How to Plug a Tire

Ever found yourself stranded on the side of the road, staring down at a tire that's flat as a pancake? Fear not! This guide dives into the surprisingly simple yet utterly indispensable skill of plugging a tire. Whether you're a seasoned road warrior or a new driver venturing out for the first time, learning how to plug a tire is an essential capability to have up your sleeve. Not only can it save you from the hassle and expense of calling for roadside assistance, but it can also get you back on the road again in no time.

1. Tire Plug Kit: Tire plugs, tire plug insertion tool, and tire reaming tool or drill bit.
2. Sprayer Bottle: Soap and water.
3. Cutting pliers
4. Tire inflator
5. Tire pressure gauge

• Inspect the Tire: Rotate or spin the tire and look closely for the puncture site. You might find a nail, screw, or other objects embedded in the tire.
• Spray the Tire: Spray the flat tire with soapy water or Windex and search for bubbles! (you will only be able to see air bubbles if their is air in the tire so inflate it first)
• Mark the Puncture Site: Once identified, mark the area with chalk or a marker. This helps you keep track of the spot during the repair process.

• Remove the Object: Use pliers or angled cutting pliers to carefully remove the object from the tire. Grip it firmly and pull it straight out to avoid enlarging the puncture.
• Ream the Hole: Insert the reaming tool (included in your tire repair kit) into the puncture. Push and pull the reamer in and out to roughen and enlarge the hole slightly. This step ensures the plug adheres properly. Using a small drill bit to drill out the hole also works.

Note: If pushing a reaming tool into the puncture site is to difficult, you can use a drill with a small drill bit to drill out the hole like in the picture above.

• Prepare the Plug: Take a tire plug and thread it through the eye of the insertion tool, ensuring it's centered.
• Apply Rubber Cement: If your kit includes rubber cement, apply a good amount to the plug and around the puncture site.
• Insert the Plug: Push the plug insertion tool and plug into the hole until about two-thirds of the plug is inside the tire. Push hard! Twist the tool slightly if necessary to facilitate insertion. (This usually requires using a lot of force and to use your body weight)
• Remove the Tool: Pull the tool out sharply, leaving the plug in the tire. The plug should seal the puncture from the inside.

• Trim the Plug: Use a knife or cutting pliers to trim any excess plug material flush with the tire surface.
• Re-Inflate the Tire: Use a tire air inflator to bring the tire back to its recommended pressure.
• Check for Leaks: Finally, apply soapy water to the repaired area and look for air bubbles that would indicate a leak. If there are no bubbles, your repair is successful.

Some people believe tire plugs are not a permanent tire repair. In my opinion, if a tire plug is installed correctly, it can be a permanent fix and last the entire lifespan of the tire. If the puncture site is on the sidewall of the tire or close to it, do not use a tire plug. The image above is an example of an unrepairable tire.