How to use a tire puncture repair kit
When driving a car, sometimes the tire gets punctured. If the tire is punctured, it affects the driving stability and fuel efficiency of the vehicle, and causes the hassle and cost of replacing the tire. Then what should you do if the tire is punctured? It would be nice if you could use a tire replacement service or move the vehicle to a nearby repair shop, but if not, you may have to repair the tire yourself. A useful tool for this is a tire puncture repair kit.
A tire puncture repair kit is a tool that temporarily blocks a small hole in the tire. It is usually equipped as standard in the car and can also be purchased separately. A tire puncture repair kit can be used easily and quickly, and allows you to drive the vehicle safely without replacing the tire. However, a tire puncture repair kit is not a long-term solution, but a temporary measure. Therefore, after using a tire puncture repair kit, you should take the vehicle to a repair shop as soon as possible and have the tire checked or replaced.
Then how do you use a tire puncture repair kit? In this article, we will tell you about the types and components of a tire puncture repair kit, how to use it, and precautions.
1. Types and components of a tire puncture repair kit
There are two main types of tire puncture repair kits. One is a method of using a plug to fill a hole in the tire, and the other is a method of injecting air and adhesive into the tire. The advantages and disadvantages and composition of each are as follows.
- Plug method: The plug method is a method of pushing a special rubber string into the hole in the tire to block it. This method can maintain the air pressure of the tire and can be used only when there is a puncture in the tread part of the tire. The plug method kit usually consists of plugs, plug inserters, hole expanders, cutters, air pressure gauges, etc.
- Air and adhesive method: The air and adhesive method is a method of blocking the hole by injecting air and adhesive into the tire at the same time. This method can quickly restore the air pressure of the tire and can be used even if there is a puncture in any part of the tire. The air and adhesive method kit usually consists of an air pressure injector, an adhesive container, a hose, a valve connector, etc.
2. How to use a tire puncture repair kit
The way to use a tire puncture repair kit varies depending on the type. The methods for each are as follows.
- Plug method: In case of plug method, use it in the following order.
- Park your vehicle in a safe place, turn on the emergency lights, and place warning signs around it.
- Find the hole in the tire and remove any foreign material stuck in it.
- Use a hole expander to widen the hole and remove any debris.
- Hang a plug on a plug inserter and push it to the center of the hole.
- Quickly pull out the plug inserter and cut off the remaining part of the plug with a cutter.
- Check the air pressure of the tire with an air pressure gauge and inflate it if necessary.
- Air and adhesive method: In case of air and adhesive method, use it in the following order.
- Park your vehicle in a safe place, turn on the emergency lights, and place warning signs around it.
- Find the hole in the tire and remove any foreign material stuck in it.
- Connect the adhesive container to the air pressure injector and connect the hose to the tire valve.
- Plug the air pressure injector into the car’s cigarette jack and turn on the switch.
- Wait until the air and adhesive are injected into the tire and the air pressure reaches the appropriate level.
- Disconnect the hose from the tire valve and close the valve cap.
3. Precautions for using a tire puncture repair kit
When using a tire puncture repair kit, you should pay attention to the following points.
- A tire puncture repair kit is not a permanent solution, but a temporary measure. Therefore, after using a tire puncture repair kit, you should take your vehicle to a repair shop as soon as possible and have your tire checked or replaced.
- A tire puncture repair kit can only be used for small holes in the tire. If the hole is too large or there is damage to the sidewall or rim of the tire, you should not use a tire puncture repair kit, but replace the tire with a spare tire or call for help.
- A tire puncture repair kit can affect the balance of the tire. If you use a plug method, there may be uneven weight distribution due to the plug. If you use an air and adhesive method, there may be uneven distribution of adhesive inside the tire. Therefore, after using a tire puncture repair kit, you should check the balance of the tire at a repair shop.
- A tire puncture repair kit can affect the warranty of the tire. If you use a plug method, you may not be able to claim warranty for damage caused by improper installation or removal of plugs. If you use an air and adhesive method, you may not be able to claim warranty for damage caused by chemical reaction or corrosion of adhesive. Therefore, before using a tire puncture repair kit, you should check the warranty policy of your tire manufacturer.
4. Conclusion
A tire puncture repair kit is a tool that temporarily blocks a small hole in the tire. There are two types of tire puncture repair kits: plug method and air and adhesive method. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages and composition. A tire puncture repair kit can be used easily and quickly, and allows you to drive your vehicle safely without replacing your tire. However, a tire puncture repair kit is not a long-term solution, but a temporary measure. Therefore, after using a tire puncture repair kit, you should take your vehicle to a repair shop as soon as possible and have your tire checked or replaced.
We hope this article was helpful for you to learn how to use a tire puncture repair kit. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading.