Patching a Car Tire: A Complete Guide
Finding yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire is nobody’s idea of a good time. In fact, having a bad tire causes over 11,000 accidents a year, so it’s a fix that can’t wait.
But in today’s busy world, sometimes you have to learn how to patch a car tire on your own. Patching a tire is an easy and cost-effective way to quickly get back on the road. Luckily, it’s a job that most people can do with a bit of practice.
This handy guide will go over everything you need to know about patching a car tire.
Fixing a Flat Tire
It is important to fix your tire to avoid getting into an accident. You can find some of the most common reasons for car accidents linked here. For small holes, the tire patching process is something you can do yourself.
Step 1: Remove the Tire
Make sure you are in a safe spot before taking your tire off. Secure your emergency brake to ensure your car won’t go anywhere when removing the tire.
Using the lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts a tiny bit. Once you have done that, it is time to jack your car up. Consult your owner’s manual to make sure you are jacking your car correctly.
Once you have your car jacked, loosen the lug nuts the rest of the way and put them in a safe place. Carefully take the wheel off.
Step Two: How to Patch a Tire With a Nail in It
To patch a tire, you will first need to identify the leak’s location. Use your flashlight to go over the tire to find the hole.
Most people will choose from a tire plug and tire patch kits to fix the hole in their tire.
Tire Plug
A tire plug is a sticky substance that you would push into the tire hole. It expands to fill the hole and keep air from escaping.
A plug is an excellent choice for a minor, simple repair. If you are using a tire plug, you can sometimes do so without even taking the wheel off the car, saving you a few steps.
Tire Patch
A tire patch is a small piece of rubber with a sticky backing. It gets stuck on the inner part of the tire to stop a leak.
If you are wondering how long a tire patch last, the answer is a long time. The tradeoff is that they are a more challenging tire fix to do on your own. Most tire patches need a professional to do, whereas some tire plugs can be a DIY job.
Step Three: Lower Your Car and Inflate Your Tires
Once you have patched or plugged your car, it’s time to lower it back to the ground. Finish the job by adding more air to your tire, and get back on your way!
Patching a Car Tire Can Help Extend the Life of Your Tire
Prompt attention to your flat will help keep your tire from being a total loss. Knowing what goes into patching a car tire will help you determine if you can do the job yourself or if it needs professional attention.
Are you in the market for a new car? If so, check out our car buying tips in our automotive blogs today!
