Today, when parked at Home Depot (who I suspect doesn't sweep the parking
lots frequently enough), I happened to notice a small screw stuck in my
front drivers-side tire. The tire did not seem flat (in fact it was
overinflated slightly), but I had just got the car inspected in NJ and maybe
they inflate the tires as part of the inspection (who knows).

Anyway, I removed the screw by turning counter-clockwise with a pair or
pliers. I estimate that the screw was stuck in around 3/16ths of an inch
(maybe as much as 1/4" though). It was in one of the deep gaps that
surround the circumferance of the tire, but was sticking in at an angle.
The diameter of the screw may have been as much as 1/8" (including the
threads) depending on how far in it actually was.

I plan on putting some soapy water onto the small hole where the screw was.
If I don't find any evidence of leakage, and the tire doesn't lose pressure
more than other tires, then the question is:

Should I:

1) Do nothing

or

2) Put a dab of sealant on the OUTSIDE just to help protect the area in case
I run over debris there. If so, then what do I use (silicone, or something
else?)

or

3) Take the tire to a repair shop and have it patched from the inside as a
pre-emptive measure

Thanks,

J.

Give it the soapy water treatment, or just spit on the hole, to see if the
screw has made it through the belts and breached the tire's air chamber. If
no bubbles, don't worry about it. If you see bubbles, have a tire shop
repair it. If you are a normal driver, it'll not be of any significant
concern. If you try for a new land speed record every time you get behind
the wheel, ask the experts at the tire shop; they'll just love to sell you a
new tire. Even if it is patched or plugged, the chances of a catastrophic
failure are slight. It is commendable that you are paying attention to your
tires. Many people don't bother to look at them until they are flat
completely.

"jaynews" <jaynews (AT) verizon (DOT) net> wrote