Objects such as screws, nails and rocks can lodge themselves in a tire, causing air to leak. To plug a leak, you must locate the hole and dislodge the obstruction. A tire plug kit includes all the items needed to fix the leak so you can continue to use the tire.

Tire Inspection

Remove the tire from the car to inspect it completely. If the obstruction is in the sidewall of the tire, do not attempt to fix the leak, because the tire may pop. This can cause injury and make it impossible for a professional to repair the tire. Inspect the tire tread to find the obstruction. To find small objects lodged in the tread, pour soapy water over the tire, and look for bubbles to appear at the hole.

Removing the Obstruction

Remove the obstruction carefully. Use a pair of pliers or a flat-head screwdriver. Nails, screws, rocks and other debris left on the road cause most obstructions. If you cannot remove the obstruction, replace the tire with a spare, and take the tire to an auto repair shop. Most shops can fix a tire within an hour, though the repair time depends on how busy the shop is. If the obstruction entered through the tire tread and punctured the sidewall, you probably need to replace the tire.

Plugging the Tire

You can find tire plug kits online or at an auto parts shop. The kits include rubber cement compound, a metal tire probe, repair strips and a metal needle. To plug the tire, apply a few drops of rubber cement on the metal tire probe. Insert the probe into the hole. Twist the probe while pushing in and out to clean and open the hole, making it large enough to accommodate the repair strip. Repeat this at least twice to ensure the hole is clean and coated with enough rubber cement. Thread a repair strip through the eye of the metal needle, and apply a few drops of rubber cement to the end of the needle. Push the needle through the hole, twist, and pull the needle out. The repair strip should remain in the hole. Cut the repair strip, leaving about 1/8 inch at the end. Put the tire back on the car.

Tire Repair Spray

Tire repair sprays temporarily stop air from leaking from a tire, but you should not use them as a long-term solution. If you do not have a spare tire or you cannot change a tire, follow the instructions on the spray can to stop the leak. Take the car to an auto repair shop to repair or replace the tire.

Source:

Tirerack.com: Flat Tire Repairs

Alpharubicon.com: How to Use a Tire Plug Kit

More Information:

Consumer Reports: Help Keep Your Vehicle's Tires Safe