ALT-1 How to Fix a Flat Tire
You can temporarilyfix a flat tireby using a plug. This does not need specialized tools, but it does need a tire repair kit. You will have to replace the tire with a spare while you are fixing it. This project will take two hours or less.
You cannot fix a tire that has exploded in a blowout. Do not attempt to fix a tire that has a damaged sidewall. Replace tires where the tread is less than1/16 inch deep, especially in areas with heavy rainfall.
Identify the cause
You should examine the tire carefully. Look in the treads for lodged nails or screws or other sharp objects. Circle the location with a paint pen or bright marker. Don't remove the object yet.
Keep looking after you find a nail until you have checked the whole tire. There may be more than one puncture.
If you have not found the puncture, inflate the tire. The pressure will force the air out through the puncture.
Run your hand over the tire slowly. You may be able to feel the wind from the escaping air. You can sometimes hear the hiss of escaping air. Turn off the car before listening for escaping air.
You can usesoapy waterto find other punctures. Pour the soapy water over each part of the tire and look for bubbles. The bubbles will be directly over each puncture. Mark each puncture with a paint pen.
Plug the leak
Remove the nail or other object with pliers.
Insert the rasp into the puncture and lightly remove it. This makes a rough surface for good bonding with the plug cement. Avoid doing this aggressively as doing so increases the chance of damaging the inner liner of the tire per theYokohamaTechnical Service Bulletin.
Coat the plug with cement. Insert it immediately into the hole using the plug insertion tool. When the plug is firmly in the puncture, remove the plug insertion tool. About 1/2-inch of the plug should stay outside the hole.
Cut the plug flush with the tire tread. Let it sit for a few seconds before you test for escaping air. If the plug is secure, go on to the next puncture.
Work on one puncture at a time. Do not go on to the next puncture until you have plugged the puncture you are working on.
Patch the leak
If installed correctly, tire plugs should last until the tire needs replacing perCar Talk. This however, is a debated notion among auto service providers. In any case, it should hold until you can reach an auto repair shop. Patching the tire requires specialized equipment to remove the tire from the rim so that it can be patched. This is not an expensive fix.
If you have the equipment to remove the tire from the rim, you can patch the tire yourself. The patch goes on the inside of the tire. It will be as durable as the tire.
