How to Repair a Slashed Tire

by David Montoya
itstillruns article image
tire image by Orlando Florin Rosu from Fotolia.com

Flat tires aren't just a car problem that will keep you on the side of the road. Moreover, under-inflated tires caused by a slash can cause a serious accident. The low air pressure in a slashed tire will add too much stress to the tire's structure and could cause the tire to burst while driving. If you have a slash in your tire, fix it as soon as possible. A little effort today will prevent a huge problem in the future.

Step 1

Lift your car with a jack so the slashed tire is elevated off the floor. Place the jack closer to the slashed tire than any other tire.

Step 2

Remove the slashed tire with the lug nut wrench.

Step 3

Use a sponge to apply water and soap to your tire if you can't immediately find the slash. A small slash might be hard to see but will cause soapy water to bubble because of the air escaping from the slash. Rub the soapy water all over your tire in case there are multiple slashes.

Step 4

Use a tire buffer to buff the slashed area. This will prepare the area for the vulcanized liquid and tire patch.

Step 5

Apply the vulcanized liquid to the small slash, and let it dry.

Step 6

Fill the tire with air according to the air pressure specifications on the side of the tire.

Step 7

Place the tire patch on over the vulcanized liquid. Make sure the patch is completely flat, and let the patch sit for at least 5 minutes. Then put the tire back on your car.

More Articles

article divider
×