Difficulty Level
Tools/Supplies Needed:
• leaking tire• air compressor/pump
• soapy water
• tire repair kit (which include a plug needle and reamer)
• tire plug
• standard (flat) screwdriver
• needle nose pliers
• side cutters, razor knife, etc
Procedure:
• remove the leaking wheel from vehicle• ensure the tire has a sufficient amount of air in it as we will need this for the next step
• find the air leak by applying soapy water to the tire's surface and watch for watering
• remove object in tire using a screw driver, pliers, etc
• using the reamer from the tire repair kit, stick in the in the hole so it goes through to the other side, twist reamer to clean hole
• load plug into needle, center plug in needle
• there is no need for any epoxy or adhesive as the plug normally has this applied
• stick plug 2/3 length tire with 1/3 left exposed to the outside
• pull needle straight out quickly without twisting and the plug will remain in the tire
• cut off access plug using side-cutters, razor, etc
• pump up tire and reinspect for leak
• reapply the soapy water if needed
• when all is done, reinstall the wheel on vehicle
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can this repair be used on the sidewall of a tire?
No it cannot. It is unsafe and illegal.Do I need to apply adhesive to the plug?
Adhesive can be applied to the plug for added strength, but it isn't necessarily needed as most plug do come coated with an adhesive.Is this a temporary repair?
No it is not. If done correctly, this repair can last the life of the tire.Should I apply some sort of lubrication to the plug so it can be inserted easier?
No I would not recommend it as this can affect the adhesion on the plug.Video tutorial on how to install a plug to repair a puncture/hole in the tread face of a tire. There is no need to pay a tire shop or mechanic for this repair. A tire repair kit will most likely cost less than having a professional repair the leak. The sidewall cannot be repaired as it is unsafe and illegal. The tire isn't leaking in the video either, sorry for the confusion. It's an insect (Cicada) in the background. This method of repair can last thousands of miles without issues (I put 60,000km on this rear and sold the vehicle with the plug still holding up excellently). Please refer to your local laws to ensure this repair is legal. Some countries do no allow these type of repairs, so an alternative method to this would be having a patch vulcanized inside the tire. This particular tutorial was done on a 2004 Volkswagen Golf.