MyVans Your Vehicle Solution
It’s a sinking feeling when you notice a nail in your car tire, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to buy a new tire. With the right tools and know-how, you can fix it yourself. Here’s how.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, you’ll need a few things:
- Tire repair kit
- Tire pressure gauge
- Jack
- Lug wrench
- Pliers
Locate the Nail
The first step is to locate the nail. Look for a visible puncture or listen for a hissing sound near the tire. If you can’t find a nail or puncture, use a spray bottle with soapy water and spray around the tire. If there is a leak, bubbles will form where the air is escaping.
Remove the Nail
Once you’ve located the nail, use pliers to pull it out of the tire. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from any sharp edges.
Check the Tire Pressure
After removing the nail, check the tire pressure with a gauge. If the tire is flat, you may need to add air before you can proceed.
Insert the Repair String
Using the tire repair kit, thread the repair string through the eye of the needle. Insert the needle into the puncture hole and push the string in until only about 2 inches are sticking out.
Remove the Needle
Once the string is in, slowly pull the needle out at an angle so that the string stays in the tire.
Cut the Excess String
Using scissors, cut the excess string that is sticking out of the tire. Leave about 1/4 inch of string so that it’s flush with the tire.
Re-inflate the Tire
Using a tire pressure gauge, check the tire pressure again and add air if necessary. Be sure to follow the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle.
Check for Leaks
Spray the tire with soapy water again to check for leaks. If you see bubbles forming around the repaired area, the repair may not have worked and you’ll need to take it to a professional.
Replace the Tire
If the repair was successful, you can now replace the tire on your car. Use a jack to lift the car off the ground and remove the lug nuts with a lug wrench. Take off the flat tire and replace it with the repaired tire. Tighten the lug nuts and lower the car to the ground.
