Best Ways to Repair a Flat Tire

A flat tire in the middle of the road can be very frustrating. The situation can become more worrisome for you when you are in a hurry to get somewhere and don’t have a car repair shop nearby. So what should you do? There are several ways to repair a flat tire; unfortunately, when you are stranded on the road, you will have to call a car repair shop or a towing service to help you reach the nearest service station. However, if you are home and have the required tools, you can repair a flat tire yourself. Here is how.

Use a Perforated Sealant

Sealants are ideal for fixing punctures, which are the common reason behind flat tires. However, they fall under two categories. You may find sealants that have a gel-like appearance and are used on top of the puncture hole. While others are inserted inside the tire to harden the puncture hole. Although these products are good, they usually require other tools to seal the hole perfectly. Commonly used sealants in the market come in the packing of aerosol sprays. However, the products and their packing might vary according to the consumer, but they all have a similar purpose. You can fix a flat tire using a sealant by following these steps:

1. Discover the Leakage

In order to find the source of the leak, use a water-based solution. Either you can pour the solution directly on the tire, or you can also spray it at intervals. When the air comes out of the tire and meets the soapy water mixture, soap bubbles form. If you find bubbles on the tire, you’ve found a leak. 

2. Remove the Cause of Leak

Flat tires are usually caused by road debris, including sharp stones or nails. Once you have found the hole, check for any nail on the tire surface. If you find it, remove it. 

3. Open the Valve Cover

First, take out the tire jack from your car truck and mount the car on it. Then, start rotating your tire until the tire valve comes on top. Open your valve cover. Start applying the sealant to the tire while inflating it.

4. Apply sealant

Connect the applicator to the nozzle of the sealant spray bottle and connect the other end to the valve. Once both ends are connected, press the button of the applicator to apply the sealant. 

5. Connect the Wheel and Drive

Once you are done with the sealant application, attach your tire back, inflate it and start driving. Once the wheel rotates, the sealant will be equally distributed on the inner surface of the wheel.

Use a Plug Kit

Sealants are effective for fixing a flat tire but don’t last long. An alternative to sealant is a tire plug kit which can last for years depending upon the condition of the tire. Although, it depends upon the location of the puncture for a plug to be effective. But in most cases, plugs are an exceptional option and can be installed by following these steps:

1. Find the leak

Look closely at the tire to find a sharp object that has caused a puncture. However, inflate the tire and search for a hissing sound; if you can’t locate such an object, you can use the same old water and soap solution.

2. Remove the Wheel

Wheels are easily removed using a wheel jack. However, when doing so, ensure that you place a spare tire underneath the car. So, the car will land on the spare wheel whenever the jack falls. This minimizes damage to you and the car. Loosen the nuts before raising the vehicle. Turn the nuts on the left side for the removal. When you remove the wheel, reattach the nuts so they don’t get misplaced. Be careful while pulling the wheels out, as they can be extremely heavy. 

3. Check the Extent of the Puncture

If the puncture is on the tire’s surface, it can be repaired. It can be easily repaired, and replacement isn’t needed if the tire is in good condition. If the puncture is on the side of the tire, you should install and replace the spare tire as soon as possible. 

4. Insert the Plug

Insert the plug in the middle of the puncture hole. Use a sealant for a better hold, which will also make the insertion of the plug easier. Do not move the plug until the glue sets and dries. Remove the remaining part of the plug that protrudes from the tire’s surface.

5. Inflate the Tire

Inflate the tire to check if the leak is repaired or not. Now reinstall the wheel, remove the jack and tighten the mounting brackets to the correct torque.

Using any of the two methods shared above, you can easily repair a flat tire and save yourself the trouble of visiting a car repair shop. Choose the methods that suit you the most and get rid of a flat tire as soon as possible.