How to repair a flat tire using a tire plug kit | Hagerty DIY

Davin shows us a quick and easy way to fix a flat or leaky tire with a tire plug kit.

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[SteverRob]

I took a public demonstration class in college. All the way up to that morning, I couldn't think of a single thing to do/say, I was in brain-block. Then, with 10 minutes to go, I jumped up from my desk. I came back in a few minutes later with my spare, a full-sized 15" radial tire on a steel wheel. I flopped it right on the teacher's desk and produced a nail and hammer. There were looks of disbelief as I intentionally drove a nail into a perfectly good tire. I showed the entire class how one could fix a flat right on the side of the road, even still mounted on the vehicle.

Got an A+

[GTGABE]

I own a fleet of appliance repair trucks and since 1974 where we do our own vehicle service ...these tire plugs never fails. So from this old guy, "Simple ways are the best."

[probassfisherman]

Great person to learn from! Speaks clearly, informative! I needed a refresher on tire plugs and found this video very easy and helpful to listen to on ear plugs and or to watch! Thank you!

[Gregsheppo]

I drive a cab in Sydney, Australia & I plug punctured tyres all the time. In fact, I did one yesterday afternoon. I’ve never had a plug fail me.

[drewzifer]

TIP ONE - Use a marker to circle the spot before removing the screw/nail. Losing track of the hole can easily happen. TIP TWO - I use a drill to make the hole better suited to take the plug. The puncture is often smaller than the plug. Choose a drill bit slightly smaller than the reamer tool provided by the plug kit.

[victorbarranca]

Nice job, thanks for sharing. I see people get screwed all the time, by some of these tire places saying you cannot use these plugs or the latest one I herd was the hole cannot be within an inch of the edge of the tire which is crap, you said it all, as long as it is not the side wall you are ok. Plugs have been used for over 30 years that I know of, Tire places (some) just getting greedy.

[weswes]

I love tire plugs!! I've used them many times. I have tens of thousands of miles on them, and the tires still don't lose PSI. I've used them on my 2006 Hoda Civic and lawn mower.

[cameronmoxam]

This video was amazing, perfect commentary too. So many DIY videos are edited in such a confusing way. Thank you so much for the great video

[Zickcermacity]

I had a plug like that slip out, years ago, and have insisted on tire removal and a mushroom patch ever since. Miles of smiles!

[kristintaylor]

Just watched this morning and then used it an hour ago. It worked great! Thanks!

[RSabo-dzgy]

Thanks for posting this very easy to understand, helpful video. I had a flat this morning while out, changed it to the donut that appeared good, but nope it was flat also! AAA towed me home, now I'm about to try to plug the dang thing ... hope so anyway.

[cloutcloud]

Don’t ever cut your tire patches😂 even if there’s extra. Don’t try and cut those tips. Just let it be once you got it patched.

[redman]

They now have a 'plug' that is a combination of the rope (actually solid rubber) and a patch on the inside. Personally I prefer the patch since it doesn't deform the tread. Still I've used both but do carry the plug type in the trunk so that if necessary the tire can be repaired on the side of the road if necessary. I also have a 12 volt air pump to air it up again.

[andrewnichol]

Done correctly you can drive on it till the tire is bald

[andrewdomenitzdmd]

I have been using tire plugs for about 20 years and have had no problems at all. Did not go and have it patched, just replaced the tire when they reached 2/32 of an inch tread wear indicators.

[xtraRellish]

just plugged a tired for the first time. This is a most know if you own a car :) thank you thank you

[JeepnJeff]

Another vote for the radial / mushroom patch plugs. On the road or trail, the strings work to at least get you home. Also, like what someone else mentioned, American / Discount Tires will patch your tire for free if it's less than 10 years old.

[jonathanjr]

Thank you Brotha. Always thought it was easy but never seen it done 👌🏻

[funkyzero]

I know the rule and I'd tell anyone the same thing you did, don't try to fix the sidewall.
BUT... I worked at a gas station when I was in high school for several years, and I patched a LOT of sidewalls. It's touchy, you have to use common sense. Small holes that haven't torn the tire and stuff can be done if you have good chemicals and patches to work with. Bigger rips and other stuff that may have damaged the structure, no way... avoid it unless it's an off-road farm use thing or something similar. But done right, the patches will stay put and hold air. for punctures, plugs are JUST FINE. I must have plugged 1000 tires with them and never had a single one come back leaking. There's absolutely no reason to not use plugs. I even use those off the shelf kits now on my own tires and they work great.
Oh yea, and it's a lot easier to do the job with the tire aired up all the way, just hold your hand over it so you don't end up with glue getting blown into your face.

[mrdiy]

Plug really works, i make plugfix one year ago, now i have run with it about 16000 km (10000 miles) and journey continues... I keep now fixkit also in trunk, if needed on the road.... some cases can be better than tyrefoam