Learn how to plug a flat tire so you can getg back on the road quickly, safely, and easily.
Plug kit: amzn.to/3UfkdC3
Full in-depth video: • How to Fix a Flat Tire...
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix.
An important step you missed is that after you insert the plug, before you pull it out you need to turn the tool a 1/2 turn. That way when you pull the tool out it creates a knot on the inside of the tire preventing it from being blown out when you fill the tire with air. Every pack I've bought has this instruction on it.
I was waiting for him to say twist n pull out too lol
Very important step as I learned the hard way now.. Repaired about 50 tires that way but only mine went leaking about 10km after the repair..
The tool he used specifically states on the packaging, not to twist and to simply pull straight out. But i guess you must know more than chrisfix and the creator of the product.
@@hufman9807 imagine thinking “chrisfix” knows everything. 🤡 if you read what he said you would’ve seen the part that say “every package I’ve bought has this instruction on it”. That doesn’t mean they all do. You can chill out a little bit.
He says it in the full video which is longer than this Short iirc
Tip: Don't get a tire plug kit that's shaped like a screw driver, you have no leverage when pushing the reamer in. Get the T shaped ones.
Made that mistake 3 days ago. Screwdriver shape is awful
Is there a specific name for that?
@@sebass5744 autozone has them. Got mine there. Fixed a flat on my semi
I have used strait reamers for 20 years and have properly plugged hundreds of not thousands of tires. I recommend a strait reamer. The trick is to make sure the injury is clean of debris and get a good quality plug preferably not a black or a red one
@@sebass5744 just look at the packaging.
You should do a roadside playlist, where you have videos like this and what to do if your battery goes flat etc. Basically a quick help guide.
Didn't know a battery could go flat
“battery goes flat” ???
I am seriously asking this. Are you responders millennials? Just wondering how you do not know what a flat battery is.
@@BaptistJoshua I know it means a dead battery but its just a weird way to word it..
@@hc121_ is that because you are a millennial and did not hear it in your generation or maybe your dad didn't teach you car work? Calling a battery flat was completely normal during my lifetime
I've been using these for over 30 years and never had one fail. Plus I've saved a ton of money.
but you should put the special glue that comes with this way it will last more.
How long does it last?
Once, I had a 16d nail go in head first. I was planning on getting new tires in a couple of months, so I tried to patch that hole. It took 3 of the sticky plugs ( special glue not needed with those) to finally seal it up. It lasted the 3 months, until I got new tires, without losing any air. I wouldn't recommend doing that, but as an experiment, it proved to me that they work. As far as a regular hole, as I said, I 've never had a failure.
I'm working on 4 cars constantly for my family and I believe that Chris Fix has the best videos on the internet. A born teacher with the knowledge of a very experienced mechanic. From the new driveway video to the flat tire fix via strut and lower control replacement , heat control repair, over heating diagnosing and on and on . Speaks fast and clearly and no wasted words . He has helped me so much that I should put him on payroll . If only I had a payroll. Thanks Chris Fix
chrisfix is like the dad we never had🛠️
Chris, can you fix the flat in my heart?
@@100TBlank Totally unexpected classic W.
I prescribe you 1 Andrew Tate clip everyday.
A warm bowl of chili to sooth the soul my friend.
Chris can fix anything buddy!
that's what I was wondering
Every actual mechanic or tire guy here will know Chris has the strongest Forearms on the planet, my man reamed it with the plug tool outside with no leverage Jesus Christ that’s impressive.
Yes! I can't believe I just witnessed something that's practically impossible to do. Did you see how much he flexed the tire?
The initial insertion is the hardest. Maybe it was already reamed out before recording.
Exactly! It looked so easy, that I tried it, but had to put the nail back and take it to the shop. Lol! But thanks, anyway 😅
@@paulapatino4834 Just apply some heat to the plug with a lighter and it's super easy to put in. Works every time.
@@helvacihelva Where were you before I had to plug three tires in the past 4 hours. The last one I laid there staring at the sky for 5 minutes
my name is liam and I love mustangs I have always wanted one when I saw you and when you got your mustang I started watching all your vids and I learn so much and I just wanted to say thanks now because of you I fix all the automotive things oh and i'm ten and I learn alot from you so thank you very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Definitely something that everyone should know how to do for when you're in a pinch. Thing to note though, some tire repair shops will not patch a tire later on if they find a plug like that. Company policy is that a plug doesn't do as good of a job as a patch and can cause damage to the integrity of the tire, so then the shop is liable if they patch it and something happens. Source: work at discount tire
Thanks Bob!
Same man, leaking cottons plugs are no gooood.
I like to note that these plug are often not good for long term as they may leak again so it's best to get them properly repair, that way, they can last a lot longer with a patch. I work at one of kal tires in Canada and the leak are uncommonly found from these diy plug.
I've never had one that leaked, but I certainly believe it happens. It's probably also a good idea to keep an eye on any tire that had a deep puncture in it for a while on the off chance it hit one of the belts inside of it in such a way that it fails. There's no mistaking the bulge in a tire that's lost some of it's internal structure
I also work for a large tire company and we will not honor the warranty if you do an improper repair like this if it would have been otherwise repairable. These repairs are designed to be temporary and will get you back on the road but you definitely want a patch and plug repair for a proper repair to last the life of a tire. If you're interested in my credentials I supervise the shop and am TIA certified
why do i find this oddly satisfying
Cause he said the thing... *soapy woter*
Because no1 thot to make it simple. Mechanics try to make it seem hard so u have to pay them...
Because a noodle looking thing is going into a hole
regular satisfying
@@JA-ob6zz no, if a person hasn't done it b4, u wudnt assume it's easy, plus most wud take the tire off 1st. He did a great alternate workaround! The Nnoodle in the hole part is the basic for those who have mechanical insight, but those who don't tinker wud pay the mechanic for a more 'reliable' repair...
It works permanently if performed correctly. The plug vulcanizes and has been used for generations. Big holes need patch. This works perfectly for most nail holes.
As someone who works with tires daily i can tell you for sure that about 40% of those fail after a while. In my country they use those on highaways tire shops since customers won't come back and you don't have to take the tire off. The worst thing about those is that you are making existing hole fucking massive and making it difficult to patch it later, after string fails. And yes, i have at least one of those weekly, at a small tire shop.
@@wittekPLhey must not know how to repair them correctly. Have two tires on my car right now that have plugs that’s been in them going on 3 years now. I will need a new set of tires soon because they are getting worn down but those plugs have held.
@@cvdixon29or he just wants to sell new tires.
This is actually perfect timing, Chris.. I finished work today and had a flat tire from a screw! I had an air compressor to fill up the tire to get home in the trunk, and then by the time I get home this video pops up in my feed.. Impeccable timing!
straight to the point, i'll always love Chrisfix videos!
He did it wrong ……… go read the other comment s
I was taught that at 3, I’m 58 now, however we always had to fix our own tractor & big rig tires since we didn’t even have a home phone & harvested our own crops. Yet things like this liberate one from feeling, so helpless. Thank you for sharing.
Like a Bridge Over Soapy Wooder......
Nice and simple vid, good job as always Chris
Thank you so much for getting straight to the point and not asking to subscribe.
I already know how to fix a flat tire, locate and replace fuse, flush out the system on any part of my car... but watching ChrisFix pour out new content the same tips we've seen 3-4 years ago still have me enjoy every minute of it. thanks Chris
You inspired me to be a mechanic when I grow up
No, don't. It sucks trust me...
The best advice a mechanic ever gave me is to not become one
Like these other two guys said, seriously, don't do it. The pay is crap, you'll be treated horribly, and your body will be destroyed.
@@ProleDaddy what I want to be is a mechanic who works on super cars or smt like that
@@CallMeScriptedOFFICIALstill have to work your way up. If that were the case, wouldn't everybody want to do the same?
I’ve never seen this tool before! Time to add something to the shopping list for when I get a car.
Discount does it for free 😅
@@kodylitchfield2653 there’s a certain satisfaction that you get from fixing something yourself sometimes, in this case I think it’s worth it
super important and saves a lot of money because theres always nails and screws everywhere and constantly buying new or used crappy tires is expensive. Thank you for this.
I’m 17 and I work at an automotive repair shop, and that’s how they fix punctured tires pretty much. Idk it’s just pretty cool to see it in a video lol. Thanks Chrisfix!
I like to use the kits with rubber cement. Coat the plug with some rubber cement before inserting the plug.
I always get a plug kit that comes with the cement.
Why is cement needed? I would think that the plug is essentially self sealing.
The cement lubricates makes it slightly easier to push in
In Australia an absolute life saver! But NEVER try to save side wall damage! Also ensure every 6 months or so or before a country trip that you have a fresh supply of plugs. And even the cheapest compressor is better than none.
Another banger with the DIY 🤟🏻 haven’t done this in a while I needed a refresher 😂
Excellent job. I recently discovered this and I’ve used it multiple times. I timed myself once and it was under 20 minutes. That included removing the wheel and filling the tire to the appropriate pressure and reinstalling on the car. 👍🏽 That was much faster and cheaper than taking it to a tire shop.
That actually works really well. Had a trailer tire I fixed with that and forgot about for a couple years
For a quick fix it works pretty good!
I always made the mistake of deflating the tire before plugging it. Leaving it as inflated as possible makes things go a whole lot easier
This is super helpful. Thank you for posting so much thorough info in the small space that these shorts allow!
The tire after 9 months:🤰
I know how to fix most things, but I still find your videos oddly satisfying 😊😊😊
Chris fix should teach me how to give a flat tire for april fools day
Soapy wooder as useful as ever! 👍👍
I clicked on [Comments] just to post about how *Soapy Wooder* has so many uses. Ya beat me to it...
@@Ed_Stuckey aw, I'm sorry Ed!
Dude. You really so be showing us how to take care of our vehicles. We appreciate you. 👍
Lot of people saying it's not permanent fix, maybe it's not I'm not a mechanic, but in my experience been using these for over 15 years and never had issues after. Even used them on my 26,500 pound bucket truck and no issues. This just my experience with them though
Agreed. I’ve drifted on them to the belts of the tire and they still held air haha. Couldn’t believe it!
Agreed, I put on many 10s of thousands of miles on each of these plugs. Never had any issues. People saying you gotta run to the tire shop immediately after make me laugh.
@@janoycresnova9156 I literally have one on my car now. Had a nail in my tire bout month ago. Been plugged ever since
@chrisfix I also always put a dab of contact cement on the “string thing” before I put it in. It makes for a better seal.
Always use rubber contact cement.
You totally can if it comes with it/you have it. In this case it sealed without it but it doesn’t hurt!
A guy at a tire shop recommended holding a flame to the plug to help the seal. While demonstrating he set it on fire, waited a tick then blew it out.
That was brilliant. You didn't even half to pull of the tire. Awesome.
Very helpful!The thought of stabbing a hole to fix it didnt compute in my mind at first but this made sense.
This works ....dont let tire shops tell you it doesnt .
I’ve drifted down to the metal belt with plugs with no problems.
It works yea, it's not always that easy tho. I can't even count how many people come to the shop asking for one and leaving because we charged too much. Just to return the next day saying they did it and it didn't work. Well no shit, you tried to put 3 sht cheap plugs into a hole that isn't mean to be plugged. Or on a tire that isn't worth plugging People can plug a tire on their own, but I always tell them if they have it. Pop the spare on, and make your way to tire shop. A plug isn't always gonna work, or your tire might not be worth plugging (which is the case a lot, and it can be very dangerous to even attempt to plug it) Basically if you know you know, and if you don't know don't even try it.
Where I live they charge $15 maybe $20 to patch a tire, off rim. Never had any issues either and price is great.
@@cedarwings82 $30 plus tax in Canada
It works but it isn't a permanent fix. This is also not a DOT certified way to repair a tire. I can't tell you the amount of times a rope plug has leaked on a tire needing a repair. Plug + patch is the way to go. If you can't afford fixing a tire the correct, why do you even have a car?
This is easier than changing the entire tire. I'll keep one in my trunk
Trust me, it’s not, the reamer doesn’t always go in that easily
I recommend that everyone include this tire repair kit in their car tool box along with a 12V air compressor that you can plug into your car power outlets. Less than $50 for both.
Man Chris. Thanks man. Your videos probably have saved millions of dollars for everyone by now. Continue to bring us educational diy videos. Jesus bless bro. Thanks.
nice video, was entertained the entire time. keep on pumping these great videos out
Whenever I need to use one I usually don't have an air source nearby so it's a race to ream the hole and plug it with enough air to get to a pump lol
Damn good advice with simple easy-to-understand instructions! You're a life-saver!
hey chris, i want to thank you for teaching me almost everything i know about fixing cars, since my family just doesn't own one and learning hands-on is a little complicated at the moment :)
Glad to help
You forgot last step: Drive to tire shop to get a patch put inside. Plugs are only a temporary fix, a patch needs to be made on the inside. Also any of this only applies to the treaded areas. Any puncture of a sidewall is mandatory tire replacement. Source: Every tire manufacturer.
Plugs are not a temporary fix if the hole is a clean puncture like from a nail or screw
Nah these plugs never fail. No sidewall repair, yes absolutely agree
Tire shops won’t patch a tire if you use a plug so kinda in a pickle if you don’t have a flat near a tire shop! Also you are 100% correct about the sidewall. Only repair in tread area.
Bullshit. Plugs are totally fine. Had about 50k driven on two separate ones.
@@chrisfix i had one pull my plug and patch it they will do it if it’s in the right zone and it’s a good business .. but i did use a high rated local family owned shop
I use repair sealer on my plugs, Before inserting the plug. I feel like it helps if there might be any small leaks in the future
@@Semystic ive fixed tires with leaking plugs, rarely see any of them with any sealer
I just had this done a couple hours ago. I wanted to make sure they did it right. He did it in like under a minute. Support your mom and pop tire shops!!
I've seen it done on a 18 ton truck, really impressive
Soopee Wooderr!!
This saves a lot of Money!
about time im started seeing chris fix again lol
I plug tires a few times a week as a tire tech. To plug from that angle so easily is very impressive.
Make sure to take the tire in to a repair shop, so they can repair it from the inside.
Yes absolutely you never know what else might be wrong with it and sometimes it isn't a simple or easy screw to find
That’s not necessarily required. It also costs $30 to repair this way because dismounting, remounting and then balancing have to be done. Patches are better, but there’s nothing wrong with a plug.
Is this plug fix sustainable?
Very, but id prefer internal patch, you can see inside to see if the sidewall was getting eaten up
Typically it is.
Very helpful information! Thanks for taking the time to share it with us! Sincere regards!
This is the best method than trying to use a spare. I've seen too many peeps trying to change a flat side of the highway.
Fyi if you have a discount tire or America’s tire near you we will fix the flat for free! Tips appreciate of course, but if a flat already has a “road plug” as we call them like this then we cannot work on it for liability reason’s unfortunately. So next time you have a flat swing by your local discount tire first!
Great tip if you have a flat near one of those places. If not I wouldn’t drive on a leaking tire which could be dangerous. But hey if you’re near one of those stores, great idea!
@@chrisfix yes I agree! We also won’t work on it if it has a “heat ring” from driving on it flat. So really only ideal if you find yourself in this situation and you happen to be nearby. 👍🏽
LOL! I did this after someone told me they could plug a flat without removing the wheel.
You lost that bet huh? Lol
Definitely saving this for later...
1) A 1st timer might not know of the two options, T handle/screwdriver, especially if both options not available at store. In a pinch use whats available( good luck). 2) Some kits come with separate reamer and insert tool, not like one used in video. 3) Yes, different products have different instructions. 4) Recomendation to use as temporary is in case newbie fails to do job correctly. But this method is great in any "emergency". Better than waiting in middle of nowhere for towtruck.( course you still need air source) I've used plugs that have lasted " forever". 5) I've seen film where repair was done on dismounted tire that shows how twisting 1/2 turn does cause plug to form a knot inside tire. Notice tool Chris used was knurled like drill bit. Would be best to turn in direction of shape, as if removing a screw, otherwise it most likely will wrap itself onto tool. 6) only concern I had with video was leaving water on tire before installing plug. But again, in urgeņt situation, you just need to get somewhere, right? And I learned the hard way chalk area where hole is otherwise you might have to use more water to find leak again. 7) If planning on using as permanent, check for leak at least once after adding some miles, either next day( or week). Hope my imput helped some, and, oh "Can't we all just get along? ( hee, hee, hee)
temporary fix only. go get a real patch from a shop and use this to get you there
Frig off know it all. It works. It vulcanizes. Its fine and has worked for 60 years.
Great video! I have a leak but didn't want to remove tire. Glad to know I don't have to! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK AND VIDEOS CHRISFIX! YOU ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!👍🙏😎
Chris ur the man brother, wish KZhead is treating you well 🫡
Brilliant short today ChrisFix. 10/10 Dude
they work well too. I had 2 screws in the same tire just a week apart and used the same kit. has been 5 months now and no issues with the repair
Hey Chris. Tyre Fitter here, some extra advice for small nails is to pry it out with whatever you can. We use a sharp tipped tool but a small flathead might work in a pinch.
Chris you're the best, have a great day !
Thank you so much for this video. So easy and to the point
I had no idea you could do it without take the wheel off. I never done it before but I know it possible now
Glad you learned something new
@@chrisfix thank you for all your content. This is my go to channel to fix anything on my car. I used your checklist to buy my first car.
Taking the wheel off however will allow you to better examine the wheel and locate ALL nails. I first took off my tire and put a spare instead. And was thinking to drive to Firestone next morning before work. But before deciding to waste my time driving there (which quite a bit far and needs an appointment) I decided to give this kit a try. After carefully examining the wheel I've found 1 screw and 1 rotten nail. I guess the screw was the one, the rotten nail bit was not deep enough yet (but very close). Plugged both, pumped the wheel. Checked with soapy water if either of the two plugs leaks. Waited for 2 hours, checked pressure again and reinstalled the tire.
I've driven 50k miles on one of these. They work
Totally helpful as always!!
Thank you Chris! You helped me fix my tire tonight. :)
Thanks! I got a puncture in my car from idk what but this helped a lot!
Thank you so much for all your help!! You make the best videos!!!
Awesome video bro 👍🏽👍🏽💪🏽💪🏽..I almost thought I was going to have to take my tire off but didn't and got it sealed up, thanks for the video
Glad the video was helpful!
I started watching this 4hrs after post. I loved it.I subscribed
If you find a hole right in the sidewall of the tires. It's best to put a spare tires on and replace that flat tire. The reason is there are steel cord that hold the rubber together and they are weaker in the sidewall due to nature of how the tire was made. If a cord in the sidewall is broken, it is no good to ride on since air can enter that space where the broken cord is and create a bulge in the sidewall and blow out eventually. I work at kal tires for 6 years and seen a lot of cases like what I describe above.
Thanks a lot for this video. I managed to fix a tire puncture myself! Best regards from Madrid (Spain)
Thank you this was very helpful and informative 👍👍
So much information in such a short video. Chrisfix is the best car guy ever, most helpful, and his videos are the best
Thanks a lot!!! That is the goal!
had to use 5 strips to plug a Ford F350's tire. Closes tire shop was over 70km away. I was amazed it held until we reached the shop
Love what you do Chris! I’d recommend getting it plugged and patched by a shop, or dismount the tire and do it if you can do it yourself. Cotton plugs are only temporary and may eventually start leaking, and at that point the tire isn’t fixable. A well done plug and patch should last the lifetime of the tire 👍 Edit: also for everyone out there, never repair the sidewall or shoulder of the tire, or if the hole is too large, the repair won’t hold and it can be dangerous if you try to drive on it. So unless you have the proper tools and ability to do it yourself, I’d advise you toss on the spare and head to a tire shop 👌
I had no idea this shit was this easy to do! Thanks a million, Chris
bro you’ve inspired me to start doing mechanical classes in my school and im hoping to be a mechanic in the future so thx
I'm glad the videos have inspired you to pursue an automotive career!
im glad you started this youtube keep doing what you do best. 🤟
chrisfix is the factory manager of car repair
Thank you so much your videos really helped me today 🎉
These things are brilliant and quite cheap to buy! Worth keeping one with the car's tools along with cheap pair of pliers. Having a flat fixed is pretty expensive These days so These are an essential!
I did got that last week but there was no bubbles to find out where the leak was but now it's all good
Another tip: fill the tire up with air before spraying it with soapy water, makes detecting leaks easier
Man you made it seem so easy, i was going at real hard, mostly because my tire wasn’t flat, it still had air in it. Got the job done, hope tomorrow it isn’t flat 😂.
That said moment when your happy cause you see Chris has a new video then you click on it and it’s just a short 😂
Now I'm realising this was probably a hint to his new picture book… ChrisFix with the hints, man. 🤣
;)
Thanks Chris this actually saved me!
Great video!
Thanks!
I work at a Walmart auto center. Walmart is strict on what holes we can and can’t repair. If we can’t repair it and don’t have a new tire to sell, I always recommend the owner get a plug kit and rubber cement. The plugs usually work they way they are, but the rubber cement helps.
This is useful when you’re in a pinch but please keep in mind that tire plug kits are meant to be a temporary repair so you can get your tire to a professional place. Proper tire repair procedures dictate that the injury in the tire must be filled with vulcanized rubber material or a rubber filler and then patched on the inside with a rubber based sealant after making sure the inside of the tire is safe to repair.
chris you should think about restoring an old classic car! would be tons of content and i personally would love watching it