How to Fix a Flat Tire

If you’ve been searching for advice on how to fix a flat tire on a car, then you’ve come to the right place! Your local CarHop dealership is always happy to supply drivers with a variety of DIY car maintenance tips, from how to change your windshield wipers to prepping your car for winter. Today, we’re covering flat tire repair, so you can get the help you need and get back on the road!

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How Long Does it Take to Fix a Flat Tire?

Before you head out into the garage to fix your flat tire, you may be wondering how much time you’ll need to set aside—and the answer is not much time at all. In general, fixing a flat shouldn’t take you longer than 15 or 30 minutes, which is similar to the time it takes to simply change a tire.

How to Repair a Flat Tire

Here are the simple steps you’ll need to follow in order to fix your flat tire:

1. Use an air compressor or can of Fix-A-Flat to first get some air into the tire.

• With an air compressor: Screw the gauge onto the valve stem, plug the lighter adaptor into the car, turn the pressure on, and pump it up to the correct air pressure for your tire.
• With Fix-A-Flat: Please be aware that, if you use a can of compressed air like Fix-A-Flat, it will damage the tire and have to be replaced; some tire shops also won’t want to deal with the mess it causes. However, in an emergency, it can sometimes be the best option available.

2. Plug the leak.

• Break your lug nuts loose.
• Use a car jack to lift your wheel off the ground.
• Support the vehicle with a jack stand.
• Remove the lug nuts and tire.
• Make sure the tire is fully inflated.
• Spin the tire to find the source of the leak (usually a nail).
• Use a spray bottle with dish soap to check for an area that’s bubbling up. Spray the whole tire.
• If there’s any damage to the side wall, the tire needs to be replaced.
• Remove the screw, nail, or other cause of the leak.
• Use a tire plug kit to plug the tire, following the directions from the plug kit.

3. Replace the flat tire with your spare tire.

• Have a tire iron, car jack, and lug nut key in your car. Always make sure your spare tire is properly inflated.

Let CarHop Be Your Guide to DIY Auto Maintenance

CarHop is your guide to all kinds of at-home auto maintenance, from how to replace your transmission fluid and filter to how to change your oil and what to do if your car won’t start. We also have an incredible selection of used vehicles for sale in your area. Feel free to contact us anytime at (800) 600-7013!