# Nail in a Tire **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [February 26, 2025, 2:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287 "2025-02-26T14:19:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![cool2day\_192980](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/439d5e/32.png) [@cool2day\_192980](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cool2day_192980)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 2:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287/1 "2025-02-26T14:19:21Z")
Can the hole due to the stuck nail be repaired (i.e. plug and/or patch)? See the attached photo. By the way, the air does NOT leak! ![PXL_20250225_203406959](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/6/c/6ccd44a67cc6b6b7c76a4ac710fab69d7bc5952a.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![PvtPublic](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/pvtpublic/32/13089_2.png) [@PvtPublic](https://community.cartalk.com/u/PvtPublic)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 2:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287/2 "2025-02-26T14:20:28Z")
In my opinion that is repairable. Just because it doesn’t leak now doesn’t mean it won’t. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 2:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287/3 "2025-02-26T14:30:56Z")
It’s close, but I think it’s repairable. ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/8/6/868b6bfd0456a7d181e26374eee8592a8e8212ee.png) Tester ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 2:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287/4 "2025-02-26T14:56:43Z")
I’d repair it and have repaired several of my tires with similar punctures. Best practice is to remove the tire and patch it from the inside. I’ve always used a plug since I can do that at home. The tools aren’t expensive and the kit typically includes a reamer, plug insertion tool, and a few plugs. The hardest part I’ve found is getting the reaming tool through the steel belts. After you get it through you’ll need to ream around the edges of the hole to make it large enough to get the insertion tool with plug through the hole. If it won’t go through, ream the hole again. Plugging the holes was a PITA but the cost was low. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 3:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287/5 "2025-02-26T15:10:29Z")
The best practice is to use a plug and then seal the repair on the inside. [![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/4/1/41c2923492f499e35a2f612b69bc08674a9dad59.jpeg "Tire Repair 101") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEJWba7a0Sc) Tester ---
**Author:** ![Hugemoth\_144444](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ee7513/32.png) [@Hugemoth\_144444](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Hugemoth_144444)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 4:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287/6 "2025-02-26T16:22:13Z")
I’ve used dozens of plugs and never had one leak, even when used in the so called non repairable area. Right now one of my Michelin Defender tires has a plug where the tread meets the sidewall, well outside the repairable area. It’s been in there for over 15,000 miles. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 4:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287/7 "2025-02-26T16:24:31Z")
Yeah just take it to a good tire shop where they will do the combination plug and patch from the inside. I’ve had plugs leak before but never the inside patch. Still I tend to accelerate the tire replacement schedule after a repair. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 4:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287/8 "2025-02-26T16:40:46Z")
As long as there are no surprises once the tire is opened up, then yes the use of a proper tech patch (patch/plug combo patch) is used then it is repairable (if needed) for the life of the tire… The nail is in a reparable area… A combo patch/plug IS the industrial standard and the use of just a plug can/will void your tire manufacture warranty… Just because a plug never failed on you, does not mean they never fail, lots of people never have a wreck, doesn’t mean it is safe for everyone to ride around with no seatbelt on… ---
**Author:** ![cool2day\_192980](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/439d5e/32.png) [@cool2day\_192980](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cool2day_192980)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 4:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287/9 "2025-02-26T16:54:58Z")
I failed State of Maryland inspection for this, which is fine, but the shop that did the inspection will NOT pass me unless I replace the tire. I think the shop just wants to make $$. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 5:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287/10 "2025-02-26T17:05:50Z")
You would have to check with your state and local laws, Fed wise, it is legal and safe as I stated, but local laws may prohibit tire repairs… If it is legal in your area to repair a tire and it still fails inspection after a proper repair is done, then I would ask them to show you where it states that it is not legal… Your branded tire shops will know if legal or not… ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 5:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287/11 "2025-02-26T17:19:58Z")
That’s still one half inch inside the safe zone. Have fixed. Most fasteners picked up leak very slowly or not at all, depending on the angle and speed. They will however leak super quick if you attempt to pull it out! ---
**Author:** ![glasspilot](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/glasspilot/32/27886_2.png) [@glasspilot](https://community.cartalk.com/u/glasspilot)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 5:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287/12 "2025-02-26T17:23:39Z")
Those tire plug kits work good IF they are installed correctly. They are safe if they’re installed correctly. That Maryland garage was just trying to take you to the cleaners. A properly installed plug should not fail an inspection, that’s baloney. ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 6:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287/13 "2025-02-26T18:35:18Z")
> [@glasspilot](#): > > Those tire plug kits work good IF they are installed correctly. They are safe if they’re installed correctly. Even when rope plugs are installed correctly, air can leak between the plys and cause ply separation. I have seen plugged tires that did not leak air but had a bubbled tread area due to ply separation. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 7:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287/14 "2025-02-26T19:12:59Z")
I had a trailer tire that would lose a little air over months of sitting. After a couple years I soaped it up and found a small tack in it. Got a soap bubble every minute or so. Yeah, just because there is a nail doesn’t mean it won’t leak a little air. Now I don’t know what kind of car you have but on front drive you just can’t replace one tire. On an all wheel drive you many times need to replace all four. Check your manual or dealer and pick a new shop or inspection station. ---
**Author:** ![cool2day\_192980](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/439d5e/32.png) [@cool2day\_192980](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cool2day_192980)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 9:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287/15 "2025-02-26T21:20:22Z")
> [@davesmopar](#): > > I would ask them to show you where it states that it is not legal Is there a some sort of rule book about ‘the one half inch inside the safe zone’? I am trying to appeal the inspection decision and I would like to be able to point to something authoritative. Thanks ---
**Author:** ![cool2day\_192980](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/439d5e/32.png) [@cool2day\_192980](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cool2day_192980)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 9:21pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287/16 "2025-02-26T21:21:03Z")
Is there a some sort of rule book (lack of better word) that has the figure above? I am trying to appeal the inspection decision and I would like to be able to point to something authoritative. Thanks ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 9:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287/17 "2025-02-26T21:24:30Z")
[https://www.tireindustry.org/resources/consumer-education/consumer-safety-overview/tire-repair/](https://www.tireindustry.org/resources/consumer-education/consumer-safety-overview/tire-repair/) Tester ---
**Author:** ![PvtPublic](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/pvtpublic/32/13089_2.png) [@PvtPublic](https://community.cartalk.com/u/PvtPublic)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 10:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287/18 "2025-02-26T22:26:52Z")
Did you fail the inspection because there was a nail in the tire? This I can understand. Or did you fail because of the repair? ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 10:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287/19 "2025-02-26T22:35:10Z")
> [@cool2day\_192980](#): > > the shop that did the inspection will NOT pass me unless I replace the tire. I think the shop just wants to make $$. If the vehicle owner goes to a tire shop for a repair, replacement or possibly road hazard warranty, how does the inspection station profit? ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 10:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287/20 "2025-02-26T22:44:48Z")
The graphic that Tester shared earlier on in this thread. Your nail is nowhere near the shoulder. [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nail-in-a-tire/199287.md?page=2)