When driving your car, there is always a chance that something can jab a tire. On every road, there is an untold number of sharp, pointy objects that can change the course of your day. All it takes is to run over a nail, and your tire flattens in a matter of seconds. An easy solution would be to watch where you are going and avoid things lying in the road. However, it’s difficult to see a nail or jagged shard of metal lying on the road while driving at 55 mph. The reality is that you can hit a nail and not even know it. So, we answer the question—can you drive with a nail in your tire?

Yes; However…

The short answer is yes, you can drive with a nail in your tire. Drivers cruise over nails all the time and don’t realize it. Nails can lodge in a tire so tightly that air isn’t able to escape; the car hits the nail so fast and so hard that air is never given the opportunity to release. When this happens, drivers won’t notice the nail until the vehicle is in for some other kind of service such as a tune-up or replacing a different flat tire. Plus, they are difficult to see once they’re in the tire, which is another reason they go unnoticed. Most people don’t examine their tires if they are inflated and there is no problem. So, if you notice a nail in your tire and don’t know how long it’s been there, get rid of it quickly.

It’s Only A Matter of Time

Upon discovering a nail in your tire, don’t shrug it off and keep driving. You and the tire are on borrowed time, and it will eventually go flat. A minor shift in the position of the nail or more wear on the tire can cause the air to start to seep out. A slow leak will leave the tire flat and you stranded. As such, take the car to a shop and let them try to pull the nail first. Sometimes, even after the nail is gone, the tire will stay inflated. If that’s not the case, then you’ll need a new tire. While you are at it, you should replace the other one on the same axle. Replacing one tire at a time is not ideal, as they’ll have uneven wear. If you have a nail stuck in a tire, come down to RNR Tire Express’ tire store in Chattanooga, TN. We can fix it for you in a flash.