Spilled Screws Lead to Rash of Tire Repairs in Tyler

March 16, 2026 – Drivers in Tyler are being urged to stay alert after scattered screws on several roadways led to multiple flat tires this week.

Tyler resident John Martin said he first noticed something was wrong while driving Monday when he heard a strange noise coming from underneath his car.

“It was clinking underneath my car,” Martin said. “It sounded like breaking glass, when in actuality it was a bunch of screws.”

After arriving home, Martin said his Tesla alerted him that one of the tires had gone flat. Concerned about the situation, he said he avoided certain areas of town the next day to prevent further damage.

Martin’s wife, Jill Martin, said she experienced a similar issue while driving. She recalled hearing unusual sounds while on the road and even rolled down her window in an attempt to figure out where the noise was coming from.

The couple later visited a local tire shop, where employees said they had seen a noticeable increase in similar cases.

Bryce Matthews, a store manager at Discount Tire, said many vehicles coming into the shop had screws embedded in their tires.

“It’s uncommon to see the same thing in multiple tires,” Matthews said. “Some tires had one or two screws, others had six or seven, and some had as many as 17.”

Matthews estimated the store handled about 25 to 30 percent more tire repairs than usual on Monday.

City officials say they are aware of the issue. According to the City of Tyler, crews received reports of debris near Bergfeld Park, Broadway and Fifth Street, and Broadway and Old Troup Highway.

Street sweepers were dispatched to clear the affected areas, and officials say they encourage residents to report debris on roadways so it can be removed quickly.