Is it safe to drive with a nail in a tire?

A tire is a round shaped piece of rubber that covers the wheel and allows the car to move and also improves its performance. The tire also provides traction and shock absorption as you ride on…

A tire is a round shaped piece of rubber that covers the wheel and allows the car to move and also improves its performance. The tire also provides traction and shock absorption while driving on the road. The most common materials from which tires are made include: natural rubber, synthetic rubber, cloth and wire. Over time, tires collect rocks, nails, screws, and other items that can potentially cause problems and holes. If you have a nail in your tire, it's time to give your car a professional look. It may be safe to travel a short distance, but no more.

Here's what you should know if you encounter a nail in a tire:

• The first thing to do if you notice a nail in a tire is to not touch it. If the nail is deep enough, it can close the hole to prevent air from leaking out of the tire. As soon as you spot a nail, go to a tire shop to have the tire repaired. If you don't get the tire repaired soon, it could burst, causing an even bigger problem. The breach creates a dangerous situation as you could potentially lose control of your vehicle.

• If for some reason you can't get to a tire shop, know that the longer you drive with a nail in your tire, the worse it can get. You can drive short distances to a tire shop, but you can’t get to work.

• If the hole is small enough, the shop can repair the hole instead of replacing the entire tire. Plugging the tires is a much easier solution than replacing the entire tire. However, if you've ridden your tire for too long, the nail could have damaged more over time, making it impossible for the shop to plug the tire. Instead, they may have to replace the entire tire, which is more extensive.

As soon as you notice a nail in a tire, go to a tire shop to have your tire checked. Riding with a hole in a tire is potentially dangerous and could result in an explosion. Also, driving too long with a nail can ruin the tire, so you'll have to replace the entire tire instead of plugging in a small piece.