How long can I drive with a nail in my tire

Tiny
PCULQUI
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 TOYOTA SIENNA
  • 3.3L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 106,000 MILES
How many miles can you drive with a flat tire (supposing it's a nail) after inflating it?
Friday, June 12th, 2020 AT 10:47 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

That isn't answerable simply because it depends on the damage that was created by the nail. Here is what I suggest trying. Take a small amount of dish soap and mix it with water in a spray bottle. Spray the entire tire and tread with the mixture. If there is a leak, you should see bubbling.

Try that and let me know what you find.

Joe
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Friday, June 12th, 2020 AT 11:09 AM
Tiny
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Now, if I use a pump to fill the tire with air and it fills up solid, for how many miles can I drove it for?
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Friday, June 12th, 2020 AT 12:46 PM
Tiny
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That is based on how quickly it is leaking. That is why it's hard for me to answer the question. I have seen nails in a tire that cause the tire to go flat in a few minutes and others that took a month to go flat.

The only thing I can suggest is to fill the tire to the proper pressure and see how long it takes to go down. At least that would provide an idea how many hours or days it will last.

I hope that makes sense. Sorry I can't give a concrete answer. There is just no way of me to know.

Joe
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Friday, June 12th, 2020 AT 11:03 PM
Tiny
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Okay. Thanks. Was just asking in case I get a flat tire and was hundred of miles away.
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Saturday, June 13th, 2020 AT 5:44 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. If you are traveling and have a concern, make sure the spare it in good condition and has the proper amount of air in it. Also, take something with you like fix a flat in the event it's needed. That way you have a few choices.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, June 13th, 2020 AT 7:11 PM

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