How to Patch an Automobile Tire
- 1). Locate the hole in the tire tread. If the hole was caused by a nail or other small object, use the pliers to remove it. If the tire is off the vehicle, the hole can be found by applying soapy water. Look for bubbling where the air is leaving the tire.
- 2). Insert the tire reamer into the hole by placing the tip of the reamer in the hole and pushing the handle of the reamer until it is about 1 1/2 to 2 inches into the tire.
- 3). Move the reamer in a back and forward motion in the hole of the tire. Do this a few times to make enough space to insert the plug.
- 4). Insert the tire plug in the plug installer by pushing the plug through the hole in the top of the plug tool. Center the plug in the tool until you have the same length of plug on each side of the tool.
- 5). Remove the reamer from the hole and insert the plug tool. Push the plug tool until 1/4 inch of the plug is sticking out from the tire. Quickly pull the plug tool from the tire. The plug will remain in the tire.
- 6). Use the air compressor to inflate the tire to the correct pressure. Check it with an air pressure gauge to make sure it's correct.
