Ran Over a Nail While Driving: Should I Patch or Change the Tire?

(Photo Credit: freepik)

Punctures on tires by nails or other sharp objects are something that many people have experienced. It can happen at any time, whether you’re driving in the city or on a long road trip.

The important question that follows is, “Should I patch or replace my tire?” The answer depends on a number of factors, as Motorist will tell you in this article.

Assess the tire damage

Puncture location

• If a nail or sharp object is in the tread, patching is usually the right choice.
• If the puncture is on the sidewall or near the tire, replacing the tire may be necessary. Since the sidewall is a high-pressure area, patching this area may not be safe.

Puncture size and characteristics

• Small punctures from small nails can be patched.
• If the puncture is large or there is a tear in the tire, replacing the tire is a safer option.

Tire Lifespan

If your tires are old or have low tread, replacing them may be a more cost-effective decision. Although they can be patched, tires that are expired or near their expiration date may be more susceptible to other problems, such as tire blowouts.

(Photo Credits: freepik)

Types of Tire Patches

If you decide to patch your tires, it’s important to know the appropriate type of patching. Here are some recommended types of tire patching in the event of a nail accident:

• Worm tire patching

Worm tire patching or worm puncture is a temporary tire patch that does not last long. It only helps the car to be able to drive for a while. This type of tire patching is often used in cases where you drive over a nail or sharp object. It is mostly used with motorcycles because the equipment is easy to find, it does not take long to patch the tire, and does not require removing the wheel.

• Hot stream tire patching

This type of tire patching is often used in cases where there is a nail, nut, iron, or broken glass, but it is not very large. The method is to remove the wheel to seal the hole inside the tire. Heat must be used to melt the tire to seal the tire tightly. This method is more durable than worm tire patching.

• Cold stream tire patching

The method is similar to a hot stream, but the difference is that it does not use heat. It starts with roughening the surface of the tire before applying special tire glue and attaching a small rubber sheet to seal the hole. This method is as durable as hot stream tire patching, but does not damage the rubber.

Budget and Value

Patching a tire is much less expensive than replacing it. However, if the tire is severely damaged or nearing its end of life, investing in a new tire can reduce the risk in the long run.

Patch or replace a tire? The decision depends on the location and size of the puncture, the age of the tire, and the overall damage. If the puncture is small and in a patchable area, patching is a convenient and economical option. However, if the tire is severely damaged or near its end of life, replacing it will make driving much safer.

Whether you choose to patch or replace, the most important thing is to keep your tires in good condition and inspect them regularly to ensure safety on every trip!

Read More:  Changing Car Tires: Do I Have to Change All 4 Tires at Once?

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