A screw in your tire is usually drivable short-term, but the risk depends on location, depth, and tire pressure
If a screw is lodged in the tread (the part that touches the road), you can typically drive to a repair shop at normal highway speeds without when ready danger — the tire will hold air because the screw is plugging the hole. The real problem arrives later: the screw will eventually work loose or rust, the hole will enlarge, and you'll lose pressure. If the screw is in the sidewall (the curved part between tread and rim), do not drive on it except to a shop, because sidewall damage cannot be safely repaired and the tire will fail without warning.
The difference between "can drive" and "should drive" matters here. You can probably reach a tire shop without a blowout. You should not assume the screw will stay put, that the hole won't grow, or that you have days to deal with it. A screw in the tread is a repair window of hours, not weeks.
Key Takeaways
- A screw in the tire tread can usually hold air long enough to reach a repair shop, but only if the screw stays in place and the hole does not enlarge.
- Screws in the sidewall cannot be repaired and require when ready tire replacement — do not drive highway speeds or long distances.
- Tire pressure will drop gradually as the screw works loose or rust forms around it, so check pressure before and after driving.
- A repair shop can patch a tread puncture for $15 to $30 if the hole is smaller than a quarter-inch and the tire is not too worn.
How to tell if the screw location makes it drivable
The tread is the grooved rubber surface you see when you look down at the tire from above — the part designed to grip the road. If the screw is anywhere in this area, from the center to the outer edge, it can usually be repaired. Tread punctures are common and fixable because the rubber is thick enough to hold a plug or patch.
The sidewall is the smooth, curved rubber between the tread and the wheel rim. It is thinner and flexes constantly as the tire rolls. If a screw is embedded in the sidewall, the tire cannot be safely repaired because patches and plugs do not hold under the stress of sidewall flexing. A sidewall puncture means the tire must be replaced. Do not drive long distances or at highway speed with a sidewall screw — the tire can fail suddenly and without warning.
If you cannot see the screw clearly or are unsure which zone it is in, assume it is in the sidewall and drive only to the nearest tire shop at moderate speed with the windows down so you can hear any sudden air loss.
What happens to tire pressure as you drive
When a screw first punctures the tire, it acts as a plug. The screw itself fills most of the hole, so air does not escape quickly. This is why you can drive on a screw without an when ready flat. However, three things will gradually break this seal: the screw will vibrate and work loose, rust will form around the screw and enlarge the hole, and the rubber around the puncture will compress and shift.
Check your tire pressure before you leave and again after 10 or 15 minutes of driving. If pressure is dropping noticeably (more than 2 to 3 pounds per square inch), the screw is already loosening and you should reduce speed and drive directly to a shop. If pressure is stable, you have more time, but do not assume it will stay stable for hours. Plan to reach a shop within the same day.
Driving on an underinflated tire generates heat, which can accelerate the failure. If you notice the tire is warm to the touch or you smell rubber, pull over, let it cool for 10 minutes, and check pressure again before continuing.
Repair options and costs at a tire shop
A tire shop will first remove the screw and inspect the hole. If the puncture is in the tread, smaller than a quarter-inch across, and the tire has at least 2/32 of an inch of tread remaining (the legal minimum), the shop can repair it. A plug repair costs $10 to $20 and involves inserting a rubber-coated cord into the hole from the outside. A patch repair costs $15 to $30 and involves removing the tire from the rim, cleaning the inside, and gluing a rubber patch over the hole. Patches are more durable than plugs for long-term use.
Some shops offer a combination plug-patch for $25 to $40, which combines both methods and is the most reliable repair for a screw hole. Ask which method the shop uses — if they only offer plugs and the tire is more than a few years old, consider a patch instead.
If the hole is larger than a quarter-inch, the tire is too worn (less than 2/32 tread depth), or the puncture is in the sidewall, the tire cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Replacement costs vary widely by tire size and brand, typically $80 to $200 per tire.
When you should not drive on a screw
Do not drive on a screw if it is in the sidewall, if the tire is already low on pressure, or if you need to travel more than 20 or 30 miles. Do not drive at highway speed (above 55 mph) if you are uncertain about the screw's location or the tire's condition. Do not ignore a screw because you plan to replace the tire soon — a loose screw will cause a blowout before you reach that point.
If you are towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, or driving in hot weather, the tire will heat up faster and the screw will work loose more quickly. In these conditions, treat a screw as an urgent repair even if it is in the tread.
Temporary measures if you cannot reach a shop when ready
If you get a screw and cannot reach a shop for several hours, you can reduce the risk by driving slowly (under 45 mph), checking tire pressure every 15 to 20 minutes, and carrying a portable air compressor or a can of tire sealant. A tire sealant (such as Slime or Fix-a-Flat) can temporarily seal a small puncture and buy you time to reach a shop, but it is not a permanent fix and will make the tire harder to repair later. Use sealant only if you have no other option.
Do not rely on a spare tire as a long-term solution. A temporary spare (the small donut-shaped tire on many cars) is rated for 50 miles at 50 mph. A full-size spare is better, but you should still reach a shop within a day or two to repair or replace the punctured tire.
How to prevent screws and other punctures
Screws and nails are common in areas with construction, road work, or older pavement. You cannot avoid them entirely, but you can reduce the risk by avoiding construction zones when possible, staying in the center lanes away from debris, and inspecting your tires weekly for embedded objects. If you find a screw or nail, remove it only if you are certain you can reach a shop within the hour — removing it will cause when ready air loss if the tire is already weakened.
Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) on newer cars will alert you to pressure loss, but the alert usually comes after you have already lost 10 to 15 pounds of pressure. Check pressure manually once a month to catch slow leaks before they become dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a screw in my tire cause a blowout while I'm driving?
Not when ready, but the risk increases the longer you drive. A screw in the tread will usually hold air for at least an hour or two, giving you time to reach a shop. A screw in the sidewall is much more dangerous and can fail without warning, especially at highway speed or under load.
Can I just pull the screw out myself?
You can, but only if you plan to drive directly to a shop afterward. Removing the screw will cause the tire to lose air quickly. If you remove it at home, you will need to inflate the tire or use a spare to reach the shop. It is usually better to leave the screw in place and drive to the shop with the screw still plugging the hole.
How much does it cost to repair a screw puncture?
A plug repair typically costs $10 to $20, and a patch repair costs $15 to $30. If the tire cannot be repaired, replacement costs $80 to $200 per tire depending on size and brand. Most shops can tell you the cost within a few minutes of inspection.
Is it safe to drive on the highway with a screw in my tire?
Highway driving is riskier than local driving because speed and heat accelerate the failure. If the screw is in the tread and pressure is stable, you can usually reach a nearby exit or shop at highway speed. If pressure is dropping or the screw is in the sidewall, reduce speed to 45 mph or below and drive directly to a shop.
What if the screw is very small?
Size matters less than location and depth. A small screw in the tread is usually repairable, but a small screw in the sidewall is still dangerous. If the screw is so small you can barely see it, it is probably not deep enough to cause when ready air loss, but check pressure regularly and plan to have it inspected within a day.