how to fix a flat bike tire without a patch

A full kit would allow the tire to be brought up to its full operating pressure.

The air within the can would at least partially refill the tire so that you could drive the car slowly to a repair shop for a professional patch or tire replacement. Simply connect the nozzle from a pressurized can of sealant and spray essentially a goo in the tire that covers the hole. No need to call for help or pay for an expensive tow. The promise is that if you get a small hole in the tire, say from running over a nail, you could perform a temporary fix, quickly and easily.

But run-flats can contribute to a firmer ride in general, and they are often expensive to replace and difficult to find in a hurry. When punctured, they provide extended mobility in a “limp-home” mode at reduced speed and for a limited distance, much like a temporary spare tire-without the need to perform the dirty task of changing the tire. (If you have a spare tire, be sure to check and adjust its air pressure regularly, or it may be flat when needed.)

Just 9 percent came with a full-sized spare tire-the only solution that allows you to continue your travels, without stopping at a service center for a professional repair or new tire. Reviewing records on Consumer Reports test cars going back to the 2017 model year revealed that about 62 percent came with a temporary spare, 15 percent had a sealant kit, and 11 percent were equipped with run-flat tires and no spare. These days, it is important for drivers to have a plan for dealing with a flat tire before it happens. This is a shame, because they have great promise, and the alternatives bring real compromises. But our testing reveals that not all tire repair kits work as expected. These typically cost around $10 for a pressurized can to around $80 for a full kit with a portable tire inflator, making them an attractive addition to an emergency kit that is kept in the car. For many motorists, the best tools to fix an ailing tire are a phone, roadside assistance membership, and a spare tire or tire sealant kit, which can be used to fix small holes and refill the deflated tire. Adding to the drama is the reality that many recent cars don’t even come with a spare tire. A flat tire is always inconvenient and often dangerous, risking loss of control while driving or collision while performing a roadside repair.

How to fix a flat bike tire without a patch