Tire Plug

By learning how to do this simple DIY project you can save yourself a lot of time and money, especially if your prone to getting nails in your tires like I am. In addition, it saves you from having to put that ridiculous looking donut tire on your car.

Safety: Always be safe, wear protective glasses and always ensure the car will not roll or move unexpectedly.

Note: Tire plugs only work when the puncture is in the tread area of the tire. Punctures on the sidewall will generally require a tire replacement. This is due to the structure of the tire and how it is made.  DO NOT TRY TO REPAIR THE SIDEWALL OF A TIRE!  EVER

Tools and Parts Required:

Safety Glasses
Compressor or way to inflate the tire
Tire pressure gauge
Tire Plug repair kit

Determine what is causing the leak:

In the video the tire has been removed but it can be done while still on the vehicle

1. Inspect the tire to find the debris
2. If you cannot find the debris you can use soapy water to spray the tire. The point of puncture will bubble
3. Once you find the debris you will have to determine if a plug can reliably plug the hole

   You can reliably plug a hole that is the size of a standard #2 pencil
   To repair a hole the size of a #2 pencil will likely require 2 or 3 plugs to completely stop the leak
   A hole larger then a #2 pencil should be handled by a professional
   Now that you have determined you can repair the leak with the plug you will prepare the tools.

Preparing the Plug:

1. Remove the plug from the packaging
2. Slide the plug between the fingers of the plug insertion tool

   It may be necessary to pry the fingers apart with a screw driver or the boring tool

3. Do not puncture the plug with the tool
4. Slide the plug to the bottom of the tool

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Removing the Debris:

1. Inflate the tire to the manufactures recommended pressure
2. Before removing the debris, be sure to have the boring tool ready to insert into the hole
3. Using a pair of pliers grasp the debris, try to remove the debris in the same direction it punctured the tire
4. Once the debris is removed insert the boring tool
5. Slide the boring tool in-and-out a few times to clean the puncture
6. This also sizes the hole to assist in inserting the plug
7. Leave the boring tool in the puncture until your ready to insert the plug

Inserting the Plug:

1. Remove the boring tool
2. Quickly insert the plug into the hole
3. It will take some force to get the plug into the hole

   If the plug inserts easily it will be necessary to insert 2 plugs
   This is as simple as inserting another plug into the hole once you finish with the first one

4. Once you get the plug into the hole push it in until approximately 3/4" in protruding from the tire

   If you push the plug through the tire do not worry
   Pull the plug tool out leaving the plug in the tire
   Insert a new plug

5. Slowly pull the insertion tool from the tire leaving the plug in place

   Repeat steps 2-5 if inserting more then 1 plug

6. Using a knife or cutting pliers trim the protruding ends of the plug down to about 1/4"

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Completion:

1. Check the puncture to ensure the plugs are secure and the leak is repaired
2. Check the tire pressure
3. Inflate the tire to the manufactures specification if required