Got a Flat? Read These Nine Quick Fix Tips on How to Patch a Tire

You’re having the worst day, stranding on the side of the road with a flat tire. Perhaps it’s downpouring, and you’ve no idea what to do next. Scenarios like this happen to everyone, which is why we’ll show you exactly what you to the next time you get a flat.

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Flats happen, and when they do, it’s important to know what cure is right for the type of puncture in your tire. Repairs vary, and the damage your tire shows will determine whether a patch, plug, or tire replacement is necessary. The first step is always to check out your tire if you think there may be an issue.

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Why You Need to Know How to Patch a Tire? You can’t drive on a flat tire. Otherwise, you face severe damage to your tire and could cause irreversible damage to your vehicle. Unless you want to buy a new car, completing simple repairs like a flat tire is the best solution.

Learning how to patch a tire can involve first learning a few important things about the type of flat tire, repair options, and how long each option lasts. Even with a patch, you could need a new tire if the damage is bad enough.

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Be Prepared No one can avoid a flat tire. It happens to everyone at one time or another. To be prepared for a flat tire, make sure you have a few things in your car, such as: Tire gauge Lug wrench Jack Spare tire or doughnut Vehicle owner’s manual

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Locate the Leak If your tire isn’t completely flat but seems to be leaking out air, your car’s low tire pressure sensor may come on, and you may hear the hiss of the air escaping. A nail in your tire often causes this type of hole, and you may be able to patch the tire or plug the hole, depending on its size. First, however, you must find the leak.

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Decide Between Plug or Patch If your flat tire is caused by a nail or screw and the hole isn’t torn open, you can plug the tire. Larger holes require a patch. You can purchase a tire plug kit with two T handles, which helps you plug the tire up yourself at home, or head to a professional who can complete the work the right way in no time.

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