Is it a bad idea to pump a flat tire with a nail in it...URGENT?

Roy T

It depends on a lot of factors. I've had a slow leak in a tire for weeks without knowing the cause and when I finally did take it in there turned out to be two small nails in the tire. They were embedded in the tire deep enough and the leak was slow enough that I was not able to find them by inspecting the tire. I have plugged holes from larger nails with a kit from Murrays, but it's tricky and you have to be quick to avoid loosing all the air before you get the plug seated. It's not a great idea to drive on a tire with a nail in it, but tires are pretty darn tough. How large is the nail? How well is it embedded in the tire? How fast is the leak? (and it could get worse as you drive) If you don't have a spare, and can't fix it or get it fixed right away, then you might want to chance it if it's very important. If you can clearly hear the air hissing out after you pump the tire to proper inflation (or a few psi over) then I wouldn't chance it. If you do decide to chance it then you should probably check the pressure after just a few minutes of driving to make sure the pressure is holding up.

just_c0wb0y

IF THE NAIL ISNT IN THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE , YOU COULD BE OK , BUT 20 MIN IS A LONG TIME , A SLOW LEAKING HOLE AROUND A NAIL CAN GET WORSE , AND SOMETIMES A NAIL CAUSES A SLOW LEAK THAT WILL TAKE ALL DAY TO GO FLAT , IF YOU DONT HAVE A PLCE OPEN TO FIX IT TODAY MAYBE YOU SHOULD GO AND GET A CAN OF FIXAFLAT , PUT IT IN AFTER YOU PULL THE NAIL ,

SlickyWicked

Of course not!!! It will only make it worse, and you would not make it. Try taking the tire off and getting it patched then take it back to put it on your vehicle. The safest way is the smartest way!!!! It's only going to cost you about $5.00-$10.00 dollars to patch it up. If you try it your way a new tire can cost you way more than that.

Doubtful 360

It Depends. Pump it up to 40lbs,then monitor it.When you get to the auto shop buy some pull through rubber inserts.They are sticky rubber strips you can insert with the sharp poker when you've pulled the nail out.Make sure you do it near an air pump. If done correctly it's permanent.

kenbgray

You might make it. Its worth a try.

Nate

Call CAA or AAA if your in the Unitated states.

Lucy1993

Do not take out the nail. It will get flatter and you wont be able to pump any more air. Pump it like that and drive to the nearest gas station. Ask a mechanic for more info cause I am just answering from experience.

Earl s

yes it is a bad idea. Would it work ? maybe. we can't tell from here.

grainne

for a temperary mesure, it should be ok, the nail will be blocking the air getting out. Pump up the tyre, then get soapy water and put it at the area and see if there is a leak? Worked for me....

Kraze K

You might make it but if you want you can risk it then go for it but i suggest not to cause the car can swerve out of control. Hope this helps.

TheOneOfLight

i dont think it will work

Stellahella

That's a really bad idea and you wouldn't make it back and forth. It isn't going to stay full very long and you'll end up damaging your rim and possibly your car. Plus it's dangerous.

Do you have a spare you could put on?

Galen B

probably not.

But I knew a girl that used fix-a-flat then didn't get the tire fixed. She broke down one night on the interstate and was murdered.

Erica

A can of fix a flat would work better until you can get it fixed. It has stuff that will fill the hole to keep air in. It's just temp so get it fixed asap.

Cat

Yes!

Farry

No, this will be extremely dangerous. If you can, you can replace the tire, but it sounds like you might not have time or something...

camaro lover

It dosent matter if you pump it up but it WILL NOT hold air for that long

Kevin M

Won't hurt a thing as long as it's not leaking badly around the nail

S D

Find a big screw and screwdriver pull the nail out and then screw the screw in if the screw is big enough this will hold air for days BUT make sure you get the tire fixed as soon as possible.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: