Plugging a Tire

The ability to plug a tire will save you from having to jack the car up and will be a permanent fix to your full size tires. Most cars and light trucks only come with a donut tire that isn't made for high speeds or long distances. Plugging the hole will take approximately the same amount of time that it takes to change a tire. The tools you need are a set of pliers to remove the foreign object and the tire plugging kit pictured below. This kit costs around 5 dollars and comes with reusable tools. The kit comes with 3 plugs and rubber cement. The plugs  can be purchased separately to refill the kit.

1. Make sure that the tire doesn't have a lot of pressure in it. Remove the foreign object with pliers or a screwdriver.

2. Use the file tool in the kit to enlarge and clean out the hole.

3. Take one of the plugs out of the package. If it is cold it will help to warm the plug up using your exhaust if your car is running. Slip the plug half-way through the eyelet on the insertion tool. It may help to put a little of the rubber cement on the plug to lubricate it.

4. Now you are ready to insert the plug. Lubricate the entire plug with the cement. Press firmly and insert the plug until half of the plug is sticking out of the tire.

5. The end of the insertion tool has an open slit. this will release the plug after it is inserted. Pull firmly and quickly to remove the tool. There is no need to wait for the rubber cement to dry. It only acts as a lubricant.

6. Trim off the excess plug so that it is just above the level of the tire with a razor blade.

7. Inflate the tire and check the air pressure on a regular basis.

Note: If it is difficult to locate the hole in the tire use water and soap if available to find the hole by looking for bubbles. If this isn't possible then inflate the tire until you hear the leak.