To plug a tire, follow these detailed steps:
- Locate the puncture
Find the hole by inspecting the tire or spraying soapy water on it and watching for bubbles indicating the leak
- Remove the object causing the puncture
Use pliers to pull out the nail, screw, or other debris from the tire
- Prepare the hole
Insert the reamer tool into the puncture hole and move it in and out several times to clean, roughen, and widen the hole for better plug adhesion
- Prepare the plug
Take a tire plug strip and thread it through the eyelet of the plug insertion tool, pulling it until equal lengths protrude on both sides. If your kit includes rubber cement or plug bond, coat the plug liberally with it to help secure the plug
- Insert the plug
Push the plug-loaded insertion tool straight into the hole with firm pressure until about 1 inch (or 1/3 to 1/2) of the plug remains outside the tire. Twist the tool 90 degrees or half a turn (depending on instructions) and quickly pull it out in a single motion, leaving the plug inside the tire
- Trim the excess plug
Use flush-cut pliers or a razor blade to trim the plug flush with the tire surface, leaving about 1/8 inch sticking out
- Inflate the tire
Pump the tire up to the recommended pressure found on the vehicle door jamb or tire sidewall
- Check for leaks
Spray the plugged area with soapy water again and watch for bubbles. If none appear, the plug is sealing the hole properly
- Reinstall the tire
Mount the tire back on the vehicle, tighten the lug nuts, lower the jack, and retighten the nuts
This method is generally considered a reliable repair for tubeless tires and can extend the tire's life significantly, though professional inspection and repair are recommended for long-term safety
. Pro tips:
- Use rubber cement to help hold the plug in place.
- Apply firm, steady pressure when inserting the plug; sometimes it requires brute force.
- Clean the hole thoroughly with the reamer to ease plug insertion.
- Trim the plug carefully to avoid it catching on road debris
This process works well for small punctures, such as those caused by nails or screws, but larger or sidewall damage may require professional repair or tire replacement.
