That's only a "flesh wound" If its not leaking, and continues to hold pressure, the puncture was only superficial and did no damage to the tire's internal structure. There is nothing to "repair".
Screw in Tire - No leak after removed - Patch or leave it?
- Thread starter SupremePossum
- Start date
I had the same on an off road tire. Pulled the screw, no leak, ran it for a few more years without issue. A "fix" would cause more damage
Opinions are like a certain part of mammalian anatomy: everybody has one, and most of them stink.
@CapriRacer is bringing facts. They may fly in the face of conventional wisdom, but that only because conventional wisdom isn’t based in facts.
You’re not going to find a standard or law governing a short screw in the outer row of tread blocks of an off-road tire, because it’s such an oddball situation that nobody would ever try to legislate around it. If you can find a tire shop that’s willing to take on that liability, then bully for you. Don’t be surprised if the shop tells you it needs to be replaced, though.
I don't understand why this is being questioned. If it's not leaking it's ok. I see no reason damage the tire with a repair when there's no hole.
Exactly, a repair would put a hole in a perfectly good tire
If it ain't broke, don't fix it 
....If it leaks down the line, plug it yourself.
....If it leaks down the line, plug it yourself.
slo town
$200 Site Donor 2026
If the vehicle has TPMS, I'd leave it alone.
The only time I'd worry about it would be if the tire was on a high performance vehicle that saw high speeds and/or high concerning loads. If so and because of the location of the screw, I'd replace the tire, even if it held air.
Scott
The only time I'd worry about it would be if the tire was on a high performance vehicle that saw high speeds and/or high concerning loads. If so and because of the location of the screw, I'd replace the tire, even if it held air.
Scott
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Go poke a condom a little bit to the point it still holds air. Feel 100% confident in using that on the street corner, or want a second opinion?
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- Feb 6, 2025
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I always buy the hazard warranty. I'm always getting the tires patched. America's Tire makes it easy.
By the way, possums are very sweet animals. They have teeth but they're totally non-aggressive. People mistake them for rats all the time.
By the way, possums are very sweet animals. They have teeth but they're totally non-aggressive. People mistake them for rats all the time.
Since Discount Tire patch tires from free regardless, it only pays out if you need a whole new tire
The amount of times I needed a whole new tire I can count on one finger
AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
Could you push a strand of plug into the hole for a bit of feel good insurance?
Honestly I don't know if I could, the hole almost doesn't exist now I've pulled the screw
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
I think keeping a sharp eye on pressure is smart for now … this should not fail rapidly if it fails at all …
Thankfully I work from home, and also have an identical OEM wheel with identical tire as my spare
So if it does go flat, its not a big deal
So if it does go flat, its not a big deal
You won't have to worry about a leak where the screw was.
You will have to be able to dismount the tire to patch it. I would get a plug kit instead.
If you’re really concerned you could try one of the screw type tire plugs and cut it off without going all the way in, but I’d still be worried it could do more harm than good.
SupremePossum
I think you answered your own question.
Do this:
Use your now Identical OEM Wheel and Tire that's currently your Spare as your New Wheel and Tire, and take the Current Wheel and Tire that you removed the Screw from and use it as your Spare tire.
Problem.Solved
Had exactly same on newly installed winter tires on the Merc. 3000 miles now since pulling the screw and all good, so assume it was a superficial wound. Car has an active TPMS so I can see tire pressures and temps throughout any journey as I drive. Nice feature but triggers my obsessive behavior as I watch the pressures change. Have got to where all tires stabilize fairly quickly at the target pressures. Very cool feature for those that have it.
