Discovering a screw in tire is never a pleasant surprise, often accompanied by that sinking feeling and the hiss of escaping air. Finding a foreign object, like a screw in tire, lodged in your tread can quickly ruin your day and compromise your vehicle’s safety. This guide provides a straightforward approach to assessing the situation and performing a temporary repair using a tire plug kit, helping you get back on the road safely, at least temporarily. We’ll cover everything from identifying the problem to understanding when a professional fix is the better option for long-term driving safety.
Identifying and Assessing the Screw in Tire Situation
Before you can fix the problem, you need to confirm you actually have a screw in tire and understand the extent of the issue. Spotting it early can prevent a full-blown flat tire and potentially dangerous driving conditions. Careful assessment is key to deciding the best course of action.
How Do I Know If I Have a Screw in My Tire?
Sometimes, the evidence is obvious – you might literally see the screw head poking out of your tire tread during a walk-around check. Other times, it’s more subtle. Listen for a faint, rhythmic clicking or ticking sound as you drive slowly, which could be the screw head hitting the pavement with each rotation.
Another major clue is a slow leak. Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light might illuminate on your dashboard, indicating low tire pressure in one or more tires. Even without a TPMS warning, you might notice one tire consistently looks softer than the others or requires air more frequently. If you suspect a leak but can’t see anything obvious, spraying soapy water over the tread can reveal bubbling around the hidden screw in tire.
Assessing the Damage Location and Severity
Not all tire punctures are created equal, especially when dealing with a screw in tire. The location of the puncture is the most critical factor. If the screw is embedded in the main tread area (the flat part that contacts the road), it’s often repairable, at least temporarily with a plug, or permanently with an internal patch by a professional.
However, if you find a screw in the tire’s sidewall (the side part between the tread and the wheel rim) or the shoulder (the curved area where the tread meets the sidewall), the tire is generally considered unrepairable and requires immediate tire replacement. Sidewall punctures compromise the tire’s structural integrity, making any repair unsafe. Also, consider the size and angle of the screw; very large screws or those entering at a sharp angle might cause more extensive damage that a simple plug can’t handle reliably. This type of puncture represents a serious risk.
Is It Safe to Drive with a Screw in the Tire?
Technically, you might be able to drive short distances with a screw lodged in the tread, especially if it’s causing only a very slow leak. However, it’s strongly advised against doing so for any significant distance or at high speeds. The screw creates a weak point, increasing the risk of a sudden blowout, which can lead to loss of vehicle control and a serious accident.
Continuing to drive can also worsen the damage. The screw might shift, enlarging the hole or causing further internal damage to the tire structure. If you discover a screw in tire, the safest options are to install your spare tire if you have one, use a temporary tire repair kit immediately (if the puncture is in a repairable area), or call for roadside assistance to take your vehicle to an auto shop. Prioritizing vehicle safety is crucial.
Preparing for the Tire Repair
If you’ve assessed the damage from the screw in tire and determined it’s in the repairable tread area, you might opt for a DIY tire repair using a plug kit. This is a temporary solution but can get you moving again. Proper preparation and safety precautions are essential before starting the fix.
Gathering the Necessary Tools and Materials
Having the right equipment on hand makes the job much easier and safer. Most items are included in commercially available tire repair kits, like those from Slime or ARB, but you’ll need a few other standard tools as well. Ensure you have everything ready before you start working on the tire with the screw.
Here’s a list of what you’ll typically need:
| Tool/Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Tire Plug Repair Kit | Contains plugs, reamer tool, insertion tool, lubricant. Essential for the actual repair. |
| Pliers (Needle-nose or standard) | To grip and remove the screw from the tire. |
| Car Jack | To lift the vehicle and remove the wheel (recommended for easier access). |
| Lug Wrench | To loosen and tighten the lug nuts holding the wheel. |
| Tire Pressure Gauge | To check tire pressure before and after the repair. Accurate pressure is vital. |
| Soapy Water in Spray Bottle | To pinpoint the leak location and check the repair afterwards. |
| Chalk or Marker | To mark the exact location of the puncture. |
| Gloves (Optional but Recommended) | To keep your hands clean and protected. |
| Utility Knife or Blade | To trim the excess plug material. |
| Wheel Chocks (Optional but Recommended) | For extra safety when jacking up the vehicle. |
Safety First Removing the Wheel
While it’s sometimes possible to repair a screw in tire while it’s still on the vehicle (especially if the screw is easily accessible), removing the wheel usually provides much better leverage and visibility for a proper repair. Safety is paramount when lifting your car. Always park on a hard, level surface, engage the parking brake firmly, and turn off the engine.
If you have wheel chocks, place them behind the wheel diagonally opposite the one you’re removing. Before jacking, slightly loosen the lug nuts using the lug wrench (usually counter-clockwise). Then, position the jack under the vehicle’s designated lift point (consult your owner’s manual) and raise the car until the tire is clear of the ground. Finish removing the lug nuts and carefully pull the wheel straight off the studs, placing it flat on the ground nearby. This bit of car care ensures you can work effectively.
Locating the Exact Puncture Site
Even if you can see the screw head, it’s wise to confirm the exact point of air loss. Inflate the tire slightly if it’s very low (but don’t exceed the recommended pressure). Generously spray the tread area around the visible screw in tire with soapy water.
Look closely for bubbles forming – this pinpoints the leak. Sometimes, air might escape from around the base of the screw. Once you’ve found the precise spot, dry the area and mark it clearly with chalk or a marker so you don’t lose track of it once the screw is removed.
Performing the Tire Patch (Plug) Repair
With the preparation complete and the puncture located, it’s time to tackle the actual repair. This involves removing the offending object, preparing the hole, and inserting the tire plug. Work methodically and carefully to ensure the best possible seal for this temporary fix.
Removing the Screw from the Tire
Grab your pliers and get a firm grip on the head of the screw. Pull it straight out of the tire tread. Be prepared for the sound of escaping air, which might increase significantly once the screw in tire is removed – this is normal.
Try to note the angle the screw went in, as you’ll want to insert the reamer and plug tool at a similar angle. Work relatively quickly from this point to minimize air loss, although you will need to reinflate the tire later anyway. Discard the removed screw properly.
Preparing the Puncture Hole for the Plug
Immediately after removing the screw, take the reamer tool from your tire repair kit. This tool often looks like a small auger or rasp on a handle. Push the reamer firmly into the puncture hole, working it in and out several times, rotating it slightly.
This step serves two crucial purposes: it cleans any debris or damaged rubber from the puncture channel, and it slightly roughens and enlarges the hole to the correct size for the plug. This preparation is vital for ensuring the tire plug adheres properly and creates an airtight seal. Follow the angle the screw originally entered.
Inserting the Tire Plug Correctly?
Take one of the sticky, rubbery plugs from your kit. Thread it through the eyelet of the insertion tool (which often looks like a large needle with a handle), centering the plug in the tool. Many kits include lubricant; apply it generously to the plug and the tip of the insertion tool to ease insertion.
Align the insertion tool with the prepared hole, matching the angle you noted earlier. Apply strong, steady pressure and push the tool (and the plug) directly into the tire until only about half an inch (or the amount specified in your kit’s instructions) of the plug tails remains visible outside the tread. This ensures the middle, widest part of the plug seals the inside of the tire.
With the plug inserted to the correct depth, hold the base of the tool against the tire and pull the handle straight up and out rapidly. The tool should slide out, leaving the plug securely lodged in the tire, effectively sealing the hole left by the screw in tire.
Trimming the Excess Plug Material
You’ll now have two tails of the plug sticking out from the tire surface. Using a sharp utility knife or the cutting tool sometimes included in repair kits, carefully trim the excess plug material. Cut it as flush with the surrounding tread as possible, or leave just a tiny bit (maybe 1/16th of an inch) protruding.
Be careful not to cut into the tire tread itself. The small amount of remaining plug will wear down flush with the tire as you drive. A clean trim helps ensure a smooth ride and prevents the plug from being snagged.
Checking the Repair for Leaks
The crucial final step of the plugging process is to verify the repair. Reinflate the tire to the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure (usually found on a sticker in the driver’s side doorjamb or in your owner’s manual). Use your tire pressure gauge to ensure accuracy.
Once inflated, spray the repaired area generously with soapy water again. Watch carefully for any new bubbles forming around the inserted plug. If you see bubbles, it indicates the plug hasn’t sealed properly, and you might need to repeat the plugging process or seek professional help. No bubbles mean you’ve likely achieved a good temporary seal against a slow leak or complete flat tire.
After the Repair What’s Next?
Successfully plugging the hole left by the screw in tire is a significant step, but the job isn’t quite finished. Proper follow-up ensures your safety and helps you understand the limitations of this type of DIY tire repair. Knowing the next steps is crucial for responsible car care.
Reinstalling the Wheel and Lowering the Vehicle
If you removed the wheel to perform the repair, it’s time to put it back on. Carefully lift the wheel and align the bolt holes with the studs on the hub. Push it flush against the hub surface. Hand-tighten the lug nuts onto the studs in a star or crisscross pattern to ensure the wheel seats evenly.
Slowly lower the vehicle using the jack until the tire just touches the ground, providing enough resistance to fully tighten the lug nuts. Use the lug wrench to tighten the nuts firmly, again following the star pattern. Once the nuts are snug, lower the vehicle completely and remove the jack. For optimal safety and proper tire maintenance, it’s highly recommended to use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque value (found in your owner’s manual).
When Should I Consider a Professional Repair or Tire Replacement?
It’s vital to understand that a tire plug inserted from the outside is generally considered a temporary automotive repair. While it can effectively stop a leak from a simple tread puncture caused by a screw in tire, it doesn’t address potential internal damage you can’t see. For a permanent and safer solution, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic or reputable auto shop.
Professionals perform an internal tire patch repair. This involves removing the tire from the wheel, inspecting the inside for damage, properly preparing the inner liner, and applying a combination patch-plug unit from the inside. This method offers a much more reliable and durable seal. Tire replacement becomes necessary if the screw was in the sidewall or shoulder, if the puncture hole is too large (typically larger than 1/4 inch in diameter), if there are multiple punctures close together, or if the tire is old, significantly worn, or has existing damage. Compare the cost of a professional repair versus the safety implications.
Monitoring Your Repaired Tire
Even after a successful plug repair, keep a close eye on the affected tire. Check the tire pressure frequently (daily for the first few days, then weekly) to ensure it’s holding air correctly. A gradual loss of pressure could indicate the plug isn’t perfectly sealed or there’s other damage.
Visually inspect the plug area regularly for any signs of cracking, bulging, or the plug working its way out. Pay attention to your TPMS if your car is equipped with it. While a plug can get you out of a bind after finding a screw in tire, remember its temporary nature and plan for a professional inspection and permanent tire patch repair soon for continued driving safety.