Repairing a Flat Tire

1) Remove the wheel	· Release any air that might be left in the tube. · If you have a quick-release break, release it. · Loosen the bolts or quick-release levers but leave them on the axle to avoid loosing them.
2) Remove one side of the tire	· First, loosen the tire by squeezing the tire and moving the tire walls toward the center of the rim. · Using tire levers (never use a screwdriver), pry one side of the tire off the rim.
3) Remove the inner tube
4) Find the puncture	· Pump a small amount of air into the tube (just enough to round it out); listen and feel for leaks. · If you still can’t tell, submerge it in water and watch for bubbles.
5) Patch the tube	· First, release any air that might be left in the tube. · Follow the patch manufacturer’s directions (if you are using glue-on patches, remember to wait for the glue to dry before applying the patch). · Check for leaks again after applying the patch.
6) Check the tire for debris	· Examine the inside of the tire for the cause of the puncture (people often forget this step and mount the tire just to find another leak caused by the same tack, thorn, piece of glass or whatever). Try running an old cloth along the inside of the tire to see if it snags or carefully use your finger.
7) Mount the tire and tube on the wheel	Never use any tools! · Push the tube into the tire and try to adjust the tire so that it is centered over the rim (don’t forget to put the stem through the stem hole). · Pry the tire back onto the rim being careful not to pinch the tube between the tire and the rim. Use only your hands (there should be no air in the tube). If you just can’t get the last part of the tire on, try squeezing the tire to move the tire wall toward the center of the rim. · Squeeze the tire walls to inspect the lining strip along the rim. The spoke nipples must be covered or they will puncture the tire.
8) Inflate the tire part way and examine it	· First, inflate it to 20 lbs. or so. · Make sure the tire is seated properly in the rim. Try spinning the wheel to make sure the tire is seated evenly and not twisted in spots.
9) Reinstall the wheel	· If it’s a rear wheel, make sure the chain is lined-up properly on the cogs. · Mount the wheel and tighten the wheel quick-release lever or the mounting bolts. · Restore the brake quick-release (tighten it up again). · Spin the wheel to make sure the wheel is centered in the brakes.
10) Inflate the tire to its recommended pressure

Hints:

v Never use a screwdriver. A screwdriver can easily puncture the tube.

v Never use tools to mount the tire back on the rim. Tools make it much easier to pinch the tube and put new holes in it.

v Check the stem also. Sometimes the valve will leak. If you use the type of valves that cars use, you may be able to replace the valve. Check at a car shop for replacements.

v If you have bean riding or even pushing the bike with a flat tire, the stem can be twisted and tear from the tube. This is usually not repairable. You will have to replace the tube. But, don’t forget to check the tire for debris before mounting a new tube in it.

v If you know where the puncture is, try the quick method. Instead of removing the wheel, leave it on the bike. Pry the tire off the rim at the location of the puncture leaving the majority of the tire mounted. Pull that section of tube out and patch it. I cut my repair time in half with this method.

v Supplies you will need to repair a flat:

Tire levers

Pump (make sure it matches your stem type)

Tire gauge (make sure you have the right kind for your stem)

Patch kit or a new tube

Wrench (if your wheel is not the quick release type)

Cloth (optional

Basin of water (optional)