What can I do to patch car tire?
Posted by Bitter-Pilot9522@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 16 comments
Tire loses 15psi overnight
Cant afford to buy a new tire, what products or services should I buy?
SAMPLE_TEXT6643@reddit
A lot of tire shops patch tires for free
jckipps@reddit
If they were the ones who installed the tires, and they have a promotional deal to keep you as a customer, then perhaps.
But if you just walk in off the street with a tire that needs repair, then it definitely won't be free. For a typical Uni-seal repair, expect to pay $25 to $50.
SAMPLE_TEXT6643@reddit
It's like $10 at Walmart
jckipps@reddit
To demount the tire, install the uni-seal, remount the tire, and balance the assembly?!? If so, that's extremely cheap.
Bitter-Pilot9522@reddit (OP)
Really? Incredible. Thanks!
Rlchv70@reddit
If the tire is unrepairable, then you can get a used tire much cheaper than new.
Bitter-Pilot9522@reddit (OP)
How cheap we talking? And condition? In general of course.
Rlchv70@reddit
Varies. Depends on the size and type of tire. Go to FB marketplace and type in your tire size to get listings.
Bitter-Pilot9522@reddit (OP)
Ok ill check it out. Youre a save man!
amazon22222@reddit
ebay
Bitter-Pilot9522@reddit (OP)
Gotchaill check it out
PandaKing1888@reddit
A little fix a flat, again, a little. I've done that a few times with success.
Amarathe_@reddit
Where is it leaking from and has it been driven on while flat? If it has been driven on flat look at the sidewall and make sure theres no ring all the way around the tire erroded away. If there is a ring worn into it you cannot keep driving on it, the tire structure is compromised.
Bitter-Pilot9522@reddit (OP)
Solid. Thanks
revocer@reddit
First you gotta find the leak. Do the soapy water test like suggested in another comment.
A “patch” is hard to do but the best option. Because you gotta remove the tire from the wheel, patch it up, and reset the tire. You could take it to a tire shop for a patch. They usually aren’t too expensive.
Or you can get “plugs”. It isn’t as good a patches, but depending on the leak, it may suffice. Plugs are more DIY friendly.
jckipps@reddit
Put a generous squirt of hand soap or dish soap in a half gallon of warm water, and use a brush or a rag to slop that mixture all over the tire. You should clearly see it bubbling somewhere.
Depending on where the leak is, it could be fixed cheaply on your own. But that can't be known until you locate the leak.