How to fix your flat car, truck or ATV tire quickly. Do it right, and save money, too

We have all had to pay the mechanic to fix a hole in our tire. Shop labor charges are through the roof! Besides that, you do the bulk of the work yourself at the roadside when you need to change the tire and put the spare on. My article will allow you to fix your own tire, often times without even needing to take it off the vehicle. The only supplies needed are readily available and very easy to use.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A tire plug kit (can be found at most auto parts stores for between $10 and $20). It will include all tools to prep the puncture and install the plug, as well a large supply of plugs.
• Pliers.
• A small container of dish soap mixed with water.
• Either a manually operated tire pump, or a pump that will operate with your vehicle's 12v accessory port.

1. 
   Common tools for the job. I keep all mine in a small lunchbox with a few other tools.

   The obvious first step is to locate the place your tire is losing air from. This is where the dish soap comes in handy. If the tire is completely flat, add some air so that it will begin leaking out again. Rub the soapy solution over the tire to detect the location of the leak (bubbles will appear). Start your search with a quick visual inspection for foreign items stuck into the tire (nails, screws, etc.). If you cannot find the leak, check the valve stem. See my article about replacing worn valve stems for help with this.

2. 
   These are the tools to help you prepare the puncture for the plug.

   Once you have found the problem spot, you will need to prepare it for a plug. If there is something stuck in the tire, deflate the tire by pushing gently inward on the valve stem center (unscrew the cap first, if necessary). When the tire pressure is lowered, use the pliers to remove the object. You will then prepare the puncture site by using the rasp that came with the tire kit. It is basically a round file that cleans and roughens the hole for the plug. Push it firmly into the puncture, and remove it. Do this 3-4 times.

3. 
   A package of plugs and the installation tool.

   Now we will insert the plug. Use the plug tool that came with the kit, and one plug (be warned... they are very sticky). Insert one end of the plug into the "eye" of the installation tool. Using the pliers to pull it through will aid the process. Get it half way through. Now, simply push the end of the installer into the puncture so that the plug goes about half way in. Pull it out firmly, and the plug will remain in place.

4. Use a razor blade or sharp knife to trim the plug down close to the tire (leave about 1/4 inch). Re-inflate the tire to the proper level, and check the repair using the dish soap solution (there should be no bubbles). Congrats! You just saved yourself a bunch of cash, time and aggravation at the local garage! :)

Tips & Warnings

• This process works for all tubeless tires: cars, trucks, atv's, etc.
• It is easier to repair the tire when it is off the vehicle, but it is in many cases not necessary to remove the tire.
• Assemble a kit, and carry it in your vehicle for emergencies. I have used one to fix a flat many, MANY times while on the road. In every case, I did not need to use a jack or remove the tire from the vehicle.
• If the puncture is overly large, or if it is in the sidewall of a tire, this type of fix will likely not work.
• Always exercise safety! Never work under a car supported by a jack. Put your vehicle in Park, engage the emergency brake, work on level ground, and if possible, block the tires to prevent the vehicle from rolling.

[teachermom]

on 12/19/2008 Very helpful informations. Thanks!

[audreylove2008]

on 12/15/2008 great info!!!5****

[tennreb]

on 12/14/2008 Good Info