Is there any truth to the rumor that tire companies or places that sell tires throw nails on the streets?

I had a friend who went to San Francisco about 10 years ago, got two flat tires and was charged $600. The price should have been around $250-300. I hear these kind of stories from time to time - it's a pretty mean thing to do, but very hard to catch people doing it. Tossing nails out in the middle of the night near one's tire store is pretty easy to do.


I've actually heard about people being hired to drive around tossing nails on highways.Is there any truth to the rumor that tire companies or places that sell tires throw nails on the streets?
No way this is true. Ive worked for various tire shops for over 10 years and NEVER has anything like this been practiced. Also, as was mentioned, the nail would need to enter the tire near or directly into the sidewall for tire to require replacement.. Other wise, all you have is a simple $10 patch or plug in teh tire and you're good to go.Is there any truth to the rumor that tire companies or places that sell tires throw nails on the streets?
When I worked for a tire distributor I thought it would be a good idea to ';seed the road'; around some of the tire shops I delivered tire to. Hey! don't get your panties in a bunch... I never actually went through with it!
You'd have to hit a nail ';just right'; for it to cause a catastrophic failure. (a side wall puncture).





The rumor is B.S.





A simple nail puncture won't ruin a tire and a repair is about $15.