Have you ever had a punctured tire punctured by nails, screws, or other sharp objects? If so, you certainly understand that this is very inconvenient, especially since the cost of replacing or repairing car tires at a repair shop is quite expensive. Fortunately, if the tires are still in good condition, you may be able to patch them yourself.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Finding the Leak Point
Step 1. Pump the tire
To find the point of a leak, the tire must have good air pressure. You must inflate the tires until the air pressure is just right (inflated pressure is measured in psi) and according to the rules in the vehicle manual.
Step 2. Pay close attention to the condition of the tires
Before using other, more difficult methods, take a closer look at your tires. If you notice a hole, tear, or sharp object stuck in the tire, then you've found the source of the leak.
Step 3. Listen to the hissing sound from the tires
Even if you can't see the source of the leak, you can probably hear it. A hissing sound is a sign that air is coming out of the tires. This can help you find the leak point.
Step 4. Feel the tire to feel the air escaping
If you feel the entire tire carefully, you may be able to find the leak point even if you don't hear a hissing sound or see any damage.
Step 5. Mix the soap with water
If you've tried all the methods above and still can't find the leak point, you don't have to worry. Spray the tires with a little soapy water or window cleaner. If a bubble appears on the surface of the tire, that's the point of the leak you're looking for.
Step 6. Wet the entire tire with a mixture of soap and water
You can use a spray bottle to do this, or you can pour the liquid directly onto the tires.
Step 7. Watch the bubbles come out
The air coming out of the leak point will make the soapy water bubble. If you see water bubbles appearing in certain areas, that is the point of the tire leak.
Part 2 of 4: Removing the Tires
Step 1. Loosen the wheel bolts with a wrench or impact wrench
It is very important to loosen the wheel bolts before you jack up the car. This way the tires won't roll wildly when you loosen the wheel bolts because the weight of the car is still holding them in place.
Step 2. Jack up the Car
Once the bolts are loosened, you'll need to jack up the car so the tires can be removed. As mentioned earlier, this must be done on a level concrete surface or on a hard, level ground. Some of the important things you should keep in mind when jacking up the car are:
- The car service manual has jack point recommendations.
- The most common objects used to lift cars are floor jacks or alligator jacks. If you can't use it, look it up online or ask someone more experienced.
- Use a jack holder to stabilize the car. Search online for information on how to use a jack holder.
- Using a car's hydraulic engine will save you a lot of time.
Step 3. Remove the wheel bolts and remove the tire from its place
At this point, the bolt should be loose enough to be removed by hand. If not, use a wrench or impact wrench to remove it. Once successfully removed, pull the tire out of place. Look for information about this online if you are still in doubt.
Step 4. Remove the object stuck in the tire with pliers
Mark the area with chalk or marker because it's obvious that's where your tire is leaking.
If there are no sticking objects, follow the steps mentioned above to locate the leak point, then mark it
Step 5. Remove the air valve on the tire
Use a valve release tool to remove the air valve on the tire. This is a two-pronged object that you can use to pull out the air valve core on the tire. This will blow air out of the tire so you can pry the rubber out of it.
Step 6. Separate the outer tire from the rim
To remove the tire, use a metal lever and a hammer to separate the outside of the tire from the rim. You should do this on both sides of the tire so that the outside can be removed easily.
Step 7. Insert an iron lever into one side of the rim
There is a special groove on the rim made to hold one side of the tire so that the other side can be pryed. Once you've successfully pryed one side of the tire, pry the other, then pull the metal lever along the tire groove until the outside is completely free from the rim.
Step 8. Remove the rim from the other side of the tire
Once one side of the tire has been removed from the rim, turn the tire over to remove the other side. Now your tires are completely removed from the rims.
Part 3 of 4: Patching Tires
Step 1. Use a wind screwdriver to clean the hole
Use a pointed object that matches the size of the hole to scrape the leaking area. This will roughen the surface of the tire and clean the area of the leak so that the patch can fit properly.
Step 2. Replace the tip of the wind screwdriver with a rolling stone
Spray a special cleaning fluid on the inside of the hole to be patched. Use a rolling stone to clean and roughen the area around the hole (approximately 5 cm around the leaking area). This will make the surface of the tire clean so that the results of the patch can be stronger.
Step 3. Spray the area with high pressure air
This method is effective in getting rid of dust and dirt that sticks to the grinding process with a wind screwdriver. It is very important to clean the surface of the tire before patching.
Step 4. Apply tire patch glue to the inside of the leaking area
This will prevent water from entering and flooding the tire tread. Let stand for a few moments until the glue hardens.
Step 5. Remove the plastic sticking to the sticky patch
This is what will be glued to the inside of your tire.
Step 6. Push the tapered patch through the hole in the tire
The taper part of the tire patch must be inserted from the inside of the tire, then pushed out. Use pliers to pull the tapered part of the patch off. Pull the taper out of the tire tread. This will allow the sticky patch to fit perfectly into the tire.
Step 7. Use a roller to flatten the tire patch
This will remove any air bubbles that are between the sticky patch and the rough surface of the tire. The patch is now firmly attached to the tire.
Step 8. Apply rubber glue to the inside of the tire
You will need to glue the entire patch and the area around it. This will ensure that the tires don't leak again!
Step 9. Let the glue dry
Leave it for a few minutes until the glue dries. While waiting, use pliers (or scissors) to cut off the end of the patch that is protruding from the surface of the tire.
Part 4 of 4: Putting the Tires Back in Place
Step 1. Lubricate the joint between the tire and the rim
Lubricate the “tire bead” (the joint between the tire and the rim) with dish soap.
Step 2. Put the tire back on the rim
Use a metal lever to pry the other side of the tire and put it back into the rim. Once one side has successfully entered, you just have to repeat the same procedure on the other side.
Step 3. Reinstall the air valve core
It is best not to use the same valve core. Replace the valve if it has been removed.
Step 4. Pump air into the tire
Pump air into the tire until it reaches the correct pressure as indicated in the car's user manual. This will allow the tire to fit firmly and perfectly into the rim.
Step 5. Put the tire back into place
You'll need to reattach the tire to the axle and tighten the bolts until the tire feels firm enough. Do this with the jack holder still attached.
Step 6. Remove the jack holder
Use a floor jack to remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle back to the ground.
Step 7. Tighten the bolts by turning them according to the rules in the vehicle manual
When the car's wheels are on the ground, use a wrench or impact wrench to tighten the bolts according to the instructions in the user manual. Be sure to tighten the star-shaped bolts.
Step 8. Drive your car
If the patching process is successful, your tires can last for quite a long time.
Tips
If you have access to a tire fitting machine, you can save a lot of time removing and reinstalling tires and rims
Warning
- Do not try to patch the hole in the side of the tire.
- The method above can only be used to patch small holes. Don't try to patch holes that are long or look unnatural.
