Continue reaming until the tool can freely slide in and out of the hole. Push the tip of the reamer (the bottom point of the T) into the hole and begin rotating it. If the puncture has a diameter smaller than that of a pen, you’ll need to use the reamer to widen the hole so you can then insert the plug. Your tire repair kit will have a reamer, which is a tool shaped like a T or screwdriver and designed to enlarge holes. You may need to use pliers to pull it out, or, in the case of screws or bolts, you might be able to remove it by turning it counter-clockwise. If the puncture was caused by an object that remained embedded in the tire, take it out. Other extensive damage, such as a blowout or dented rims, requires replacing the tire rather than attempting a DIY repair. Damage or a leak in the sidewall is uncommon, but it cannot be safely fixed with a plug.

Not all punctures can be fixed using a repair kit, and some can’t be fixed at all, so it’s important to identify whether the puncture you find is repairable. A puncture caused by an object that entered and exited the tire can be more complicated to find once you do, be sure to mark it with chalk or other identifier so you don’t lose track of it. Alternatively, cover the tire in soapy water and look for tell-tale bubbling. If there is still some air left in the tire, you can also listen for the sound of air escaping and use it to guide you to the puncture site. Common culprits are nails, screws, or broken glass. You then raise the car with a jack, finish removing the nuts, and pull the tire off the vehicle.įirst check the entire circumference of the tread for sharp objects that remained embedded in the tire. But to give a condensed version, you first use the lug wrench to slightly loosen the nuts holding the wheel onto the vehicle. Your operator’s manual should have detailed instructions on how to do this step and where to find the necessary tools (a jack and a lug wrench, which are standard equipment in all vehicles).

Flat tire