Screw in Tyre. No Air Lost, Do I Pull It out?

iNeed2Pee on 24/02/2021 - 22:15
Last edited 25/02/2021 - 16:40

I have a screw in my tyre. (and possibly a few more loose in my brain)

Not sure how long its been there, but I have work the next two days, and I am not sure what the best plan of attack is.

Go to a tyre shop and get them to fix the puncture?

Pull the screw out now? It might not be that big and see if I lose air by the morning?

What cost am i looking at if I get someone to fix it? Father in law says he has a kit somewhere but he's happy to buy one tomorrow…..and im happy to do it myself.

See image: https://ibb.co/L6ktHCN

Update: Screw is out, Beaurepairs said it was small and didn't go right through. However thanks to @BhubbyCarter for the valuable info about free punctures through NRMA!!!

Automotive Tyre

Comments

  • pegaxs on 24/02/2021 - 22:16
    +18

    No. Leave it in. Take it to get a tyre repair place to fix it tomorrow. Tyres should be repaired correctly, not with one of these goopy sticky plugs. They should only be used as a temporary fix.

    • Dancasper on 24/02/2021 - 22:38
      +5

      What's wrong with the goopy sticky plugs? I've repaired my last 4 punctures (screws like OP) with those things and not had a problem.

      • CalmLemons on 24/02/2021 - 22:53
        +6

        Most of the time, in Australia, not a problem as we don't really have winters and our roads are fairly OK. With the 'dog shit' plugs, they're only held in by the friction of the plug. With the proper patches, they're held in with the plug and a patch which is stuck with adhesive from the other side and you have the pressure of the air holding it in.

        Also, by doing the dog shit gooopy sticky plugs, you often don't take off the tyre. Sometimes when you've had a flat, the inside rubber could have deteriorated as you've driven on it for too long, without taking it off, you won't know.

        • iNeed2Pee on 24/02/2021 - 23:04

          My other question is….what if the screw depth is not that bad and hasn't punctured it.

          Or do I trust the tyre guys. They do have legit reviews.

          • Drakesy on 25/02/2021 - 00:06
            +1

            @iNeed2Pee: Tyre thickness depends on the type but i'd say if the screws longer than 25mm, then most likely the tyres screwed and will need to be patched.

      • pegaxs on 24/02/2021 - 22:57
        +6

        Nothing wrong with them as a temporary fix. But a tyre with a puncture should be fixed correctly. This is, tyre off, patched from the inside and vulcanised. At the retime of repair, it can also be inspected for damage inside the tyre.

        If you want to know more, feel free to look up AS1973-1993. This deals with the Australian standard for tyre repairs.

        Have I used the snot strips? Sure. They are great as an emergency plug for cars that don’t have a spare, or you damage more than one tyre or for motorcycles that can’t carry a spare.

        What I don’t do is consider them a permanent fix. You may get away with it, but they can fail as they are just relying on the goo and some friction to keep them in there and you can’t see if they are in the tyre correctly or if there is any further interior damage to the structure of the tyre.

        Edit: exactly what the user above me said…

        • iNeed2Pee on 24/02/2021 - 22:59

          So what will the tyre shop do then?

          • pegaxs on 24/02/2021 - 23:17
            +10

            @iNeed2Pee: Take the wheel off the car.
            Take the tyre off the rim.
            Remove the puncturing screw.
            Inspect the tyre inside to check for damage or de-lamination.
            Ream the puncture out.
            Apply a plug patch with a special glue.
            Fit the tyre back on the rim.
            Inflate and balance the tyre.
            Test the tyre for leaks.
            Refit wheel to car.
            Charge you a fee for them doing all of that.

            • iNeed2Pee on 24/02/2021 - 23:52

              @pegaxs: Does this have to be done straight away?

              Got a meeting after work tomorrow so that closes that gap.

              Would it be an issue if i drove on it until Friday arvo to get it done. Or best to tell the meeting at lunch time tomorrow, I have a puncture 🤣

              • pegaxs on 25/02/2021 - 07:10

                @iNeed2Pee: I think Hybroid already answered that below. I wouldn’t drive on it any further than I had to. If that is your only option, then it’s up to you how far you want to drive it.

              • Euphemistic on 25/02/2021 - 07:12
                +1

                @iNeed2Pee: If you can’t get it repaired striaght away:
                1. Keep adding air if it has a slow leak, don’t drive on a flat or under inflated tyre.
                2. Keep driving, but get it repaired soon if it holds air. Check pressure regularly.
                3. Put the spare tyre on. Roadside assist if you have to.

              • EightImmortals on 25/02/2021 - 08:41

                @iNeed2Pee: Or maybe put the spare tyre on until you get the other one fixed?

              • brad1-8tsi on 25/02/2021 - 10:29

                @iNeed2Pee: Where is your spare tyre? Or does your car have an inflation kit?

        • Brian McGee on 25/02/2021 - 07:53
          -1

          With the 'snot strips/dog turds' plugs you are also meant to use rubber glue/cement. They are a genuine repair if used correctly as they create a hoop inside the tyre, once the glue is cured it is very stable and doesn't just 'rely on friction'.

    • gbarlett on 25/02/2021 - 07:51
      +2

      Nothing wrong with the sticky plugs, being using them for 30 years without an issue. Had my own workshop back in the day and used them all the time.
      Had 3 in my rear motorcycle tyre (rode past a major development everyday) and i could hit 200km/h and the plugs would be fine.
      Have a box of the plugs and still using them on my own cars and all the neighbours, friends and families cars. Never had one fail or ever heard of one failing. Just a myth that they shouldn't be used.
      Its cheap, quick and easy. In my opinion, i think removing the tyre from the rim and refitting it after the repair is more damaging to the tyre as you need to break the bead from the rim with force and then stretch the bead again to get the tyre back on the rim.

      • brad1-8tsi on 25/02/2021 - 10:35
        +3

        I've been using dog turd plugs since I started at Goodyear in 1982.

        I have no issues using them on my own vehicle but there's no way I'd use them on a customer car. They don't comply with the AS and should be treated as a temporary repair.

        You really should remove the tyre off the rim and inspect it properly to see if the foreign object has done internal damage or if the client has driven a long way while flat and caused damage to the sidewall and also to check for any other punctures.

  • Hybroid on 24/02/2021 - 22:16

    Go to a tyre shop and get them to fix the puncture?

    Yes, or do it yourself with a fix kit. Takes less than 10 mins if it's in the tread and not sidewalls (which would require complete replacement).

    • iNeed2Pee on 24/02/2021 - 22:18

      https://youtu.be/nCwWPlaghfs

      It's exactly in the same spot as that video.

      • Hybroid on 24/02/2021 - 22:22

        https://www.bridgestonetyres.co.nz/Content/cms/Puncture%20Re…

        Should be repairable but some might claim that's still shoulder and should be replaced.

        Getting it plugged should be $25-30. If you're in Sydney CBD, you can borrow my kit to DIY for free.

        • iNeed2Pee on 24/02/2021 - 22:23

          I'll go outside and take a pic. You are too kind, but I am in Melbourne:)

        • iNeed2Pee on 24/02/2021 - 22:29

          Image here: https://ibb.co/L6ktHCN

          • Hybroid on 24/02/2021 - 22:31
            +2

            @iNeed2Pee: Oh that's easily repairable. No worries. Defo leave it in till you get it fixed.

            • iNeed2Pee on 24/02/2021 - 22:32

              @Hybroid: So I would assume safe to drive to work with it (30 mins drive) and get it fixed on the way back? Rather than testing the waters and doing it myself?

              • Hybroid on 24/02/2021 - 22:34
                +1

                @iNeed2Pee: If you're not losing air pressure then yes it's fine although not recommended of course, especially if motorway speeds.

                You can get this kit and fix it in 10 mins following that video: https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/sca-sca-8-piece-tyre-rep…

                • iNeed2Pee on 24/02/2021 - 22:36

                  @Hybroid: Ok great, so this is where the FIL wasn't sure if the entire tyre needs to come off or I can just turn the wheel and pull it out that way without jacking the car up and pulling it off….?

                  Please excuse my ignorance.

                  • Hybroid on 24/02/2021 - 22:39
                    +2

                    @iNeed2Pee: It's highly recommended you take the tyre off the car, repair the hole, pump it back up with air and check there's no more leaks before putting it back on the car.

                    • iNeed2Pee on 24/02/2021 - 22:43

                      @Hybroid: Ok thanks, this is where an element of me is just thinking of getting someone at the local highway tyres to do it for me and pay that extra. The tyres are not the cheapest 🤣

                      • Hybroid on 24/02/2021 - 22:45
                        +2

                        @iNeed2Pee: That's probably the best way for safety and peace of mind. Note that everyone will tell you this is only meant to be a temporary fix, which is quite true, though others will say you can drive on a properly repaired tyre just fine.

                        Your tread wear does seem to be getting on a bit judging by the pic so might be time for new rubber anyway… It's your call.

                        • iNeed2Pee on 24/02/2021 - 22:57

                          @Hybroid: That photo didn't do the tread justice, might look bad but its still fairly deep:)

                          I will swing by tomorrow either way and see what they say.

                          Thanks for your help and your offer, appreciate it.

                          • Hybroid on 24/02/2021 - 22:59
                            +1

                            @iNeed2Pee: No worries. Rest easy and have a good night.

  • yellowfever on 24/02/2021 - 22:19
    +3

    $50 to fix at tyre shop

    How is your FIL gonna repair it? You need to take the tyre off to repair it from the inside. If he gonna repair it from the outside then you may aswell not repair it.

    • iNeed2Pee on 24/02/2021 - 22:43

      Yeah, leaning to the local tyre store to do it.

      Happy to support them 😆

    • lgacb08 on 27/02/2021 - 21:14

      $50 is steep, i got mine fixed at my car couple of months ago for $30, and there was 2 punctures on that tyre.

  • Euphemistic on 24/02/2021 - 23:13
    +1

    Had plenty of similar over the years.

    Things that occur:
    Screw causes a slow leak. Generally notice it when the tyre looks low.m and I go searching for cause. Spend the next week or three visiting a servo every few days and topping up air until I get it fixed.
    Screw causes no leak. Have no idea until I spot it in the tyre (found one a few days ago). Might have been there for ages. Leave it in, get it repaired ‘soon’.

    If you take the screw out, it will deflate - probably quite quickly

    Once ran over a large screw and could hear the air escaping. Was in a bit of a rush so decided to risk it and headed home - quickly. Friction must have caused the screw to heat up and seal the leak. Made it home and was able to use the trolley jack and better wheel brace, better than the in car jack on the side of the road. Tyre was old so it was replaced the next day.

  • whitelie on 24/02/2021 - 23:53

    Sounds a lot like my FIL….Repaired one of ours which lasted a pretty long time. Eventually started leaking again (to which he said he'll fix it again) but I got the tyre replaced as it was reasonably worn anyway.

    I had one years ago that looked like a screw head….tyre shop too the tyre off and found a 6" flat head screwdriver in there, the bit that you could see at the tread was the + shaped bit that is usually in the handle.

  • stainedteatowel on 25/02/2021 - 00:45

    Had mine repaired for about 35-50 can't remember exact figure, recommend getting it done at a tyre shop. Drove on it for two weeks filling up the tyre each day on the way home

  • Elppa8 on 25/02/2021 - 00:57
    +2

    What’s wrong with using the spare tyre?

    • Muzeeb on 25/02/2021 - 07:51

      Might not have one or doesn't want to be limited to the speed restrictions of a space saver or doesn't want the embarrassment of driving around with a funny looking skinny tyre on an orange wheel. Who knows?

  • firebucket on 25/02/2021 - 07:59
    +3

    Drive on it to the driveway of the repair shop. Get them to come out and have a quick look while you unscrew the screw.

    When the screw comes out and it's very short or only a partial piece of screw - then great, jump back in the car and drive off for free.

    If the screw comes out and its obviously long enough to have punctured the inside of the tyre - you are right there to get it fixed.

    • iNeed2Pee on 25/02/2021 - 08:07

      Thats not a bad idea, overnight no pressure has been lost at all!

      Might pull it out before I get into the shop!

      Edit: I might just leave it, and they can have a look😂

      • md333 on 25/02/2021 - 15:19

        I had something similar recently on a rally car owned by the local scout group, left it in until I had a repair kit and time, and a group lined up to learn how to plug tyres, undid the screw and discovered it hadn't actually gone in very far, no repair needed, bit of an anticlimax.

  • TheOtherLeft on 25/02/2021 - 08:16
    +2

    I have used tyre plugs for years as permanent fixes. This was reinforced to me when I took a tyre to the local mechanic to get fixed and he didn't even remove the tyre from the rim and just used the plug.

    The plug is inserted with a loop in the end so it won't work itself out, plus the lubricant/glue sets. The plugs are made from vulcanised rubber so will bond to the tyre rubber under heat.

  • Fier2 on 25/02/2021 - 08:23

    You don t need to pull it out . Go to any tyre shop (bob janes/ beaurepaires/…) it cost around $35 ( or free) to get it puncture .

  • barbarella on 25/02/2021 - 09:16

    I didn't know it was possible to get screw in tyres. All these years I've been undoing those stoopid wheel nuts…ggggrrrrr :/

  • aedeau on 25/02/2021 - 09:28
    +2

    never pull out

    that's what she said…

  • BhubbyCarter on 25/02/2021 - 09:28
    +6

    Hey OP - worth checking if you're entitled to NRMA member benefits (possibly blue), gets you free puncture repairs at Beaurepaires https://www.mynrma.com.au/benefits/beaurepaires. Had this done free of charge 3 times for my house hold vehicles, not the cheap repair but the proper method (mentioned above) that wouldve costed $50.

    • iNeed2Pee on 25/02/2021 - 14:10

      Holy shit. This!

      I am an NRMA member and I have just got it booked in today at the Local….for free.

      Upvotes for you!

  • highon2str on 25/02/2021 - 09:44
    +1

    I'm also a fan of external plugs if done right. They do require a bit more skill and understanding in order to install them correctly. The hole needs to be properly roughed up, use lots of lube/vulcaniser on the plug and tool (so you don't end up pulling the plug back out) and make sure you pay attention to the plug length once you've folded it in half on the insertion tool - once you've pushed it through the hole and withdrawn the tool, you want to have 20mm-30mm of the plug at most sticking out (depending on the type/length of your plug) at most, to ensure you have enough coming out the other side and the plug has enough purchase around the hole. Needs a bit of practice to get right - if you're not sure please go to a tyre shop.

  • rambutann on 25/02/2021 - 10:40

    I had a nail in my motorcycle tyre for about 10,000km before it decided to depart on the Nullarbor.

    This is a cheap way of doing it (and is exactly what a tyre shop will do) - https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/sca-sca-8-piece-tyre-rep…

    At bare minimum i'd buy one of these kits. You probably have other nails/screws in your tyre that you have no idea about, it just kinda happens.

    • pegaxs on 25/02/2021 - 10:53
      +3

      and is exactly what a tyre shop will do

      It is NOT what a tyre place will/should do and if that is all they do, then find yourself another tyre shop.

  • redvaldez on 25/02/2021 - 10:45
    +2

    Tyre shops generally charge $30-50 to properly fix a screw in the tyre. Tyres are the only thing holding you to the road. Don't be cheap, it's not worth it in this scenario.

  • varun17 on 25/02/2021 - 11:20
    +1

    You know the right thing to do.

    • iNeed2Pee on 25/02/2021 - 18:09

      I did, and I didn't pull it out.
      :)

  • Misplaced on 25/02/2021 - 12:37
    -3

    You will find this magical thing called a "Spare Wheel" hidden in your boot. Use it.

    • iNeed2Pee on 25/02/2021 - 13:42

      No need to be rude. Don't assume I have a spare wheel either.

  • smhto on 25/02/2021 - 14:37
    -1

    Slowly unscrew the screw and if nothing happens you're good to go and if the tyre deflates screw it back in and go to a puncture repair

  • MontyMacaw on 25/02/2021 - 20:28

    I can’t understand all the debate. Your tyre is the thing that keeps you on the road and a safe as possible along with others around you. Taking it in for inspection/repair is a small job usually done while you wait. You need to ask yourself is your life worth less than the small cost of making sure you are safe. Of course if you had an accident and your insurer knew of this knowledge you have they would bounce you - if your were alive and also the law would have an opinion on it too - whether you were alive or not.

    • iNeed2Pee on 25/02/2021 - 20:50
      +1

      My post was actually targeting whether or not I take the screw out and see if the air drops by the morning.

      The second part was also to ask others whether it's an easy fix. I was always going to go to the tyre shop to have them fix it, but I wasn't sure if I was wasting my time because the screw wasnt all the way in.

      Thanks for your concern, but I wasn't being cheap, I was just asking others for advice which is why we have these forums to begin with….

      • MontyMacaw on 25/02/2021 - 21:25
        +1

        My apologies I was referring to the comments.

        • iNeed2Pee on 25/02/2021 - 22:39
          +1

          Don't have to apologise, all good. I see your point most definitely. I always make sure to do the right thing:)

  • mini2 on 28/02/2021 - 15:13

    Leave it in there and hope it doesn't get dislodged before the tyre shop can attend to it. I've done something similar in the past and the damn thing had fallen out leaving me stranded. Good luck.

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