Found a nail or screw in your tyre? Don't pull it out. While it's in place it may be partly sealing the hole and slowing any air loss. The right move is to check the tyre pressure, avoid hard driving, and get it inspected, ideally where the car is parked.
Step by step
- Leave the nail in. Removing it can turn a slow leak into a fast one.
- Check the pressure. If it's holding near normal, the tyre is likely sealing for now.
- Don't drive far. Every mile risks turning a repairable puncture into a write-off.
- Get it inspected. A fitter will remove the tyre and check it properly.
Will it need a new tyre?
Often not. If the nail is in the central tread and the hole is under 6mm, it's usually repairable to standard. If it's in the sidewall or shoulder, or the tyre has been driven flat, it'll need replacing.
What not to do
- Don't yank the nail out "to see how bad it is".
- Don't rely on a cheap external plug as a permanent fix.
- Don't keep driving on a tyre that's losing pressure, see why driving on a flat is dangerous.
We'll come to the car
No need to risk a drive to the garage. Our mobile puncture repair service reaches you across London and Birmingham and sorts it on the spot, repair if safe, replace if not. Book a fitter.
