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How long does it take to fix a tire leak?
I noticed a nail in my tire while parked at the grocery store. I’m afraid to pull it out and get stuck. Should I call a mobile mechanic? How long does it take to fix a tire leak?
Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oh no! This is a tricky situation. It can take as little as two minutes or up to 60 minutes to fix a tire leak.
Some leaks are more complex than others. A small nail hole could take just a few minutes to repair—hopefully, your ice cream won’t melt while you fix the leak!
A nail hole (as long as it didn’t enter the sidewall) is pretty simple to fix. With the right plugging kit, you could be on your way within five minutes. On the other hand, a jagged piece of glass will leave a bigger tear. This kind of damage requires more time to fix. You might need a radial patch or even a more complicated repair.
You have two options to fix this.
You could try to remove the nail yourself and fix the leak with a repair kit from the hardware store. The grocery store or a nearby gas station may even have the kit you need. You will also need pliers.
Another option is to call a skilled technician with special tools to help you out. Luckily, most
mobile mechanics
and roadside assistance teams carry these materials. They can come to the grocery store parking lot and perform the service there. Your car insurance may even cover it! Don’t drive on a tire with a nail in it, as it could result in a dangerous blowout. It’s okay to drive a short distance on a tire with a small nail hole, though.
Hope this helps!
If you have any questions about
car insurance
—or just need some moral support while you wait for the technician—reach out to Jerry
. Our friendly agents can answer questions and help you navigate the process. The Jerry app could even find you a cheaper policy while you wait. Good luck with your tire!
MORE: What to do if your tire blows out?
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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