if the nail has been in the tire for a long time, you may also need a replacement, especially if there is extensive damage.
Final Word
Are you dealing with screw-on tires? If the answer is affirmative, then this article is an ultimate asset that will give you an in-depth understanding of this issue. If you have this issue, do some inspection to know where the problem lies.
In summary, you can make repairs if the screw is on the tread area, but you will need a replacement if on the sidewall. A solution on how to plug a tire sidewall is temporary, requiring you to replace the tire for a fulfilling driving experience.