Quick Fixes for Flat Tires To Get You to the Repair Shop

A flat tire can disrupt your day, but a tow truck isn’t your only solution. There are several temporary repairs that can help you get to an auto shop safely.

You’re driving down the road. All of a sudden, you hear a loud pop and your car starts to pull to one side. You maneuver over to the shoulder, get out of your car, and a flat tire greets you.

Flat tires are never fun to deal with. But by far the worst part of them is figuring out how to get your car to the shop while the tire is shot. Sure, you can call a tow truck, but that can be expensive. Aren’t there any quick fixes for flat tires to get you to the repair shop? In fact, there are!

Tire Plugging

Tire plugging is one of the most common quick fixes for flat tires. To do this, you’ll need to remove whatever punctured your tire and then use a reamer to clean up the hole. After that, you insert a plug into the tire to seal up the puncture.

As for how long a plugged tire can last, theoretically, years. But there’s always a chance the plug could fail and leave you stranded again. It doesn’t cover the hole completely, so you shouldn’t use it as a permanent fix. Get your car to the shop quickly; don’t wait until the plug pops!

Inflate-N-Go

Inflate-N-Go, or a similar tire sealant product, offers another way to get your car back on the road. The product contains a liquid sealant that coats the inside of your tire, which plugs up the puncture. These products also contain a propellant that inflates your tire just enough to get you to a repair shop.

Spare Tires

Spare tires, or “donuts,” provide a reliable option when you face a flat. Most cars come equipped with a spare tire located in the trunk. You’ll need a jack to lift the car and a lug wrench to remove the flat tire and install the spare. Spares have limitations on speed and distance, so check the tire’s sidewall for specifics.

Tire Foam

Tire foam acts much like other sealants. You inject the foam into the tire through the valve stem, and it expands to fill the puncture. It also provides some inflation, which allows you to drive a short distance. This solution is temporary, so a trip to the repair shop is still necessary.

Fast, Affordable Patch-Ups

These quick fixes for flat tires will breathe enough life into them that you’ll be able to get your car to the repair shop for a replacement. This can save you money compared to a towing service.