Can My Tire Be Repaired? Puncture Repair Rules Explained
A tire puncture can be repaired if it is in the tread area, no larger than 1/4 inch (6 mm), and the tire was not driven flat. The correct repair is a combination plug-and-patch applied from inside the tire after it is removed from the wheel. Punctures in the shoulder or sidewall cannot be repaired.
Repairable or not
| Damage | Repairable? |
|---|---|
| Nail or screw in the tread, up to 1/4 inch | Yes, with a plug-and-patch from inside |
| Puncture in the shoulder or sidewall | No, replace the tire |
| Hole larger than 1/4 inch, or a cut | No, replace the tire |
| Tire driven flat or very low | Often no; the inside must be inspected |
| Overlapping an earlier repair | No, replace the tire |
| Tread worn to 2/32 inch | No, the tire is worn out |
Check your tire
Mark where the nail is on the nail damage scanner to see whether it is likely repairable, then book a shop.
Find a tire shop
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Frequently asked questions
Can a nail in my tire be repaired?
Usually yes, if the puncture is in the tread area and no larger than 1/4 inch (6 mm). Under U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) guidelines, the tire must be removed from the wheel and repaired from the inside with a combination plug-and-patch. Punctures in the shoulder or sidewall cannot be repaired; the tire must be replaced.
Is a plug alone a safe repair?
No. USTMA guidelines say a plug alone or a patch alone is not a proper repair. The hole needs a stem to fill it and a patch to seal the inner liner, which a combination plug-and-patch provides.
Can I drive on a tire with a nail in it?
Only slowly and for a short distance to a shop, and only if it holds air. Driving on an underinflated tire can damage it from the inside so it can no longer be repaired.
How much does a flat tire repair cost?
The listed price on AppointAuto for a plug-and-patch puncture repair is $29.99. Each shop sets its own final price.