How to Repair a Tire Puncture

You're running late for work and as you throw your briefcase into your vehicle, you see it. You've got a flat. Now you're going to have to repair it and call work to let them know you'll miss the morning briefing. Here's how to repair that tire puncture quickly so you can still make that important lunch meeting with your client.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lug wrench
• Tire changer or tire irons
• Mushroom-shaped tire plug
• Air compressor

1. Check the size and location of the damage. Attempt to repair the tire only if the puncture is less than 1/4 inch in diameter and only if the puncture is on the tire's tread.

2. Evaluate the damage by removing the tire from the rim. If the object that punctured the tire has damaged the inside of the sidewalls, you will not know it unless you remove the tire and check. This will require tire irons or a professional tire changer.

3. Clean and buff the inside of your tire. This will give your plug good adherence and retain the air-holding ability of your tire's inner layer.

4. Plug the tire. This will be a mushroom shaped plug with the top inside the tire and the "stem" filling the area that was punctured. Be sure to fill both the area damaged by the object that punctured your tire and the "top" area to retain the tire's air-holding ability.

5. Remount the tire and fill with air. Check for leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• You can get one of those tire plug kits from the auto parts store that plugs the tire while still on the rim, but that is only an emergency fix and will not fix any interior damage. To be on the safe side, fill the tire, drive to the tire shop and spend the 20 or so bucks to repair the tire correctly. You'll only have to wait about 30 minutes and you'll still make it to lunch on time.
• Do not attempt to repair a tire puncture bigger than 1/4 inch.
• Tire sidewall and shoulder punctures should not be attempted on the tire.