A small kit and a portable compressor can turn a flat tire from a roadside emergency into a fifteen-minute stop. Here is what the different kits do and what is worth carrying.
Types of repair kits
- Plug (string) kits — a reamer and sticky rubber strips pushed into the puncture from outside. Fast, no wheel removal, for tubeless tires.
- Patch or plug-patch kits — repair from inside the tire after demounting. The proper permanent repair, usually done by a shop.
- Sealant kits — liquid injected through the valve that seals small holes; many new cars ship with one instead of a spare.
- Tube repair kits — patches and vulcanising cement for tube-type tires, bicycles and motorcycles.
What to carry
- A plug kit with a T-handle reamer and insertion tool.
- A 12 V compressor with a pressure gauge.
- A tire pressure gauge, pliers and gloves.
- For tube-type tires: patches, cement, tire levers and a spare tube.
When not to repair
Do not plug punctures in the sidewall or shoulder, holes larger than about 6 mm, or tires that were driven flat. Those tires need replacement.
Using a plug kit
- Find and remove the object.
- Ream the hole.
- Insert the plug with the needle, leaving the ends sticking out.
- Pull the needle out, trim, inflate and check for leaks with soapy water.
Treat a roadside plug as temporary until a shop inspects the tire from inside.