Repair Flat Tire
A flat tire can sometimes be repaired if the puncture is small and located in the tread area. Do not repair sidewall damage, large holes, or a tire with severe wear, internal damage, or a bent rim. Secure the vehicle properly, inspect the damage carefully, and only proceed if the tire is a suitable candidate for repair.
Tools
- Vehicle jack
- Jack stand
- Lug wrench
- Wheel chocks
- Tire pressure gauge
- Air compressor or tire inflator
- Pliers
- Tire repair kit with reamer and plug tool
Materials
- Tire plugs from the repair kit
- Rubber cement if required by the kit
Safety
- Park on a flat, stable surface away from traffic.
- Set the parking brake and use wheel chocks before lifting the vehicle.
- Use the correct factory jack points and support the vehicle with a jack stand.
- Do not place any part of your body under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
- Do not repair a puncture in the sidewall or shoulder of the tire.
- Do not repair tires with large cuts, bulges, exposed cords, or severe wear.
- Inflate only to the vehicle-recommended tire pressure.
- If the wheel is bent or the tire will not hold pressure after repair, stop and seek professional service.
Steps
Step 1: Secure the vehicle and inspect the tire
- Park on level ground, turn on hazard lights if needed, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks on the opposite wheel.
- Inspect the tire to find the puncture and determine whether it is in the tread area.
- Do not continue if the damage is in the sidewall, near the shoulder, larger than the repair kit allows, or if the tire has bulges, exposed cords, or severe cracking.
Check: The vehicle is stable and cannot roll. · The puncture is small and clearly within the tread area. · There is no visible sidewall damage or major tire damage.
Step 2: Loosen lug nuts and lift the vehicle
- Slightly loosen the lug nuts while the wheel is still on the ground.
- Position the jack at the correct lift point and raise the vehicle enough to remove the wheel.
- Place a jack stand under the proper support point and lower the vehicle onto it securely.
Check: The lug nuts are loosened but not removed before lifting. · The jack and jack stand are positioned correctly. · The vehicle feels stable before you remove the wheel.
Step 3: Remove the wheel and locate the object
- Remove the lug nuts completely and take off the wheel.
- Find the nail, screw, or other object causing the puncture.
- Mark the puncture location if needed so you can keep track of it during repair.
Check: The wheel is fully removed and accessible. · The puncturing object or exact leak point has been identified.
Step 4: Prepare the puncture
- Use pliers to pull out the nail or screw.
- Insert the reamer from the tire repair kit into the hole and work it in and out to clean and size the puncture.
- Follow the repair kit directions for how much preparation is required.
Check: The object has been removed cleanly. · The puncture hole is open and prepared according to the kit instructions.
Step 5: Install the plug
- Thread a repair plug into the insertion tool as directed by the kit.
- Apply rubber cement if your kit requires it.
- Push the plug into the puncture until the plug is seated correctly, then remove the tool as instructed so the plug remains in place.
- Trim excess plug material if the kit instructs you to do so.
Check: The plug is firmly seated in the tire. · The plug does not pull out when the tool is removed. · The repair matches the kit instructions.
Step 6: Inflate and check for leaks
- Inflate the tire to the vehicle-recommended pressure listed on the door placard.
- Check the repair area for leaking air by listening closely or using the leak-check method recommended by your kit.
- If the tire still leaks, do not rely on the repair; have the tire professionally evaluated.
Check: The tire is inflated to the correct pressure. · No air leak is detected at the repair site. · The tire holds pressure for several minutes.
Step 7: Reinstall the wheel
- Put the wheel back on the hub and hand-thread the lug nuts.
- Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.
- Raise the vehicle slightly, remove the jack stand, lower the vehicle fully, and tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer torque specification.
Check: All lug nuts are installed correctly. · The wheel is seated evenly on the hub. · Lug nuts are tightened in the proper pattern and to spec.
Step 8: Test and monitor the repair
- Drive slowly for a short distance and then stop to recheck tire pressure.
- Inspect the repaired area again for leakage or any sign the plug is failing.
- Treat a plug repair as temporary unless the tire manufacturer and local practice clearly allow otherwise, and arrange professional inspection if possible.
Check: The tire pressure remains stable after a short drive. · There is no visible or audible leak. · The vehicle drives normally without vibration from the repaired wheel.
