DIY Network

Auto Primer Basic: Flat Tires and Roadside Quick-Fixes From "Auto Primer" episode DAPR-101

In this episode of DIY's Auto Primer, host Leilani Munter discusses the basics of dealing with a flat tire.

DIY's Auto Primer is an introductory course on the basics of keeping your car safe and trouble-free. In this episode, host Leilani Munter tackles the dreaded flat tire. From emergency tire repair to proper patching procedures and buying a replacement, Auto Primer gives viewers the knowledge to handle unforeseen tire damage, instructions on changing a tire plus tips on how to get the most life out of your car's tires.

In this first segment of episode 101, Leilani explains driving techniques that will help get a vehicle with a flat tire safely to the side of the road and describes some quick-fixes that may help you rolling again.

Materials:

Reflective roadside-hazard triangles
Self-inflating tire sealer or liquid tire sealant
Portable air compressor

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Figure A

When a Flat Occurs While Driving

It's important that all drivers know how to safely get off the road in the event of a flat tire that occurs while driving. The first indication of a flat tire that occurs while driving is a shake in the steering wheel and the car pulling to one side.

• Upon realizing the vehicle has a flat tire, grip the steering wheel with both hands (figure A).
  
  
• Keep steady pressure on the gas pedal.
  
  
• Gently counter-steer to keep the vehicle in its lane.
  
  
• Ease off the accelerator and let the car slow down gradually.
  
  
• When pulling onto the shoulder of the road, be gentle. Sudden swerving or braking could make the vehicle harder to manage.
  
  
• Use the turn signals to let other drivers know that you are slowing down.
  

  	Figure B
  	Figure C

  
  

• Once the vehicle has slowed below 30 mph, it's safe to pull off the pavement and brake gently until you stop.
  
  
• Find a flat place, out of the way of traffic, to stop the vehicle. This will make it easier and safer to work on replacing the flat tire.
  
  
• Activate the hazard lights on the vehicle (figure B).
  
  
• Place a hazard triangle between 100 and 150 feet behind the car to warn approaching traffic (figure C).
  

  	Figure D
  	Figure E

If you can locate a safe place to work along the roadside, one option for a quick-fix that will get you back on the road is a self-inflating tire-sealant that comes as an aerosol (figure D). These are available at auto-parts stores and some service stations. Follow the manufacturer's directions that come with your spray sealant. Following are the basic steps.

• Shake the sealant well before using. Remove the cap.

• Remove the cap from your valve-stem and set it aside where you won't lose it.

• Attach the fill tube to the valve stem. Once the connection is snug, press the button on the aerosol can to start inflating your tire and adding the foam sealer to the inside of the tire (figure E).

• This will typically work with punctures up to 1/8-inch in size.

• Auto Primer Tip: When inflating your tire, it's best to have the tire oriented so that the valve-stem is at the 4 o'clock or 8 o'clock.

• Important: Self-inflating tire sealers should be regarded as a temporary fix for a flat tire. You should still take your car to a tire dealer as soon as possible and have your damaged tire inspected for proper repair -- such as a permanent patch or tire-replacement. The tire sealant is a volatile substance, so when you get to the tire dealer, be sure to tell the rep that you have used the sealer on the tire.
  

• The liquid sealant comes with a valve-stem removal tool (figure G) that allows you to remove the valve from your valve-stem.

  Figure F

  Figure G

  
  

  	Figure H
  	Figure I

• Use the tool to twist and carefully remove the stem (figure H). Set the stem aside, being careful to place it somewhere safe where you won't lose it.

• Use the sealant dispenser-cap and fill tube to add the sealant to the tire (figure I). Most passenger-car tires require from 8 to 14 ounces of sealant. SUVs may require more.

• Remove the tube and replace the valve stem.

• Use the portable 12-volt air compressor to inflate the tire.

  The liquid sealant remains in liquid form for up to two years, so it may help seal the tire from within in the event of a minor puncture that occurs in the future. This will typically work with punctures up to 1/4-inch.

Note: This is a summary of steps and tips shown in this episode of Auto Primer. These are general guidelines and applicable to most contemporary vehicles. There may be variations in procedures depending on vehicle manufacturer, model, age or condition of vehicle and in the applicable parts, products or kit. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or product that you select. Also, familiarize yourself with the owner's manual before doing any work on your vehicle.

Safety Alert: It's always advisable to wear eye protection whenever working with power tools or hazardous chemicals.

In the segment that follows, Lealini demonstrates the proper method for changing a tire.

RESOURCES :

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books

Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896

Tires, Suspension and Handling
ISBN: 1560918314
Author: John C. Dixon
(Society of Automotive Engineers