Nobody wants to hear that telltale hissing sound or feel their car pulling to one side. The dreaded blowout or flat can happen to anyone, and a top cause is the humble nail. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or navigating your neighborhood streets, driving over a nail can turn your day upside down and put you and others at risk. Knowing what you should do can save you time, money, and a potential accident.
First things first: don’t panic. If you suspect you’ve hit a nail, but your tire still has air, resist the urge to pull over immediately unless you’re in genuine danger. Instead, find the nearest safe location like a parking lot or wide shoulder. Stopping on a busy highway shoulder should be your last resort. Once you’re safely parked, turn on your hazard lights and assess the situation.
If your tire has suffered a blowout, then your next step should be to call roadside assistance or replace it with the spare yourself. However, not all nail punctures cause your tire to go flat—or even leak at all. If this is the case, do not remove the nail when you find it. This might seem counterintuitive, but that nail is actually acting like a plug that prevents air from escaping.
Instead, drive slowly and carefully to your mechanic. When you do make it to a professional, they’ll evaluate whether they can repair your tire or if they need to replace it. The location of the puncture matters significantly. Nails in the tread area are often fixable, but damage to the sidewall typically means you need a new tire. If applicable, your mechanic will discuss tire patches versus plugs to determine the best repair method for your specific situation.
Ultimately, a nail in your tire doesn’t have to ruin your entire day. Stay calm, prioritize safety, and get professional help. Most punctures from nails are repairable if you address them immediately, meaning you’ll be back on the road sooner than you think.
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