I’ve Pulled a Nail Out My Tyre – Do I need a New Tyre?

Any driver will know that finding a nail in your tyre is one of the most frustrating things that can happen.

If you do spot a nail in your tyre, then you need to act straight away.

This doesn’t mean just pulling out the nail, screw or sharp object, but also ascertaining whether it is safe to continue using it. It could be that your tyre has managed to avoid damage, but in the majority of cases, you will need to get your tyre replaced, so that it does not pose a safety hazard.

To help you determine the best steps to take after spotting a nail in your tyre, our team of tyre and vehicle specialists have shared their guidance below.

Can you leave the tyre as it is?

In some cases you may find that, after you have removed the nail, the tyre appears to be holding air.

However, just because the tyre isn’t deflating, then that doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s no damage.

This is because the sharp object may have created a small puncture, which develops over time. If this is the case, it still poses a serious safety hazard, and means that the tyre will need replacing.

On occasion, you can get away with removing an object without replacing the tyre, but only if the incision is small and it has not caused any damage to the tyre wall. If you are unsure about whether you can keep using your tyre, then get in touch with a tyre specialist.

When do you need a replacement tyre?

If you have removed a nail or another sharp object from your tyre, then you will need to assess the following points:

– Has the tyre wall been damaged?
– Is there a visible gash, cut or hole in the tyre?
– Is the tyre deflating or losing pressure? (Even if air loss is only happening slowly, as this is a clear indicator of a slow puncture)

If any of the above apply, then you will need to get your tyre replaced. In these instances, the tyre cannot be repaired, and it would be unsafe to continue using it.

Why it’s best to enlist a professional

If the puncture is only minor, you could attempt to repair it yourself. However, it’s not always safe to take this approach, especially if you haven’t had any experience doing so before.

Speaking to a professional garage is, by far, the safest and most effective way to assess the damage to your tyre, and determine the best steps to take next.

At Watling Tyres, we have over 55 years of experience providing a comprehensive range of tyre services at our auto centres. Priding ourselves on our reliability and trustworthiness, we have over 500,000 tyres in stock, and absolutely won’t be beaten on price.

So, if you have found a nail in your tyre, get in touch with Watling Tyres, and book an appointment to get a dependable expert opinion.