When you notice a nail in your tire, take a close look at the condition. If the tire is holding air and there are no obvious signs of a flat, you might think it's fine to drive. However, punctures can cause slow leaks that worsen over time. Monitoring air pressure and inspecting the tire for bulges, cracks, or unevenness is essential. Even small leaks can impact handling and tire longevity, so early attention is always a smart choice.

A nail puncture can compromise the tire's structural integrity in ways that may not be obvious right away. When a vehicle continues to be driven with a nail embedded, the puncture site can widen over time due to the rubber's constant flexing and the road's pressure. This gradual change often results in accelerated air loss, which may begin as a slow leak but can progress to a complete flat. Beyond air pressure, the compromised area of the tire is weaker than the rest of the tread, increasing the chances of further damage, especially when driving at highway speeds or over rough surfaces.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driving with underinflated tires is a serious safety concern. Even a slow leak from something as small as a nail can cause tire pressure to drop significantly, and this affects the vehicle in several ways. Low tire pressure reduces handling and control by changing how the tire grips the road, which can impact traction, steering, and braking. It also raises the chance of a blowout since underinflated tires are more likely to overheat and fail, particularly at higher speeds. On top of that, uneven tread wear develops more quickly, which shortens the tire's overall life and compromises long-term performance.

Handling is another factor to consider. A tire losing air, even slightly, may reduce braking efficiency, alter steering response, or make cornering less stable. Drivers may also notice reduced fuel economy as the tire requires more effort to maintain traction. In addition, uneven weight distribution caused by underinflation can place extra strain on suspension components, leading to additional wear over time.

Even if the nail seems small, the potential for the puncture to grow or the tire to lose pressure unexpectedly makes it important to have it inspected quickly.

Whenever a nail is discovered in a tire, having it inspected by a professional is the most reliable course of action. A trained technician can determine the extent of the puncture, check for hidden damage inside the tire, and confirm whether a repair is possible or if replacement is the safer choice. Not all punctures are the same, and repairs are typically only effective when the damage is located in the tread and is less than a quarter inch in diameter. If the nail is near the sidewall, the structural integrity of the tire may be compromised, making replacement necessary to ensure dependable performance.

Attempting to patch or plug a tire without the right tools or training can create further problems. Incomplete seals may allow air to escape slowly, while improperly applied materials can weaken under heat and road pressure. In some cases, do-it-yourself fixes may even void warranties or shorten the tire's lifespan.