Can You Drive with a Nail in Your Tire?

Finding a nail in your tire is frustrating. Maybe you just noticed it after pulling into the driveway or while filling up at the gas station. The tire still looks inflated, and the car doesn't seem affected. So can you keep driving?

That depends on a few key things.

1. Is the Tire Losing Air?

If your tire pressure is dropping quickly, don’t drive on it. Even short trips on an underinflated tire can damage the tire itself or the rim. Use a tire gauge to check the pressure or see if your TPMS light is on.

If the pressure is holding steady, you might have a slow leak. In some cases, the nail can act like a plug and hold air for a while. But that doesn’t mean it’s safe to ignore.

2. Where Is the Nail Located?

The location of the puncture matters a lot.

• If the nail is in the tread area (the part that touches the road), it can usually be repaired.

• If it’s near the sidewall or shoulder of the tire, it may not be repairable. These areas flex a lot when you drive, and repairs in those spots often don’t hold.

Driving with a nail in the sidewall is especially risky. The tire could fail without warning.

3. Are You Planning to Drive Far or Fast?

If you’re just going a short distance to get the tire repaired, you may be okay—especially if the tire isn’t losing air. But if you plan to get on the highway, don’t risk it. A blowout at high speeds is dangerous.

4. Can the Tire Be Repaired?

Most small punctures in the tread area can be plugged and patched. But you’ll want a professional to inspect it. Driving too long on a damaged tire can make the problem worse, even if it started as a simple fix.

What You Should Do Next

Don’t wait. Even if the tire seems fine for now, a nail can shift, pressure can drop, and you can end up stuck or cause further damage.

At Mobile Elite Auto, we’ll come to you. Our mobile team can check the tire, give you a straight answer, and get it handled. We’re here to keep things simple and safe.

Call (817) 637-9160 or visit www.mobileeliteauto.com to schedule your tire inspection.