If you notice a nail in your tire, but your tire is still inflated, you may wonder whether it’s safe to drive or if it’s time to call for a tow. To help you avoid a flat tire or serious accident, here’s a quick guide for dealing with a nail in your tire.

What to Do When You Discover a Nail in Your Tire

Gauge the Tire Condition

If you’re near a service station, drive there and pump the tire to the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) rating. You can find this measurement on the inside of the tire wall or in your owner’s manual.

After filling up the affected tire, wait 20 minutes before checking the pressure to see if it’s losing air. If so, you’ll likely have a flat tire soon, so it’s best to call for a tow. 

If the tire is holding air, carefully drive to a mechanic to have the situation assessed. If it’s losing air, replace it with a spare or have your car towed to the nearest mechanic.

Consider Where You Are

If you’re close to a mechanic, your next step should be to drive there immediately. However, if you’re far away from help, it may be better to call for a tow truck to avoid damage to your vehicle and avoid any accidents that may occur on the road.

Repair Options

While you can replace a damaged tire with a spare, you should have a professional take a look at the tire as soon as possible. If the nail is embedded in your tire treads, a mechanic may be able to patch it. They’ll install a stem in the hole and then seal it with glue before adding an exterior patch and assessing the tire pressure. If the patch holds, it will mitigate the risk of flat tires and potentially extend the life of the tire by several years.

Damage to the sidewalls or the outside edges of the treads will likely require tire replacement, as damage to these areas increases the risk of a flat tire, even with repairs.

As a preventive measure, consider carrying an emergency tire inflator in your vehicle. This unique canister will fill the tire with air so that you can quickly drive to a mechanic for a long-term solution. 

If you get a flat tire, contact Turpin’s Wrecker Service in Towns County, GA, for roadside assistance. The expert team has been handling vehicle emergencies for over 30 years and provides towing up to 150 miles from their headquarters. Call the Hiawassee-area company at (706) 896-4138 for information on their free repair estimates and flat tire services to get your car back out on the road safely.