To repair or replace; that is the question. Don’t get too upset if you just found a nail in your tire. We might be able to repair the hole so you don’t have to buy a new tire. There are instances when a tire will do just fine after it’s been repaired. Unfortunately, there are also instances when the tire cannot be repaired and must be replaced. ER Auto Care can help. We’ll inspect your tire and either repair it for you or recommend the best new tire for your car, truck, CUV, or SUV. Let’s talk about this further.
Repair vs. Replace
Whether to repair or replace depends on the damage and although some damage is similar, minuscule things can determine whether your tire needs a little TLC or is a lost cause. Specifically, if you drive over a nail or nails, your tire can be repaired if
- The nail(s) is in the tread area
- The diameter of the nail(s) is not bigger than 1/4-inch
- Multiple nails are at least 16 inches apart
These are the criteria in order to be able to repair your tire. If you run over a nail that is thicker than 1/4-inch, or if you end up with a nail in the shoulder or sidewall of your tire, it cannot be repaired. As mentioned above, if you run over more than one nail, they have to be 16 inches apart.
Other Considerations
Even if you do run over a small nail and it’s firmly stuck in the tire tread, you may still want to consider replacing your tire. Generally, repairing a tire is only a good idea if the tire is in good shape. If you’re driving on old, bald tires, repairing the tire will not work. In this case, it’s better to replace the old tire.
If you’ve been in a recent automobile accident and your vehicle sustained suspension damage, this, too, might mean a new tire or tires. Your tires are one of the most important safety features on your automobile, and something as simple as a nail can blow a bald or damaged tire out.
If you discover a nail in your tire, head over to ER Auto Care right away. We’re located in Plain City, OH, and you can call us at 614-363-0509. We’ll inspect the tire and let you know whether we can repair it. If we can, expect to be on your way in no time. Even if we have to replace it, we’ll get you back on the road as quickly as possible, so call us today.
