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Got a Flat, Here's a "how to"

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Step 1) Get a patch kit (its like $8)
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Step 2) take the wheel off the car, find the nail
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Step 3) Deflate the tire at least down to 15psi so when you pull the nail out its not explosive
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Step 4) cleanse the area, and push the file tool into the puncture, work it so the puncture is clean of any rust and loose floating rubber bits, you want the rubber cement on the patch to contact only clean jagged rubber
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Step 5) thread the patch through the "needle" tool, use a heat gun to heat up the patch so its all sticky
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step 6) ram the patch into the puncture, you need probably more than ~150lbs of force,
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step 7) push the patch in so its like 2/3 of the way in, pull the needle tool out as FAST as you can, the patch should stay in place and not move
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Step 8) trim the excess off with a utility knife
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Step 9) re-inflate the tire to spec
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Step 10) check it every day for several days after to make sure its not losing air

i've patched my 4th tire now and none of them have lost a single PSI even after several months,

i dont trust any shop around me with a 30 series tire, they cant even mount a 45 series tire without scratching the hell out of my wheel.
 
I've patched tires exactly as described over the years with excellent results. I keep those tools as well as a Slime compressor kit in the Model S trunk "just in case" since it doesn't have a spare.

The only thing is, those patch repair kits always mention that they are supposed to be "temporary" and that the tire should be unmounted and patched from the inside. As I say, I've had excellent results and never followed up with the "professional" repair afterwards. Should I have?
 
I've patched tires exactly as described over the years with excellent results. I keep those tools as well as a Slime compressor kit in the Model S trunk "just in case" since it doesn't have a spare.

The only thing is, those patch repair kits always mention that they are supposed to be "temporary" and that the tire should be unmounted and patched from the inside. As I say, I've had excellent results and never followed up with the "professional" repair afterwards. Should I have?

Yes, you should; an internal patch is the "right" way to do it. Of course, I too have done any number of plugs without bothering to do the patch, and haven't had a problem. I wouldn't subject a plugged tire to high loads or high heat (like, e.g., the track), but for a daily driver? Probably not an issue.
 
Yes, you should; an internal patch is the "right" way to do it. Of course, I too have done any number of plugs without bothering to do the patch, and haven't had a problem. I wouldn't subject a plugged tire to high loads or high heat (like, e.g., the track), but for a daily driver? Probably not an issue.


No racing, i would not ask that simple plug to stand up, but daily driving under normal conditions, it should be okay.

also keep in mind, plugs work where patches to not. the mushroom patch needs a bare minimum of 1" from the side wall or else it wont fit. (this is how i found out about tire plugs since the tech refused to patch the tire)
 
This is what I use:
Standard Model - Tire Plugger - Stop & Go International Inc Store

Much better than the "sticky rope" plugs which are not good for high speed since there isn't much holding the plug in against the centrifugal force. The above kit has a mushroom head that seals against the inside of the tire. But it's only like 1/4" of "flare" so can still be done close to the edge. I've used this kit for years on my motorcycles and cars.

Though keep in mind that as you get close to the edge of the tire that's where the steel belts are and the belts will cut the plug like a wire saw as the tire flexes. So if the hole is amongst the belts a plug won't work.
 
This is what I use:
Standard Model - Tire Plugger - Stop & Go International Inc Store

Much better than the "sticky rope" plugs which are not good for high speed since there isn't much holding the plug in against the centrifugal force. The above kit has a mushroom head that seals against the inside of the tire. But it's only like 1/4" of "flare" so can still be done close to the edge. I've used this kit for years on my motorcycles and cars.

Though keep in mind that as you get close to the edge of the tire that's where the steel belts are and the belts will cut the plug like a wire saw as the tire flexes. So if the hole is amongst the belts a plug won't work.

Remember that once patched even internally this tire is no longer speed rated.
 
I had a flat last Friday. Hit a rock with the 21's and put a nasty gash in the sidewall. I was about 30 miles from service, or a tow. I tried the rope, and it blew it right out with about 30 lbs. of pressure. I tried slime, and that ran right out. Then a 2nd rope held for about 10 miles and had to replace it again to get home. New tire will arrive tomorrow. Nice CHP officer gave me an escort at 40 mph on the highway!

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I suggest carrying pliers with you as well. I had a screw in backwards. In the rain.
(Posted elsewhere...)

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@AC1K - you're lucky it happened in your driveway!
@Lloyd - what no fire/explosion? :)

My kit in the trunk well has:

12v compressor
Plug kit with various size plugs, T handled reamer and plug installer
Utility knife (to trim plugs)
Pliers (to remove nail/screw)
Tire marking crayon (to mark area before removing offending object)
Work gloves

Digital tire pressure gauge in glove box
 
What are you guys using for a jack? While I have the kit to take care of a nail, I don't yet have a great way to get the wheel off (on the side of a highway). I'm sure this means that the day I need it, I'll be in a suit, and the rain will be pouring down....


Peter
 
What are you guys using for a jack? While I have the kit to take care of a nail, I don't yet have a great way to get the wheel off (on the side of a highway). I'm sure this means that the day I need it, I'll be in a suit, and the rain will be pouring down....

Peter

I called AAA and it took them forever and a half. It was raining, pouring but stopped just before he arrived.
Of course he lectured me about the fact that AAA isn't allowed to plug tires...as he plugged the tire.
 
What are you guys using for a jack? While I have the kit to take care of a nail, I don't yet have a great way to get the wheel off (on the side of a highway). I'm sure this means that the day I need it, I'll be in a suit, and the rain will be pouring down....


Peter

I've seen a plug done with the wheel on (not off). You need to find the nail or screw and roll the car so it protrudes in an accessible location--and also set the ride height (if you have air) to very high. I haven't tried this yet personally (…frantically knocking on wood).
 
I had a flat last Friday. Hit a rock with the 21's and put a nasty gash in the sidewall. I was about 30 miles from service, or a tow. I tried the rope, and it blew it right out with about 30 lbs. of pressure. I tried slime, and that ran right out. Then a 2nd rope held for about 10 miles and had to replace it again to get home. New tire will arrive tomorrow. Nice CHP officer gave me an escort at 40 mph on the highway!

View attachment 34187

Lloyd, I had the exact same cut in my tire after hitting a huge pothole. But I was able to put a single patch in and it held for a few days until I could get the Service Center to replace the tire. The guys at the Service Center could not believe the plug held, and they were taking picture of the bulge in the sidewall with the plug sticking out (just like yours!)!
 
What are you guys using for a jack? While I have the kit to take care of a nail, I don't yet have a great way to get the wheel off (on the side of a highway). I'm sure this means that the day I need it, I'll be in a suit, and the rain will be pouring down....


Peter

i am using a scissors jack with a 3,000lb rating. I place the 2x4 between the jack pad and the car. Since I am "old school", I don't travel without a spare in the event I can't perform a roadside tire puncture repair. I do, however, much prefer a patch-plug tire repair (which would require a tire shop to remove 1/2 of the tire from the rim) over the plug kit shown in the photo.
 

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