Flat tires may ruin your day. What if your tire leaks steadily rather than blowing out? Stop rushing to the repair shop. With the right tools and skills, you can fix a slow leak and drive again. Step-by-step instructions for fixing a slow tire leak.

Finding the Break

The offender must be found first. Look for strange things in the tire tread. Slow leaks might be caused by screws, nails, or debris. If there is no debris in the tread, soapy water can find the leak. Clean the tire sidewall and valve stem with soap. Leaks are shown as bubbles.

Tyre Preparation for Patching

After locating the leak, the tire needs to be prepared for patching.  Lift the vehicle using a tire jack, then take out the wheel that has the leaky tire.  Deflate the tire all the way now. A safety tip is to always make sure the car is level and to apply the parking brake before jacking it up.

Eliminating Extra

Use a specific tool to clip any rubber sticking out of the plug patch beyond the tire after it’s firmly in place. This ensures even wear and a smooth finish.

Tire Inflating Again

After applying the patch, re-inflate the tire. Use a tire pressure gauge to inflate to the recommended PSI. The owner’s manual or a label on the driver’s door jamb contain this information.

Reinstallation, Safety Check

Before driving again, check the patch for weakness and adhesion.  After fixing the car, reinstall the wheel and lower it with the jack. Use a star-shaped lug wrench to tighten lug nuts. Tire patches can temporarily cure slow leaks from tiny punctures. If the leak is large or the sidewall is destroyed, a tire repair shop is needed.

When to Get Help from Experts

While repairing a slow leak can be done on your own, there are some circumstances in which getting professional assistance is imperative. It is not advisable to try to patch the leak yourself if it is big or on the sidewall. The tire’s integrity is compromised and there is a risk to safety by damaged sidewalls. It’s also wise to err on the side of caution and seek professional assistance if you’re not sure you can resolve the problem correctly. You may get a list of trustworthy service providers in your region by conducting a quick Google search for “Auto Repair Services in Clearfield, PA“.

Conclusion

You can take care of a slow leak in your tire and safely get back on the road by following these instructions and using your own discretion. But keep in mind that you should never be afraid to ask a knowledgeable tire repair business for assistance when you’re unsure.