Is There a Car Tire Screw in Your Tire? What to Do Next

You found a car tire screw in your tire. A puncture happens every seven seconds in the U.S., so this is a very common issue. The screw often acts as a temporary plug, preventing or slowing air loss from your tire. Your next moves will focus on safety. You must assess the leak to determine the safest way to handle the repair.

Important First Step: Do not pull the screw out! It is likely helping to keep air inside the tire.

How to Check If the Car Tire Screw Is Leaking Air

The screw in your tire might be holding air in, or it could be causing a slow leak. You need to find out which it is. A quick inspection will give you the answer without making the problem worse.

Check Your Tire Pressure

Your car’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) may have already alerted you to low pressure. If not, you should check it manually with a reliable tire pressure gauge. Find your vehicle’s recommended pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s door jamb. Compare this number to your tire’s current pressure. A significant drop indicates a leak.

Experts recommend checking your tire pressure regularly to catch problems early.

• Check all tires at least once a month.
• Always check them before you start a long road trip.

Perform the Soapy Water Test

The soapy water test is the best way to see a leak in action. This simple method will show you exactly where air is escaping around the car tire screw.

1. Mix a simple solution of dish soap and water in a spray bottle. You only need a little soap to make it work.
2. Spray the soapy water directly onto the car tire screw and the area around it.
3. Watch the area closely. If you see new bubbles forming or growing, you have an active leak.
4. A very slow leak might only produce tiny bubbles, so look carefully.

Pro Tip: While you have the soapy water ready, spray your tire’s valve stem as well. This is another common spot for slow leaks that people often overlook.

Should I Drive to a Shop or Change a Flat Tire?

After checking the leak, you face a big decision. Should you drive to a professional, or is it time to use your spare? Your choice depends entirely on the tire’s condition and your immediate safety. Making the wrong call can lead to a dangerous blowout or permanent wheel damage.

When It’s Safe to Drive to a Repair Shop

You can sometimes drive a short distance to a repair shop. This is only an option if the leak is very slow and the tire still has enough air.

For an emergency situation, the lowest pressure you should ever drive on is 20 PSI. Driving with pressure below 20 PSI is like driving on a flat tire. This can cause the tire to overheat, leading to a blowout. It also causes poor handling and makes it harder to brake. If your pressure is below this mark, do not drive.

If your tire pressure is above 20 PSI and the leak is slow, you might be able to make it to a nearby shop.

Driving on a Leaky Tire: Safety Rules 🚗

• Keep it Short: Drive only to the nearest repair shop. Experienced drivers suggest a maximum range of 8 to 30 miles on a slow leak.
• Keep it Slow: Avoid highways and high speeds.
• Listen and Feel: Pay close attention to how your car handles. If you feel vibrations or the steering becomes sluggish, pull over immediately.

Driving on a low tire increases friction with the road. This builds up heat, which can weaken the tire’s structure and cause a blowout. Your safety is the top priority.

When You Must Change to the Spare Tire

In many cases, driving on the punctured tire is not an option. You must change to the spare if you see any of the following signs of a flat tire:

• Rapid Air Loss: The soapy water test shows bubbles forming quickly.
• Very Low Pressure: The tire is visibly flat or has less than 20 PSI.
• Sidewall Damage: The screw is in the sidewall, or you see any bulges, gashes, or deep cracks on the side of the tire. Damage here makes the tire unsafe for any driving.

If you have a flat tire, you need to change it. Your first step is to find a safe place to work.

Roadside Safety Checklist:

1. Find a Safe Location: Pull your car as far off the road as possible. A level, stable surface is best.
2. Alert Other Drivers: Turn on your hazard lights immediately. This is a critical step for your safety in an emergency.
3. Secure Your Vehicle: Put the car in “Park” and apply the parking brake. Place a heavy object like a rock or wheel chock behind a tire on the opposite end of the car to prevent it from rolling.

Once you secure your vehicle, you can get your tools, remove spare tire, and begin to change tires. You will need to loosen the lug nuts, raise the jack, and swap the flat for the spare. After you lower the car, tighten the lug nuts again. Remember to raise the jack carefully and only after the car is stable. You must raise the jack high enough for the flat tire to clear the ground.

Important Note on Spare Tires! Most cars come with a compact spare, or “donut.” These are not designed for long-term use.

• Speed Limit: Do not drive faster than 50 mph.
• Distance Limit: Do not drive more than 50 miles.

Your spare is a temporary solution to get you to a shop to fix or replace your flat.

If you feel unsafe or are unable to change a flat tire yourself, call for roadside assistance.

Can I Fix a Flat Tire Myself? A DIY Guide

You might be wondering if you can fix a flat tire on your own. A DIY repair is possible in some situations, especially if you have the right tools. However, your first step is to determine if the puncture is even repairable. Safety standards are very strict for a good reason.

Is the Puncture in a Repairable Area?

Before you attempt to fix a flat tire, you must inspect the damage location. Industry safety standards clearly define where a repair is safe. The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) only allows repairs in the tread area. This is the part of the tire that makes contact with the road.

The Unrepairable Zones: Sidewall and Shoulder ❌

The sidewall and shoulder (the curved edge where the tread meets the sidewall) are critical for your tire’s structure. This area flexes constantly while you drive. A puncture here weakens the tire’s integrity, creating a high risk of a blowout. Professionals will always refuse to repair damage in these zones and will recommend a replacement.

According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), a puncture must meet specific rules to be considered safe for a repair.

• The hole must be in the tread area.
• The puncture’s diameter cannot be larger than 1/4 inch (6mm).
• The tire must have a remaining tread depth of at least 2/32nds of an inch.

If the screw in your flat tire is in the sidewall or shoulder, or if the hole is too large, you cannot safely fix it. In these cases, you must replace the flat tire.

How to Use a Tire Plug Repair Kit

If the puncture is in the repairable zone, you can use a tire plug kit for a temporary fix. These kits are widely available and contain all the essential tools. A basic kit usually includes a reaming tool, a plug insertion tool, and sticky rubber plugs.

A DIY plug can get you back on the road, but many experts consider it a temporary solution. The industry standard for a permanent fix is a patch-plug combination applied from inside the tire by a professional. This method seals the inner liner and fills the puncture path. A DIY plug only fills the hole from the outside.

If you decide to proceed, here is how you can fix a flat tire with a plug kit.

1. Prepare the Area: Use pliers to pull the screw straight out of the tire. Immediately take the reaming tool from your kit. Push and pull the reamer into the hole several times. This cleans out debris and roughens the surfaces for a better seal.
2. Insert the Plug: Thread one rubber plug through the eye of the insertion tool. Center the plug on the tool. Push the tool and plug into the hole until only about a half-inch of the plug is sticking out. This requires significant force.
3. Set the Plug: With the plug in place, pull the insertion tool straight out with a quick, firm motion. The tool will slide out, leaving the plug behind to seal the hole.
4. Finish the Job: Use a knife or cutters to trim the excess plug material so it is flush with the tread. Inflate your tire to the recommended pressure. Spray the area with soapy water one last time to confirm the leak is gone.

A Word of Caution: A plug you install yourself is not a permanent fix. You should have a professional inspect the flat as soon as possible. They can determine if a more permanent repair is needed to ensure long-term safety.

How to Prevent Future Tire Punctures

You can’t avoid every nail on the road, but you can take simple steps to lower your risk of getting another puncture. Proactive care helps keep your tires safe and durable.

Maintain Proper Tire Inflation

Keeping your tires properly inflated is your best defense. Correct pressure helps your tire hold its shape. This makes it harder for sharp objects to push through the rubber. An underinflated tire is softer and much easier to puncture.

Both over-inflation and under-inflation cause problems:

• Under-inflation: Causes the tire edges to wear out quickly and increases fuel consumption. It also raises the risk of tire failure from stress.
• Over-inflation: Leads to a bumpy, harsh ride. It wears out the center of the tread faster and can reduce your traction on the road.

You should check your tire pressure at least once a month to ensure it is at the level recommended on your driver’s side door jamb.

Be Mindful of Road Hazards

Your driving habits can protect your tires. Paying attention to the road ahead gives you time to react to potential dangers.

Safe Driving Tips to Avoid Debris 🛣️

1. Stay Alert: Scan the road ahead for debris, potholes, and construction zones. Avoid distractions.
2. Keep a Safe Distance: Leave three to four seconds of space between you and the car in front. This gives you time to react if they swerve.
3. Slow Down: High speeds reduce your reaction time. Drive slower when you see potential hazards.
4. Avoid Running Over Objects: Safely steer around debris whenever possible. Do not make sudden turns that could cause you to lose control.

Perform Regular Tire Inspections

You should inspect your tires regularly for signs of trouble. A quick visual check can help you spot a problem before it leaves you stranded. Look for embedded objects, cuts, or bulges on the sidewalls.

You also need to check your tread depth. Worn tread reduces your grip, especially in wet weather. You can easily check it with a penny.

The Penny Test:

1. Take a penny and place it with Lincoln’s head upside down in your tread.
2. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too worn.
3. You should replace your tires if they fail the penny test in any spot.

A monthly inspection gives you peace of mind and helps you catch wear and tear early.

Finding a car tire screw requires a calm response. You should leave it in, check for leaks, and assess your tire pressure. A slow leak on a flat tire might let you drive to a shop, but a fast leak means you must use your spare. A professional repair is affordable and ensures safety.

• Shop repairs for a flat tire often cost between $20 and $50.
• A quality fix can last for the tire’s remaining lifespan.

Your safety is the top priority. You must replace a flat with your spare for any sidewall damage. Always use your spare if you are unsure. Your spare is the key to safety when dealing with a car tire screw.

FAQ

How much does a professional tire repair cost?

A professional repair for a flat tire is very affordable. You can expect to pay between $20 and $50 at most tire shops. This service usually includes dismounting the tire, applying an internal patch-plug, and rebalancing the wheel. It is a small price for your safety.

Can I use a tire sealant for a screw?

Tire sealants are only for a temporary emergency fix. These products can coat the inside of your tire with a sticky liquid. This makes a proper, permanent repair difficult or impossible. Most tire shops will not repair a tire that has sealant inside it.

How long can I drive on a plugged tire?

You should treat a DIY plug as a temporary solution. It helps you get to a repair shop safely. Some plugs can last a long time, but a professional must inspect the tire. They will confirm if a permanent patch is needed for long-term safety.

What should I do if I don’t have a spare tire?

Many new cars do not include a spare. Instead, they have a tire inflator and sealant kit. You can use this kit for a small puncture. If you have a large hole or a damaged sidewall, you cannot use the kit. Your only option for this flat tire is to call for roadside assistance.