A screw-in tire is one situation you may encounter when driving. It is a cause of panic to many as it means you are at risk of a flat tire if not deflated already. How do you deal with a screw on your car wheels? This is a question you may have if you find yourself in this puzzle.
Before looking at the solutions, a thing to know is that a screw puncture differs from a nail puncture. In the case of puncturing by nail, you can easily pull it away as it is regular. The screw, on the other hand, is irregular and needs you to been on its removal due to its toothed structure. In this article, we will guide you on how to pull screws in tire repair.
How Does A Screw Get In Your Tire?
The screw can get in your tire in various ways, though many think it is an act of sabotage. While it may be a probable cause, you should also factor in the environment your drive in to get to the root of the problem.
Here are some of the ways that a screw can make its way into your tire.
Driving Over Screws
The most common way of getting screws in your tire is by driving over them. A thing that you will realize with the screw-on tire issue is that it mostly affects the rear wheels. In this situation, a screw will mostly lie vertically on the ground. When the front wheels pass over the screw, they flip them over by the head, leaving them erect, and the rear wheels go over them. Smaller screws are easy to get into tires due to their center of gravity, which allows them to stand vertically on the road. With small screws in the tire, the situation is not as dire as they do not cause much damage. The thickness of the tread may prevent the small screws from causing much damage.
Screws on Puddles
You may also drive over screws in puddles on the road. It is hard to determine if there are any obstacles as they are beneath the water in such a scenario. The water disturbance in the puddle may cause the screws to raise or point at an angle where they can easily penetrate the tire.
Screws in Wooded Planks
Screws in wooden planks are also a risk to your tires. The plank gives them the stability to stay upright. When you drive over the planks, the screws penetrate your wheels, and the wood may easily disintegrate due to the vehicle’s weight. With the screw exposed, it may dig further into your tires.
Sabotage
Sometimes you may find screws in your tires, and the first thing that clicks is someone sabotaging you. At times, it may be the case, and the person responsible may either drive the screw in or place it in a vantage place where you will drive over it. If you suspect you are at the risk of sabotage, you should always look under around the tires before driving off. You can also perform a sweeping act with your feet around the wheels to ensure you are not at risk.
What Will Happen If Screw Is In Tire?
What happens if you have a screw in a tire? A deflated tire is the number one expectation. The screw may act as a plug and hold the pressure enough for some distance. However, you may notice that there is a hitch with the wheels. The symptoms may come in the form of a rough driving experience or car imbalance due to low pressure on the wheels.
When you spot a screw in your tire, you need to rectify the issue immediately before it goes overboard. Can I drive with a screw-in tire? Yes, you can drive with the screw on your wheel, but you should not make such a move unless you are desperate or going to repair the damage on your next stop. A spare tire comes in handy on such occasions as it will give you room for the needed attention.
Driving with a screw on your tire is very risky as you may cause extensive damage to it. If the screw penetrates deeper into the tire, you may notice that the driving experience being quite rough, especially when on bumpy roads.
If it is a small screw, you can easily pull it out. Check your tools box to see if you have the right tools to pull out the screw. A pair of pliers can do the trick. However, you should understand that pulling out the screw is a gamble, as you cannot be 100% sure of its length. The best move to pull is to go to a mechanic who will remove the screw and patch up the hole.
Another essential thing to keep in mind is the location of the damage. If you have the screw in the middle of the tire along with the treads, a tire patch can solve it. However, if the screw is on the sides or shoulder of the tire, replacement is the only viable option.
Why can’t you patch a tire shoulder? If you have a screw on the tire shoulder, patching is not an option, as it may blow due to the car’s weight. The weight leads the tires to bulge outwards and force out the plug. If you are driving, it can be catastrophic.
In short, a screw-in tire between treads is repairable, but if on the sides, you replace the tire.
Related Questions
Can A Tire With A Screw In It Be Repaired?
Yes, you can repair a tire with a screw in it, depending on the location of the damage. If the damage is on the tread, you can patch it up. However, if it is on the side, you will notice that your preferred tire shop won’t repair the tire. The problem is hazardous, and the solution you have is to get a new tire.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Tire With A Screw In It?
Averagely, fixing a tire with a screw in it will cost you between $10 and $20. The price depends on the garage, as some may be high. The cost may be higher if you want additional services like wheel alignment.
How Long Can You Go With A Screw In Your Tire?
The distance you can move with a screw in your tire depends on how deep-set it is in the tire. If it is a long nail, you may drive for around 10 miles to notice that you have a looming issue. When you discover the problem, sort it out immediately for the best experience on the road. A small screw does not pose much risk, with some falling off. However, if you notice it, you should remove it immediately to be on the safe side.
What Do I Do If I Find A Screw In My Tire?
If you find a screw in your tire, you have to contact a professional to remove it. You can drive to a garage for an inspection to check on the extent of the damage and have the necessary repairs. Never pull the screw from the tire if you do not know what you have in your hands. You may pull it off in the wrong way and cause more damage to the tire.
How Dangerous Is A Screw In Tire?
A screw-in tire is very dangerous as it can cause secondary issues like rough driving, deflated tires, and tire imbalance. If the screw is on the tire shoulder, it means the tire is no longer worthy of the road, and you need a replacement.
Should I Pull A Screw Out Of Tire?
If you notice a screw in your tire, you should not pull it out, mainly if it is on the sides. If you see it, go to a mechanic and let them deal with the situation professionally. If you have the right skills and a puncture repair kit, you can try to sort out the issue.
Do I Need A New Tire If I Have A Nail In It?
You may need a new tire if the nail penetrates the tire shoulder. If the issue is on the treads, it is relatively manageable as you can easily patch it up. In other instances, if the nail has been in the tire for a long time, you may also need a replacement, especially if there is extensive damage.
Final Word
Are you dealing with screw-on tires? If the answer is affirmative, then this article is an ultimate asset that will give you an in-depth understanding of this issue. If you have this issue, do some inspection to know where the problem lies. In summary, you can make repairs if the screw is on the tread area, but you will need a replacement if on the sidewall. A solution on how to plug a tire sidewall is temporary, requiring you to replace the tire for a fulfilling driving experience.
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