How to: fix a puncture

Posted by Evan Haussmann on 1 June 2011

Whether you’re heading to work in traffic, or you’re on a treacherous trail to nowhere, the ominous sound of a puncture is always a let down. However, if you have tubeless tyres and a few bits of kit, you can fix the flat yourself. You may be able to repair it without taking the wheel off, or even jacking it up.

You’ll need:

  • Pliers/multi-tool
  • Tubeless tyre repair kit (awl, file, string plug and adhesive)
  • Pump (either a 12-volt compressor pump, a foot pump or a hand pump)
  • Pressure gauge
  • And, of course, a puncture

(See below for a comprehensive tyre-maintenance kit list).

Here’s how:

  • Drive over a nail, thorn, bolt or any sharp object.
  • Find the puncture by listening for escaping air, or pour water on the tyre and look for bubbles.
  • Rotate the tyre to a point where the puncture is easily accessible by rolling the vehicle forward or back.
  • Using the pliers, remove the object from the tyre. Do not push the object into the tyre.

Fig 1: Insert the file into the hole and push and pull it vigorously to prepare the hole for glue. If the file doesn’t become very hot, you’re doing it wrong.

Fig 2 & 3: Load the awl with string. Cover the string with adhesive.

Fig 4 & 5: Push the string into the hole with the awl. Leave 10-15 mm sticking out of the tyre. Make sure the plug is all the way through and remove the awl, leaving the string behind.

Fig 6: Some awls have a guide on the shaft to make this part a bit easier and less messy.

Fig 7: Job done, now pour water on the spot to check that it has sealed. You can put more string into the same hole if necessary. (I’ve seen seven strings used to plug a hole made by a 12 mm bolt. That repaired tyre covered more than 2 000 kilometres over rough terrain without further incident.)

Pump the tyre to operating pressure and wend your merry way onward.

Keep these in mind before you rush off

  • It’s difficult to get a plug into a soft tyre, so inflate it as much as possible before starting your repairs.
  • Only repair the tyre-tread area. Sidewall damage is irreparable – not even the tyre shops can repair them. Don’t risk lives by trying.
  • Manufacturers consider these repairs temporary, so move the offending tyre to the spare wheel carrier and have a professional shop redo the repair.

Comprehensive tyre-repair kit list

  • Manual foot/hand pump
  • 12-volt compressor pump
  • Pressure gauge
  • Pliers
  • Tubeless-tyre repair kit (above)
  • Tyre weld
  • Second spare wheel
  • Spare valves and valve tool
  • Hi-lift jack (4x4s), stock vehicle jack/ hydraulic jack
  • Wheel spanner
  • Spare inner tubes
  • Two tyre levers
  • Tube repair kit

TOP TIP:
Buy extra string and solution to add to your new tyre repair kit, as what is supplied is usually not enough.

Check out the PDF for more info on how to fix a puncture

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