Getting a flat tire is not really the best thing to happen while driving, however, it is a reality that we cannot avoid. There is no need for you to panic if flats do happened to you. Here’s the process on fixing a flat tire.
What Not to Fix
There are instances where flat tires are already impossible to fix. In instances when the tire is lacerated, explodes, or has a serious damage, fixing it is already not an available option. Just dispose the tire properly for it to be recycled. If the sidewall of the tire is already damaged or has cracks and the tread is less than 1/16th of an inch in depth, replacing the entire tire is the best option to do.
Removing the Flat Tire from the Car
If your tire is deflated due to a nail puncture on the tread, then you have two available options on fixing a flat tire. Assessing the damage done on the tire is difficult to do while it is still attached to your car therefore you need to remove the tire first. Put a wedge or block underneath the tires to stop them from moving then set on the emergency brake of your car. Once the car is in a fix position, remove the deflated tire from the car. Loosen first the lug nuts using a lug wrench then lift the car using a jack. Once the deflated tire is already off the ground, manually remove the lug nuts, pull the wheel, and take out the flat tire away from your car. Put in its place your spare tire if you have one with you.
Find the Culprit
There are times that you will not have a hard time finding the cause of your flat tire. You may easily see the head of a screw, nail or other kind of metal object implanted into the tire tread. Once found, put a mark on its location for later use. Do not remove the culprit yet until you are already prepared in fixing a flat tire.
Finding the Small Holes on a Flat Tire
Hearing the air escaping from the tire through the small holes is not that easy to do. Here is a tip to make your job of fixing a flat tire becomes easier. Make a soapy water mixture in a large container then inflate the damage tire the best that you can. Pour out the soapy water mixture over the inflated tire and you will see that in the portion where a hole is present, bubbles will be evident. Put some mark where the hole is for later use.
Ways of Fixing a Flat Tire
1. Patches – A tire patch is always done in a tire shop and you will definitely pay for it but at a minimal price only. Tire patch is the most favored way of fixing a flat tire. The tire shop will take out the tire from the rim and affix an internal patch on the hole. Tire patches are efficient and way lot cheaper compared to purchasing a new tire for your car.
2. Plug a Tire – This is only a temporary way in fixing a flat tire and you can do it all by yourself. You can purchase some tire plug kits in any auto repair stores and chains such as Target, Kmart, and Walmart. Just follow the instructions on how to plug a tire that comes with the kit.
