
Simply insert a rubber strip using a nail to plug the puncture, and the tire can be used normally for a short period. However, this method is only suitable for emergency use. Cold patching involves thinning the puncture hole on the inner side of the tire, then applying a specialized rubber strip and repeatedly pressing it to restore the tire to normal use. Insert the strip into the puncture hole on the inner side of the tire and sand it down to perfectly fit with the tire. This is currently a very mainstream tire repair method. The initial steps of hot patching are quite similar to cold patching. The only difference is that in the final step, hot patching uses a heating device to melt the rubber strip, filling the puncture hole in the tire.

I usually enjoy tinkering with car-related matters, and using a tire repair plug is the most time-efficient and effective method for quick tire repairs. First, park the car in a safe area, engage the handbrake, and turn on the hazard lights. Then, locate the small puncture in the tire—spraying soapy water can help identify bubbles to pinpoint the leak. Use a spiral drill to clean the puncture and remove debris, apply some adhesive, and insert the mushroom plug, pulling out any excess. Use a pump to inflate the tire slightly and check for leaks. If there are none, you can continue driving for a few dozen kilometers. However, keep in mind that this is only a temporary solution. Avoid applying too much force when inserting the plug to prevent enlarging the puncture, and don’t overinflate the tire. Afterward, make sure to visit a professional repair shop for an internal patch to truly resolve the issue and avoid the risk of a blowout. It’s inexpensive to keep a set of these tools in your car—stay calm in critical moments.

Having driven for over a decade, tire punctures are common for me. For quick fixes, I use either the spare tire or the plug method. With proper tools, I prefer the plug method: after parking securely, locate the puncture, clean the hole with soapy water and a small brush, insert a plug and press it firmly, then inflate and you're good to go. Changing to a spare tire works too but takes more time—you need to remove the lug nuts, jack up the car, and replace it with the spare. Always wear gloves to prevent cuts and use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure—don’t skip safety steps for speed. This saves money by avoiding tow trucks, but after patching, avoid high-speed driving and head straight to a repair shop. Keeping a tire repair kit in the car is very practical.

When I first started driving, I encountered a flat tire, and a quick puncture repair was simple and easy. Park on a flat surface to ensure safety, and take out the onboard tools, including the plug kit. Find the leak by spraying some soapy water—where the bubbles pop is the spot. Use the cleaning tool to brush the hole, insert a plug strip into it, and after smoothing it out, inflate and check for leaks. The whole process takes about ten minutes, and you can drive off but should visit a repair shop for a check-up as soon as possible. Beginners should avoid tampering with tire bolts to prevent accidents, and tools can be bought cheaply online for convenience.


