I recently blew a tire, went into a national chain and they plugged the tire and then told me it would not hold and that I needed to buy a new tire from them.. I left, took the tire to the local tire guy in the small town I live in and he patched it and it is fine.
You seem to know what you're doing but I'm gonna jump in anyway. I always pump a tire up to about max inflation + 20 before I check for leaks with the soapy stuff. I never look for nails either. Just spray the whole tire and let the soap do the hard stuff. Another thing is the silicone on the awl. Is it a good idea to introduce a contaminant before you push a plug in there? I wonder. Plus I always use the glue with the plugs. And I drill 'em. If it's a big hole I use two plugs. Nice video!
@EricTheCarGuy good vid, I felt it need some information on why those plugs are only a temporary solution by stating that they can pop out of the tyre again and cause sudden deflation and how a plug should only ever be a temp solution so you can get to a tyre store and have it professionally patched
@trodengore Honestly I've never seen or heard of that happening, if it did I would say that perhaps it was never installed correctly in the first place. I did mention in the video however that the best method is to patch a tire as that is what most tire manufacturers recommend. Thanks for your input
Say Eric, some of the plastic tire plugger kits at Walmart go for under $10. They come with rubber cement that you apply on the plug itself. Did you use a special plug material that doesn't need rubber cemenet?
@EricTheCarGuy your welcome, and yea the reason i could not find it, i was working on someones set of 20" gold 100spoke rims, could not find the leak for anything, well turned out it was where one of the spokes met the rim....
what if you hit the curb and cut the sidewall. What can you do to patch it up? in my case, the tire does not leak air and the cut is about 1/2 inch long and 1/8 inch deep.
@superherosatlive Depending on the diameter of the hole you can plug the sidewall .. i have one of mine plugged at the moment its on the inside wall though
@DiarmaidGNR I guess if it works but I'm sure there are many that would not recommend that but rather recommend using a patch on the inside of the tire.
Nice video. I would avoid using silicone spray on the awl, though. While I don't know specifically if it will affect tire cement, I have seen silicone spray and other silicone products prevent other adhesives from bonding properly.
If the nail is in the side of the tire and needs to be replaced, is it ok to just replace one tire or should I replace 2 tires? Somebody told me that if I replace one tire, they will spin at different speeds and possibly cause internal damage. Thanks for the help.
@jayfiver The spinning at different speeds is crap however it might pull to one side if it is only one front tire that is replaced. I recommend replacing tires in pairs but if you are in a bind then you can just replace one, I recommend a tire of the same type and make as the others however.
@jayfiver if one tire is nearly bald, and one tire is new with a lot of tread, and the two tires happen to be drive wheels, you want to avoid that. its extra wear on your differential. it could cost a hundred bucks to replace a second tire that has a few months left, but thousands if your differential cant handle the extra wear. its not going to instantly destroy anything. if theyre not drive wheels, worst case is uneven wear
@crowleythegod I think your a little off base here. If the tires are of different diameters that's one thing but wear on the tires or the difference in wear is not going to effect the differential at all.
@EricTheCarGuy it will hardly affect it... you can do it and probably be fine but i wouldnt want to. if theres a quarter inch difference in tread theres a half inch difference in tire size. but thats mostly a matter for people who put compact spares on the drive axle like its a permanent solution.
You left out 1 thing..... When plugging a tire, it seals best when you apply rubber cement to the plug, to create a "air-tight" seal. And it also helps bond the 2 materials together. Yet, good video!!!
@jermainehoust You don't need to apply rubber cement to the type of plugs that I use as they already have sealing material embedded in them. Thanks for the comment and for your input.
Hi eric, Just ran into a nail last week, and brought my car to the nearest vulcanizing shop. they actually do the same thing as the video, and he said that its ok. Its my first time to see such thing, its my first time to ran into a nail (great),, Is this practice really ok? (its just a small nail btw) I mean, is it safe? rather than patching the inside part of the tire? Thanks
Eric, I just manually dismounted a set of tires from old rims the redneck way, but I took a small nick out of the innermost lip of bead on one tire. The chunk is about 1/2" by 3/8". The rest of the tire is excellent. Have I made the tire unsafe or is it likely still usuable? Thanks for all you do for us out here in Polka land.
@curbhash I haven't had much trouble inserting the plug without lubricant, my concern would be that the plug would not seal properly if I put lubrication on it. Thanks for the comment.
I'm watching this after patching but anyways wanted to say some things.. As far as the quality, its great for me and im watching it full screen on a 46" tv. Make sure your quality is set to 480p if you have the option at the bottom right of the video while it is playing.
Smaller the nail the harder it is to patch because it takes a lot more force to get the tool into the hole. I had to use a hammer. I had a screw and a nail. Still leaking though so I need to do the soap trick.
@robsz1 In the future you can also use a drill to make the hole larger to accommodate the plug as it can be easier than using a hammer. Thanks for your comment.
People have been using plugs for many many years and there is nothing wrong with plugging a tire outside of the dipstics in government want to force you to patch them on the idea that patches are better. plugs work fine.
Despite knowing how to do this, I had a friend who did not... when I searched for it on youtube to send my buddy a link, I came across your video! Just wanted to say that aside from the video quality not being the greatest (but still acceptable) your explanation, instruction and demonstration are spot on for helping anyone who comes across your video no matter what level of experience they have! Thanks and keep on posting great clips! :)
@bbrown1985 Your the second person to mention the video quality, I just watched it again myself and it was fine. YT uses different servers for different locations I think the server where your video is coming from has an issue because like I said it looked fine to me. Thanks for the comment though I really appreciate it. I'll have to look into the issue with YT, thanks for the heads up.
@chickenbeek I apologize to both, as I may have not worded my sentences adequately enough. The picture definition is fine... by overall quality, I had only meant that it could have benefited from better lighting. The videos are great, though!
Very good. Video quality was poor but excellent information. I didnt know that about stop leak. Thanks for the information. I recently had a leak this winter.....2 days in a row! Second day in the shop again except the rim had damaged the tire. So I bought 2 new tires....
@pcpaterson This kit is pretty standard to be honest but most of the kits you find will have plastic handles as opposed to my metal ones. I don't know the brand or even where I got my kit to be honest it was so long ago.
Hey Eric, thanks a million for the very educational video. Had my new tyres on my car for 3 months and one tyre got a screw in it, not as long as the one you had there man. Eric I have already REMOVED THE SCREW from the tyre, does this matter, can I still repair it this way as long as I know where the hole is?? Is it important to have air in the tyre to carry out the repair?? Please reply asap, thanks Eric, Michael.
3:57 On the part of aerosol tire sealants. you said it cause smore problems than it helps, what have you seen it do other than being nasty messy and gumming everything up? What other problems has it caused? I only carry it as a last resort in the case I can't get a car off a freeway to change the tire and it's too dangerous in some cases to do it out there with speeding cars. Or even when I can't bust a lugnut off because a shop air rammed it on too tight. hehe "bust a lugnut" stayin dirty.
@man1d2tran I knew a guy that was removing a tire from the rim that had sealant in it, the tire exploded as the tire machine made a spark when it came in contact with one of the steal belts, he's messed up for life because of it. This is the reason you have to put that sticker on the tire they give you with the can when you use it as a lot of people have been hurt by it. It also screws up the balance of the tire as you can never balance a tire with stop leak in it.
hey eric i have a veryyyy small screw shorter than 10mm into the tread of the tire. and only like 5mm of it went into the tire. but i know its causing a small leak. so my question is i bought the similar kit as yours. and i tried to push in the file and it wont go in at all. can i use a very small drill bit and electric drill and drill into the tire than use the file?????? is that safe?
@LiLTMac123 btw i have a tire for a 3000gt vr4 with 275 width and it was not a cheap tire i hope i wont mess anything up so im asking you the question
@LiLTMac123 Some of the guys I used to work with used drills for that all the time and didn't have a problem. Just keep in mind most tire manufacturers would rather you removed the tire and patched it from the inside especially with a performance tire, just an FYI.
i was going to plug my tire today ran over a screw which turns out didnt penetrate the inside of the tire. the shop patched it. they scratched the paint pretty good on the outside wheel lip from there tire machine!!!! arggg wish i seen this vid looks so easy
Thanks for the instructive video Eric...I recently purchased a portable DC air compressor, and a tire plug kit to fix any flats I get while out on the road. I logged onto Youtube to learn how to properly plug a tire, and your helpful video has given me the confidence to do just that. Thanks for posting this video!
@SCBianchi Thanks for that. Not so much anymore, it's an expensive habit and my kids seem to eat up any disposable income I might come across these days. You might want to check out my 72 Galixie video.
This must be the one thing I've never done to a car. My chick looked at me and laughed and was like "haha you can build a motor but I can plug a tire". Naturally I didn't trust her and here I am on youtube.
when you said about leaks around the rim, taking the tyre off isn't the only way to fix it. if you let the tyre down, and then take a rubber mallet. sometimes hitting the tyre around the rim will help reseat the tyre on the rim, often sealing the leak. :)
@steveypeavey I'm referring to removing the corrosion buildup on the inside of the rim, I don't think hitting the tire is going to do much to solve that personally at least I haven't seen it.
@EricTheCarGuy thanks for the super fast response. whenever i've done it, it's been for when the tyre hasnt seated properly against the rim, not corrosion causing the leak. thanks for the tip about using soap + water for detecting the bubbles, i just always used water. really enjoy your videos man, however it's hard to keep up sometimes as we use different terms over here in england aha
@steveypeavey I just happened to be doing comments when you posted so we both got lucky on that one it seems. Teach me the English way as I'd love to learn.
@EricTheCarGuy it's just the little stuff like you've got allen wrenches, and i would say an allen key. you say firewall, i say bulkhead. wrench/ratchet, zip ties/cable ties. :)
@steveypeavey Noted, thank you. I know 'bonnet', I like that one actually, makes me thing of babies although they don't bloody your knuckles in quite the same way.
@EricTheCarGuy Lol I used to have this service manual for a Ford Jaguar and it had like a glossary of American to English translations. I thought it was funny, as there were some that seemed quite odd.
how do you do this on lower profile tires? your reamer looks pretty tall, it might touch the rim on a lower profile tire. And if your plug installer does go all the way in (touches the rim) what do you do?
@chillincruisin You can do the same thing with low profile tires, any damage to the rim under where the tire is would be minimal and never seen. I would suggest however if it is a true performance application that you remove the tire and patch it instead to installing a plug.
@hp11208 I probably will at some point but I don't see that happening anytime soon as I don't often get requests for it. If I do I will make a video for you though.
@kevrs2 I haven't put anything on these plugs and I haven't had any issues but a lot of people have mentioned similar techniques in the comments below. Thanks for your comment.
@kevrs2 Those are the old style tire plugs you can still find them if you really look.
The newer style plugs are self vulcanizing which means when you first drive on the tire the heat from road friction causes the plug to vulcanize or bond with the tire. No cement is required.
Self vulcanizing plugs are quicker to install since you don't need to apply cement to the plug or have to deal with cement residue cleanup on the tire and the installation tool afterward.
hey eric not sure if its proper way of doin it but ever since i was a young kid when my dad plugged tires hed insert the plug and instead of cutting off the extra, hed take out his lighter and light the end of it he always said as it melts it burns the rubber filling in any voids the plug couldnt fill. but ya gotta be sure to blow it out just before it reaches the inside of the tread. not letting the flame actually burn the tire but its the heat thats melting it. he was a mechanic for many yrs..
@yukonrott That sounds like a good idea. One thing to note however, if someone used an aerosol sealant in the tire avoid getting a flame near the tire as this could cause the tire to explode, that stuff is SUPER flammable, I know more than one tire tech out there with scars from this experience.
@EricTheCarGuy ya ive done it that way a few times myself. lighting it on fire that is.. not the sealant.. i found that sealant makes one hell of a bad day out of changing a tire.. gooey slimey shit anyway... but when i plug a tire i usually pull the valve core out just so theres no pressure cause if there is pressure sometimes itll blow the flame out and wont burn as far down. ive never had a plug fail this way.. it works for me but like everything it mite not work for someone else..
this happened to my sisters 2005 corolla and we kept the rim and tire on the car the minute the nail came out the tire just went flat we used the same plug system you used
hey my man thats true. Dont plug the sidewall. I did and it only lasted like 4 months. It just started leaking this past weekend. But hey Eric I got a question. My tires are pretty good, thread wise, but one has that leak so obviously I have to get another one, The questions is: should I go to a used tire spot and look for one with similar thread wear or just buy the same tires I have but new (my tires are only 8 months old). I need to know bro, I aint doing anything til I get your advise.
hey my man thats true. Dont plug the sidewall. I did and it only lasted like 4 months. It just started leaking this past weekend. But hey Eric I got a question. My tires are pretty good, thread wise, but one has that leak so obviously I have to get another one, The questions is: should I go to a used tire spot and look for one with similar thread wear or just buy the same tires I have but new (my tires are only 8 months old). I need to know bro, I aint doing anything til I get your advise.
@jorgevrod I'm of the opinion that tires are the most important part of the car. I recommend getting 2 new tires to match and if you have aluminum rims make sure they clean them before installing the new tires or else you will have a leak.
next time patch it!!!....lol j/k I have 2 plugs on the sidewall of the right rear tire of my 2006 Honda Accord =-X it has been holding for months already, I was going to replace it but ohh well...lol
@GTCHAMPION1 I'm really not sure how to respond to this as I know what you say to be true and I've seen others do worse and get away with it but I feel a responsibility to my viewers and I want to give them safe accurate information.
My father's 2001 Dodge 2500 Full Size Van needs 3 tires. I was looking around for a used one. I found one with a tire code that starts with a P for passenger. Is it okay or safe to replace an LT tire with a P tire? Does this pass PA state safety inspection? Can you do alignment with LT225/75/16 on 1 side and P235/60/16 on the other side (same axle, rear).
@nobleheight In short, no, you can't put 2 different tire sizes on the same axle especially on a RWD axle as it could cause damage to the differential. Also you really shouldn't put a passenger tire on where a truck tire is called for either.
(continuation) The sinking pedal only started happening yesterday, so that means the brake master cylinder has not been bypassing long. Which means there probably isn't much brake fluid inside the booster. Whatever brake fluid IS inside the booster is going to be tough to remove. How do I remove the brake fluid from inside the booster? I want to save the booster.
@nobleheight I would say the problem is specific to your situation since in all the years I've worked on Honda's I've only replaced one brake booster that was damaged in a collision, I'm not saying they don't go bad I just haven't seen it at the same frequency as you. Perhaps you should watch the video I did on taking care of a spongy brake pedal as I find this problem to be much more common on Honda brake systems after a repair.
The pedal on my 99 Accord started sinking intermitently yesterday. In my experience with Hondas (this has happenned to me 4 times already before on 4 different Hondas), the intermitent nature of it indicates it is definitely due to a bypassing brake master cylinder.
Here's the question. In the pass, 2 days after replacing the master cylinder, the brake booster goes bad. How do I go about saving the booster? Is there a way to clean the brake fluid out of the inside of the booster.
My father has a 2005 Chevy 1500 Van. It weighs 7200 pounds so it's pretty heavy. Is it okay to replace the wheel nuts (originally 7/8 inch) with 13/16 inch?
The thread is the same. They are both 14 x 1.50.
However the outside is slightly narrower. (0.8750" - 0.8125" = 0.0625")
Does 62.5 thousandths of an inch make a difference in safety on a 7200 pound van?
@EricTheCarGuy Some mechanic over tightened one of the wheel nuts. I don't have a compressor. I had the toughest time getting a good grip on the wheel nut using a 4 way wrench. The nuts got rounded off because the gripping surface of the nut is reduced due to a portion of the gripping surface being allocated to stupid threading to hold the stupid chevy hub cap on. The nut I replaced them with do not have that stupid threading to hold the hub cap on.
@EricTheCarGuy I believe that having more gripping surface will make it easier for me to removed overtightened nuts. Besides, I hate all things cosmetic and, therefore, non-functional (dead weight). The OEM nuts have stupid threading on the outside of the nut to hold the hub cap on. That reduces the gripping surface. Remove the unnecessary threading, and you have more gripping surface and the nut is less likely to round off in the case of overtightened nuts.
So what you're saying is, after one failed can, I shouldn't move the tire to the front axle, put the car on jackstands with rocks behind the rear, start the engine, inject 5 cans of the aersol spray stuff into the tire, rev the engine in drive for 15 minutes while rocking the tire back and forth, then fill it with air and when it fails again take it back to the tire shop for warranty service?
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HERESY!
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They never DID complain..But I know SOMEONE's day was ruined so it was $20 well spent.
I'm just always yanking your jumper cables Eric, all in fun, no offense ever implied! Are we still pals?
Compared to lots of other wanna be top gun mechanic sooper starz here on YouTube, you really have your stuff together and are miles ahead of all the others in your filmed presentations, humor and useful information. You are "Da Man" Eric ! Keep em rollin' out! G-man
I just now seen a few vids on crash test with the smart car, I stand partly corrected, the passenger cage looks like it stays intact from collisions BUT a frontal impact looks like it will pulverize your legs.
@TheBeachbum90210 To be honest I don't think about my clothing other than does it cover my butt and am I wearing the right thing at the time for what I'm doing so I really don't even notice stains as a result.
@syphilistic To be honest I don't really know, I've been using these plugs for years without a problem. It's one of those things that works so I just don't think about it.
i was told to twist the handle after you got the patch in and it supposedly makes a nice little ball at the end on the inside what do you think of this?
@lasersdend15 I never have twisted it after insertion and I've never experienced a problem so I suppose you could if you wanted but I don't think it's necessary.
I recently plugged a tire for the first time. Seen Dad do it my entire life [ get that enTIRE life? never mind..]
Let me tell you....wasn't easy. But I'm small only 4'11" I DID get it!!! Arms hurts for days and pretty sure I have a hernia.... Some of us don't have muscle and size on our side. That's when being hard headed comes in handy. LOL!!
@AlwaysWishing1983 I've seen people use a drill to make the initial hole if that helps you next time. I've also had to use a hammer to get the plug in sometimes. Whatever it takes I guess, I admire your spirit, thanks for the comment.
@EricTheCarGuy A helpful tip for inserting tire plugs: Use a propane torch to heat the plug. This permits extremely easy insertion. And in cold weather, it is almost mandatory unless you enjoy muscle strains. This also avoids the need for hammering and allows you to use one of the cheaper kits with plastic handles. Oh, and for those people worried about compromising the structural integrity of the tire with a plug; the object that punctured the tire has already done that. A patch won't fix it.
Hello friends. Just a little tip for people who aren't familiar with this: Sometimes when you keep spraying the tire it immediately bubbles. And for the people who's been doing this a lot like Eric, knows if the bubbles are from a leak, or just from spraying. So it helps when you pour the water+soap instead of spraying it or even soak it in a tub of water+soap. There will be less less bubbles and this way its easier to find out the leak. This really helps if you work flat rate like me lol
@ankl3br3ak3r I agree, that is why I said to wait a few minutes before checking it, that way you know it is a leak that's making the bubbles and not the application. Thanks for weighing in.
@mixwell1983 No you should never patch a sidewall and any reputable tire shop will tell you the same. The reason is because the sidewalls flex and any patch simply won't hold on.
@Jeffmtbr No, my girth is more than enough to get it in there, I have had some issues in the past that's why there are dents on my tools from hammering them in on difficult tires.
I see those Smart cars everywhere out here in CA. If I was desprite for transportation, I'd rather take my chances on a bicycle there's a better chance of surviving a head-on collition with a Smart Car lmao. Have no idea how NTHSA approved these nat cars as being safe on the road.
We had a plug in one tire, and it was actually close to the sidewall but not actually in the sidewall luckily and its still there after at least two years and countless miles. We have driven on that tire for hours on the highway, through the snow, just everywhere and it doesn't leak any air at all.
Did this the other day, but I leave the tire on the car as I don't have a jack that is going to work well enough to save me any time and effort. The best bet when you're doing it on the car is move the car so the nail/screw is in a nice spot. I go for the side so I can lay on the ground and push myself with the other tire or something else that can support the pressure. Do make sure you have the car in park if its an auto or in gear if its manual and the parking brake on.
@snoopdogie187 Good call and in the end safer if it's not jacked up, just a little more difficult but if it gets the job done it gets the job done. Thanks for the comment.
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I have a question could you please tell me if this is a permanent or temporary repair I bought one of these off eBay. Thank you
MrBoltonlee 2 days ago
I recently blew a tire, went into a national chain and they plugged the tire and then told me it would not hold and that I needed to buy a new tire from them.. I left, took the tire to the local tire guy in the small town I live in and he patched it and it is fine.
TripInsure 1 month ago
You seem to know what you're doing but I'm gonna jump in anyway. I always pump a tire up to about max inflation + 20 before I check for leaks with the soapy stuff. I never look for nails either. Just spray the whole tire and let the soap do the hard stuff. Another thing is the silicone on the awl. Is it a good idea to introduce a contaminant before you push a plug in there? I wonder. Plus I always use the glue with the plugs. And I drill 'em. If it's a big hole I use two plugs. Nice video!
localcrew 1 month ago
Great video very informative. Do a lot of four wheel driving this will help, gonna buy a kit. Thanks mate.
julessmyth 1 month ago
@EricTheCarGuy good vid, I felt it need some information on why those plugs are only a temporary solution by stating that they can pop out of the tyre again and cause sudden deflation and how a plug should only ever be a temp solution so you can get to a tyre store and have it professionally patched
trodengore 1 month ago
@trodengore Honestly I've never seen or heard of that happening, if it did I would say that perhaps it was never installed correctly in the first place. I did mention in the video however that the best method is to patch a tire as that is what most tire manufacturers recommend. Thanks for your input
EricTheCarGuy 1 month ago
Say Eric, some of the plastic tire plugger kits at Walmart go for under $10. They come with rubber cement that you apply on the plug itself. Did you use a special plug material that doesn't need rubber cemenet?
ninjaryder1st 2 months ago
once i was not able to find the leak, threw it in the pool and found it :) just a helpful tip!
TorqueRider2000 2 months ago
@TorqueRider2000 That would work too. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 2 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy your welcome, and yea the reason i could not find it, i was working on someones set of 20" gold 100spoke rims, could not find the leak for anything, well turned out it was where one of the spokes met the rim....
TorqueRider2000 2 months ago
@TorqueRider2000 I've seen that myself, thanks for your post.
EricTheCarGuy 2 months ago
Eric the car guy is a bad ass tire pugger !! he does it so quick lol
iTzzEuphoriaaaaaa 3 months ago
@iTzzEuphoriaaaaaa Comes from my days as a flat rate tech. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 3 months ago
Erick your my savior my own personal Jesus Christ thanx guy you do the world a favor
sancasmiadas1 3 months ago
@sancasmiadas1 I'm very happy to be there for you, thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 3 months ago
what if you hit the curb and cut the sidewall. What can you do to patch it up? in my case, the tire does not leak air and the cut is about 1/2 inch long and 1/8 inch deep.
superherosatlive 4 months ago
@superherosatlive You can't, replace the tire.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
@superherosatlive haha I was going to ask the same thing my wife hit a curb and the rim caused a little tear in the tire right next to the rim!
Travide 3 months ago
@superherosatlive Depending on the diameter of the hole you can plug the sidewall .. i have one of mine plugged at the moment its on the inside wall though
iTzzEuphoriaaaaaa 3 months ago
lol I saw this and got all excited just It reminded me my tire had a leak. then I got mad cuz I couldnt plug it .... Staple ..... lol
ITS4390 4 months ago
@ITS4390 You could always take it to be patched, it's less than replacing the tire.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy oh i did
ITS4390 4 months ago
nice video...couldnt afford the all metal ones. Got a kit with plastic handles at "The Zone" for like $10.
Question: Is the rubber cement necessary?
wardubo 4 months ago
@wardubo I think that would work just fine. Thanks for the comment and good luck.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
Thanks for the video, it helped alot!
Ech3l0n 4 months ago
@Ech3l0n I'm glad you liked it, thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
Just a tip but those side cuts you used earlier to pull the screw are reaaal nice for cutting the excess plug off instead of that knife.
Bassman018 4 months ago
@Bassman018 Not mine, they're kinda dull.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
Good job Eric! Very good video!
jamieski1972 5 months ago
@jamieski1972 Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 5 months ago
It was helpful thanks!
Aztech355 5 months ago
Is it ok to use two plugs in the one hole? I tried one plug but the hole is too big. Two plugs seal it up.
DiarmaidGNR 5 months ago
@DiarmaidGNR I guess if it works but I'm sure there are many that would not recommend that but rather recommend using a patch on the inside of the tire.
EricTheCarGuy 5 months ago
Nice video. I would avoid using silicone spray on the awl, though. While I don't know specifically if it will affect tire cement, I have seen silicone spray and other silicone products prevent other adhesives from bonding properly.
lswasserm1 5 months ago
@lswasserm1 Good point honestly I hadn't considered that.
EricTheCarGuy 5 months ago
michelin mxv4 tires. Still got it!
Tony01013 5 months ago
If the nail is in the side of the tire and needs to be replaced, is it ok to just replace one tire or should I replace 2 tires? Somebody told me that if I replace one tire, they will spin at different speeds and possibly cause internal damage. Thanks for the help.
jayfiver 6 months ago
@jayfiver The spinning at different speeds is crap however it might pull to one side if it is only one front tire that is replaced. I recommend replacing tires in pairs but if you are in a bind then you can just replace one, I recommend a tire of the same type and make as the others however.
EricTheCarGuy 6 months ago
@jayfiver if one tire is nearly bald, and one tire is new with a lot of tread, and the two tires happen to be drive wheels, you want to avoid that. its extra wear on your differential. it could cost a hundred bucks to replace a second tire that has a few months left, but thousands if your differential cant handle the extra wear. its not going to instantly destroy anything. if theyre not drive wheels, worst case is uneven wear
crowleythegod 5 months ago
@crowleythegod I think your a little off base here. If the tires are of different diameters that's one thing but wear on the tires or the difference in wear is not going to effect the differential at all.
EricTheCarGuy 5 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy it will hardly affect it... you can do it and probably be fine but i wouldnt want to. if theres a quarter inch difference in tread theres a half inch difference in tire size. but thats mostly a matter for people who put compact spares on the drive axle like its a permanent solution.
crowleythegod 5 months ago
You left out 1 thing..... When plugging a tire, it seals best when you apply rubber cement to the plug, to create a "air-tight" seal. And it also helps bond the 2 materials together. Yet, good video!!!
jermainehoust 7 months ago
@jermainehoust You don't need to apply rubber cement to the type of plugs that I use as they already have sealing material embedded in them. Thanks for the comment and for your input.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
I broke a plastic set putting the plug in last sunday
kmklife63 7 months ago
@kmklife63 Yea, those don't work out too well in my experience.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
Hi eric, Just ran into a nail last week, and brought my car to the nearest vulcanizing shop. they actually do the same thing as the video, and he said that its ok. Its my first time to see such thing, its my first time to ran into a nail (great),, Is this practice really ok? (its just a small nail btw) I mean, is it safe? rather than patching the inside part of the tire? Thanks
alejdeleon 7 months ago
@alejdeleon Tire manufacturers don't like it but I haven't seen a problem with it in my experience.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy thanks bro....... didnt have any prob so far...... feel so safe..... salamat!!! (thanks)
alejdeleon 7 months ago
Eric, I just manually dismounted a set of tires from old rims the redneck way, but I took a small nick out of the innermost lip of bead on one tire. The chunk is about 1/2" by 3/8". The rest of the tire is excellent. Have I made the tire unsafe or is it likely still usuable? Thanks for all you do for us out here in Polka land.
mwngw 8 months ago
@mwngw I don't think it will seal and I don't recommend using it.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
hi guys
I HAVE JUST PLAGGED MY REAR TYRES !!! DO I NEED TO DO WHEEL BALANCEING??
THANK YOU
ellemisha 8 months ago
@ellemisha You shouldn't unless there is a vibration.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
@curbhash I haven't had much trouble inserting the plug without lubricant, my concern would be that the plug would not seal properly if I put lubrication on it. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
I'm watching this after patching but anyways wanted to say some things.. As far as the quality, its great for me and im watching it full screen on a 46" tv. Make sure your quality is set to 480p if you have the option at the bottom right of the video while it is playing.
Smaller the nail the harder it is to patch because it takes a lot more force to get the tool into the hole. I had to use a hammer. I had a screw and a nail. Still leaking though so I need to do the soap trick.
I
robsz1 10 months ago
@robsz1 oops... after pluging i meant...
robsz1 10 months ago
@robsz1 In the future you can also use a drill to make the hole larger to accommodate the plug as it can be easier than using a hammer. Thanks for your comment.
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
People have been using plugs for many many years and there is nothing wrong with plugging a tire outside of the dipstics in government want to force you to patch them on the idea that patches are better. plugs work fine.
jtman04401 10 months ago
Despite knowing how to do this, I had a friend who did not... when I searched for it on youtube to send my buddy a link, I came across your video! Just wanted to say that aside from the video quality not being the greatest (but still acceptable) your explanation, instruction and demonstration are spot on for helping anyone who comes across your video no matter what level of experience they have! Thanks and keep on posting great clips! :)
bbrown1985 10 months ago
@bbrown1985 Your the second person to mention the video quality, I just watched it again myself and it was fine. YT uses different servers for different locations I think the server where your video is coming from has an issue because like I said it looked fine to me. Thanks for the comment though I really appreciate it. I'll have to look into the issue with YT, thanks for the heads up.
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
@bbrown1985
Absolutely crystal clear here, even at just 360p.
chickenbeek 9 months ago
@chickenbeek I apologize to both, as I may have not worded my sentences adequately enough. The picture definition is fine... by overall quality, I had only meant that it could have benefited from better lighting. The videos are great, though!
bbrown1985 9 months ago
Very good. Video quality was poor but excellent information. I didnt know that about stop leak. Thanks for the information. I recently had a leak this winter.....2 days in a row! Second day in the shop again except the rim had damaged the tire. So I bought 2 new tires....
sonicthehedgehogca 11 months ago
Another thing Eric, whats the correct rewpair kit I should look for like the one you have? Whats the name of the kit, could I find it on Ebay?
pcpaterson 11 months ago
@pcpaterson This kit is pretty standard to be honest but most of the kits you find will have plastic handles as opposed to my metal ones. I don't know the brand or even where I got my kit to be honest it was so long ago.
EricTheCarGuy 11 months ago
Hey Eric, thanks a million for the very educational video. Had my new tyres on my car for 3 months and one tyre got a screw in it, not as long as the one you had there man. Eric I have already REMOVED THE SCREW from the tyre, does this matter, can I still repair it this way as long as I know where the hole is?? Is it important to have air in the tyre to carry out the repair?? Please reply asap, thanks Eric, Michael.
pcpaterson 11 months ago
@pcpaterson It does make things a lot easier with air in the tire to be honest so you might want to fill it up before you make the attempt.
EricTheCarGuy 11 months ago
3:57 On the part of aerosol tire sealants. you said it cause smore problems than it helps, what have you seen it do other than being nasty messy and gumming everything up? What other problems has it caused? I only carry it as a last resort in the case I can't get a car off a freeway to change the tire and it's too dangerous in some cases to do it out there with speeding cars. Or even when I can't bust a lugnut off because a shop air rammed it on too tight. hehe "bust a lugnut" stayin dirty.
man1d2tran 11 months ago
@man1d2tran I knew a guy that was removing a tire from the rim that had sealant in it, the tire exploded as the tire machine made a spark when it came in contact with one of the steal belts, he's messed up for life because of it. This is the reason you have to put that sticker on the tire they give you with the can when you use it as a lot of people have been hurt by it. It also screws up the balance of the tire as you can never balance a tire with stop leak in it.
EricTheCarGuy 11 months ago
This helped me out alot Eric thank you!
kellogs124 11 months ago
@kellogs124 Your welcome, thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 11 months ago
hey eric i have a veryyyy small screw shorter than 10mm into the tread of the tire. and only like 5mm of it went into the tire. but i know its causing a small leak. so my question is i bought the similar kit as yours. and i tried to push in the file and it wont go in at all. can i use a very small drill bit and electric drill and drill into the tire than use the file?????? is that safe?
LiLTMac123 1 year ago
@LiLTMac123 btw i have a tire for a 3000gt vr4 with 275 width and it was not a cheap tire i hope i wont mess anything up so im asking you the question
LiLTMac123 1 year ago
@LiLTMac123 Some of the guys I used to work with used drills for that all the time and didn't have a problem. Just keep in mind most tire manufacturers would rather you removed the tire and patched it from the inside especially with a performance tire, just an FYI.
EricTheCarGuy 11 months ago
i was going to plug my tire today ran over a screw which turns out didnt penetrate the inside of the tire. the shop patched it. they scratched the paint pretty good on the outside wheel lip from there tire machine!!!! arggg wish i seen this vid looks so easy
inktoxicated 1 year ago
@inktoxicated That sucks, I wish you had seen it too. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
Thanks for the instructive video Eric...I recently purchased a portable DC air compressor, and a tire plug kit to fix any flats I get while out on the road. I logged onto Youtube to learn how to properly plug a tire, and your helpful video has given me the confidence to do just that. Thanks for posting this video!
zulucowboy 1 year ago
@zulucowboy Glad you liked the video, hopefully you won't have to use those tools anytime soon.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
"Be safe and stay dirty" I subscribed when you said that.
Are you a hot rodder?
SCBianchi 1 year ago
@SCBianchi Thanks for that. Not so much anymore, it's an expensive habit and my kids seem to eat up any disposable income I might come across these days. You might want to check out my 72 Galixie video.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
This must be the one thing I've never done to a car. My chick looked at me and laughed and was like "haha you can build a motor but I can plug a tire". Naturally I didn't trust her and here I am on youtube.
SCBianchi 1 year ago
@SCBianchi Ahh the things we do to impress the ladies, they never seem to be satisfied though.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
when you said about leaks around the rim, taking the tyre off isn't the only way to fix it. if you let the tyre down, and then take a rubber mallet. sometimes hitting the tyre around the rim will help reseat the tyre on the rim, often sealing the leak. :)
steveypeavey 1 year ago
@steveypeavey I'm referring to removing the corrosion buildup on the inside of the rim, I don't think hitting the tire is going to do much to solve that personally at least I haven't seen it.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
@EricTheCarGuy thanks for the super fast response. whenever i've done it, it's been for when the tyre hasnt seated properly against the rim, not corrosion causing the leak. thanks for the tip about using soap + water for detecting the bubbles, i just always used water. really enjoy your videos man, however it's hard to keep up sometimes as we use different terms over here in england aha
steveypeavey 1 year ago
@steveypeavey I just happened to be doing comments when you posted so we both got lucky on that one it seems. Teach me the English way as I'd love to learn.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
@EricTheCarGuy it's just the little stuff like you've got allen wrenches, and i would say an allen key. you say firewall, i say bulkhead. wrench/ratchet, zip ties/cable ties. :)
steveypeavey 1 year ago
@steveypeavey Noted, thank you. I know 'bonnet', I like that one actually, makes me thing of babies although they don't bloody your knuckles in quite the same way.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
@EricTheCarGuy Lol I used to have this service manual for a Ford Jaguar and it had like a glossary of American to English translations. I thought it was funny, as there were some that seemed quite odd.
SCBianchi 1 year ago
how do you do this on lower profile tires? your reamer looks pretty tall, it might touch the rim on a lower profile tire. And if your plug installer does go all the way in (touches the rim) what do you do?
chillincruisin 1 year ago
@chillincruisin You can do the same thing with low profile tires, any damage to the rim under where the tire is would be minimal and never seen. I would suggest however if it is a true performance application that you remove the tire and patch it instead to installing a plug.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
eric can you make a vid doing a car stereo installation.
hp11208 1 year ago
@hp11208 I probably will at some point but I don't see that happening anytime soon as I don't often get requests for it. If I do I will make a video for you though.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
i remember watching my father do this when i was a child ,but i think i remember him using glue with the plug ,anyway great video
kevrs2 1 year ago
@kevrs2 I haven't put anything on these plugs and I haven't had any issues but a lot of people have mentioned similar techniques in the comments below. Thanks for your comment.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
@kevrs2 Those are the old style tire plugs you can still find them if you really look.
The newer style plugs are self vulcanizing which means when you first drive on the tire the heat from road friction causes the plug to vulcanize or bond with the tire. No cement is required.
Self vulcanizing plugs are quicker to install since you don't need to apply cement to the plug or have to deal with cement residue cleanup on the tire and the installation tool afterward.
Bushougoma 1 year ago
hey eric not sure if its proper way of doin it but ever since i was a young kid when my dad plugged tires hed insert the plug and instead of cutting off the extra, hed take out his lighter and light the end of it he always said as it melts it burns the rubber filling in any voids the plug couldnt fill. but ya gotta be sure to blow it out just before it reaches the inside of the tread. not letting the flame actually burn the tire but its the heat thats melting it. he was a mechanic for many yrs..
yukonrott 1 year ago
@yukonrott That sounds like a good idea. One thing to note however, if someone used an aerosol sealant in the tire avoid getting a flame near the tire as this could cause the tire to explode, that stuff is SUPER flammable, I know more than one tire tech out there with scars from this experience.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
@EricTheCarGuy ya ive done it that way a few times myself. lighting it on fire that is.. not the sealant.. i found that sealant makes one hell of a bad day out of changing a tire.. gooey slimey shit anyway... but when i plug a tire i usually pull the valve core out just so theres no pressure cause if there is pressure sometimes itll blow the flame out and wont burn as far down. ive never had a plug fail this way.. it works for me but like everything it mite not work for someone else..
yukonrott 1 year ago
this happened to my sisters 2005 corolla and we kept the rim and tire on the car the minute the nail came out the tire just went flat we used the same plug system you used
poojacrew 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
hey my man thats true. Dont plug the sidewall. I did and it only lasted like 4 months. It just started leaking this past weekend. But hey Eric I got a question. My tires are pretty good, thread wise, but one has that leak so obviously I have to get another one, The questions is: should I go to a used tire spot and look for one with similar thread wear or just buy the same tires I have but new (my tires are only 8 months old). I need to know bro, I aint doing anything til I get your advise.
jorgevrod 1 year ago
hey my man thats true. Dont plug the sidewall. I did and it only lasted like 4 months. It just started leaking this past weekend. But hey Eric I got a question. My tires are pretty good, thread wise, but one has that leak so obviously I have to get another one, The questions is: should I go to a used tire spot and look for one with similar thread wear or just buy the same tires I have but new (my tires are only 8 months old). I need to know bro, I aint doing anything til I get your advise.
jorgevrod 1 year ago
@jorgevrod I'm of the opinion that tires are the most important part of the car. I recommend getting 2 new tires to match and if you have aluminum rims make sure they clean them before installing the new tires or else you will have a leak.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
Where did you buy your tire tools with the metal handle?
turbobuick33 1 year ago
@turbobuick33 I got them from the dealer where I used to work.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
next time patch it!!!....lol j/k I have 2 plugs on the sidewall of the right rear tire of my 2006 Honda Accord =-X it has been holding for months already, I was going to replace it but ohh well...lol
GTCHAMPION1 1 year ago
@GTCHAMPION1 I'm really not sure how to respond to this as I know what you say to be true and I've seen others do worse and get away with it but I feel a responsibility to my viewers and I want to give them safe accurate information.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
is that even legal?..lol in canada thats not allowed anymore!
jambe1234567 1 year ago
@jambe1234567 It's legal in the states but like I said in the video many tire companies would not recommend this practice.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
My father's 2001 Dodge 2500 Full Size Van needs 3 tires. I was looking around for a used one. I found one with a tire code that starts with a P for passenger. Is it okay or safe to replace an LT tire with a P tire? Does this pass PA state safety inspection? Can you do alignment with LT225/75/16 on 1 side and P235/60/16 on the other side (same axle, rear).
nobleheight 1 year ago
@nobleheight In short, no, you can't put 2 different tire sizes on the same axle especially on a RWD axle as it could cause damage to the differential. Also you really shouldn't put a passenger tire on where a truck tire is called for either.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
(continuation) The sinking pedal only started happening yesterday, so that means the brake master cylinder has not been bypassing long. Which means there probably isn't much brake fluid inside the booster. Whatever brake fluid IS inside the booster is going to be tough to remove. How do I remove the brake fluid from inside the booster? I want to save the booster.
nobleheight 1 year ago
@nobleheight I would say the problem is specific to your situation since in all the years I've worked on Honda's I've only replaced one brake booster that was damaged in a collision, I'm not saying they don't go bad I just haven't seen it at the same frequency as you. Perhaps you should watch the video I did on taking care of a spongy brake pedal as I find this problem to be much more common on Honda brake systems after a repair.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
The pedal on my 99 Accord started sinking intermitently yesterday. In my experience with Hondas (this has happenned to me 4 times already before on 4 different Hondas), the intermitent nature of it indicates it is definitely due to a bypassing brake master cylinder.
Here's the question. In the pass, 2 days after replacing the master cylinder, the brake booster goes bad. How do I go about saving the booster? Is there a way to clean the brake fluid out of the inside of the booster.
nobleheight 1 year ago
no glue for the plug?
1122ss 1 year ago
@1122ss No, all that is needed is part of the plug itself by design.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
My father has a 2005 Chevy 1500 Van. It weighs 7200 pounds so it's pretty heavy. Is it okay to replace the wheel nuts (originally 7/8 inch) with 13/16 inch?
The thread is the same. They are both 14 x 1.50.
However the outside is slightly narrower. (0.8750" - 0.8125" = 0.0625")
Does 62.5 thousandths of an inch make a difference in safety on a 7200 pound van?
nobleheight 1 year ago
@nobleheight Does that pass PA state safety inspection? Do they check? Hee Hee.
nobleheight 1 year ago
@nobleheight Well I suppose if it works it works. I'm not sure why you would want to change it though, seems like a lot of trouble to me.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
@EricTheCarGuy Some mechanic over tightened one of the wheel nuts. I don't have a compressor. I had the toughest time getting a good grip on the wheel nut using a 4 way wrench. The nuts got rounded off because the gripping surface of the nut is reduced due to a portion of the gripping surface being allocated to stupid threading to hold the stupid chevy hub cap on. The nut I replaced them with do not have that stupid threading to hold the hub cap on.
nobleheight 1 year ago
@EricTheCarGuy I believe that having more gripping surface will make it easier for me to removed overtightened nuts. Besides, I hate all things cosmetic and, therefore, non-functional (dead weight). The OEM nuts have stupid threading on the outside of the nut to hold the hub cap on. That reduces the gripping surface. Remove the unnecessary threading, and you have more gripping surface and the nut is less likely to round off in the case of overtightened nuts.
nobleheight 1 year ago
So what you're saying is, after one failed can, I shouldn't move the tire to the front axle, put the car on jackstands with rocks behind the rear, start the engine, inject 5 cans of the aersol spray stuff into the tire, rev the engine in drive for 15 minutes while rocking the tire back and forth, then fill it with air and when it fails again take it back to the tire shop for warranty service?
..
HERESY!
...
They never DID complain..But I know SOMEONE's day was ruined so it was $20 well spent.
bobinator50000 1 year ago
@bobinator50000 You are a sick piece of meat, I like it.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
COOL!!!
jwed6 1 year ago
nah man it's pretty hilarious you gotta see it. I could mail you the sd card?
Spiegel420 1 year ago
@Spiegel420 Well OK, PM me and I'll send you an address.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
wow what a coincidence......i just found a flat tire in my car and i decided to check here for a quick fix and here it is
skylineisr 1 year ago
@skylineisr Glad I could help. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
I'm just always yanking your jumper cables Eric, all in fun, no offense ever implied! Are we still pals?
Compared to lots of other wanna be top gun mechanic sooper starz here on YouTube, you really have your stuff together and are miles ahead of all the others in your filmed presentations, humor and useful information. You are "Da Man" Eric ! Keep em rollin' out! G-man
TheBeachbum90210 1 year ago
@TheBeachbum90210 Of course we're still friends, I don't take myself that seriously. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
Ah! good man, it's stuck on my busted camera. you wouldn't happen to be an electronics Jedi aswell would you?
Spiegel420 1 year ago
@Spiegel420 No worries man, I just wanted you to know that I didn't forget about you. As for your camera I'm not sure I can help, sorry.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
I just now seen a few vids on crash test with the smart car, I stand partly corrected, the passenger cage looks like it stays intact from collisions BUT a frontal impact looks like it will pulverize your legs.
Michiganborn1969 1 year ago
@Michiganborn1969 In reality that is true for just about everything on the road right now.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
Hey Eric, is that old battery acid on your shirt?? I like the tip about spraying the reamer awl with silicone lube...
TheBeachbum90210 1 year ago
@TheBeachbum90210 To be honest I don't think about my clothing other than does it cover my butt and am I wearing the right thing at the time for what I'm doing so I really don't even notice stains as a result.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
Is there any particular reason they still sell and some people still use the old cement type plugs instead of the self vulcanizing plugs you use?
I use the newer vulcanizing ones myself the cement is just too messy IMO.
syphilistic 1 year ago
@syphilistic To be honest I don't really know, I've been using these plugs for years without a problem. It's one of those things that works so I just don't think about it.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
Cool vid thanks for the info.
imautuber444 1 year ago
i was told to twist the handle after you got the patch in and it supposedly makes a nice little ball at the end on the inside what do you think of this?
lasersdend15 1 year ago
@lasersdend15 I never have twisted it after insertion and I've never experienced a problem so I suppose you could if you wanted but I don't think it's necessary.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
I recently plugged a tire for the first time. Seen Dad do it my entire life [ get that enTIRE life? never mind..]
Let me tell you....wasn't easy. But I'm small only 4'11" I DID get it!!! Arms hurts for days and pretty sure I have a hernia.... Some of us don't have muscle and size on our side. That's when being hard headed comes in handy. LOL!!
AlwaysWishing1983 1 year ago
@AlwaysWishing1983 I've seen people use a drill to make the initial hole if that helps you next time. I've also had to use a hammer to get the plug in sometimes. Whatever it takes I guess, I admire your spirit, thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
@EricTheCarGuy A helpful tip for inserting tire plugs: Use a propane torch to heat the plug. This permits extremely easy insertion. And in cold weather, it is almost mandatory unless you enjoy muscle strains. This also avoids the need for hammering and allows you to use one of the cheaper kits with plastic handles. Oh, and for those people worried about compromising the structural integrity of the tire with a plug; the object that punctured the tire has already done that. A patch won't fix it.
WorkingHonda 1 year ago
I plugged a tire on my Daughters car last Summer. I left it on the car. It was easy to find the screw that had punctured it.
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I just had the cheapy tool from Wal-Mart.
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"Anything" to get the object out? How about a Banana Split?
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Too true about dull blades.
bowlingballout 1 year ago
@bowlingballout I suppose you could use a banana split, sounds like an episode for "grandpa" (that bastard).
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
I've plugged tires on skid steers and smaller front end loaders and haven't had a single problem. Not to mention several vehicles.
chechnya 1 year ago
@chechnya Well I don't think I've ever seen one of those at "speed" on the highway, I think that is the real issue they have with plugs.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
I see based on that green cap they sold the person on the Nitrogen bunch of snake oil if you ask me.
syphilistic 1 year ago
@syphilistic Well 80% of the air you are breathing right now is Nitrogen so if you use compressed air your 80% of the way toward a "green" cap.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
Hello friends. Just a little tip for people who aren't familiar with this: Sometimes when you keep spraying the tire it immediately bubbles. And for the people who's been doing this a lot like Eric, knows if the bubbles are from a leak, or just from spraying. So it helps when you pour the water+soap instead of spraying it or even soak it in a tub of water+soap. There will be less less bubbles and this way its easier to find out the leak. This really helps if you work flat rate like me lol
ankl3br3ak3r 1 year ago
@ankl3br3ak3r I agree, that is why I said to wait a few minutes before checking it, that way you know it is a leak that's making the bubbles and not the application. Thanks for weighing in.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
Bamf
Spiegel420 1 year ago
@Spiegel420 Were is my guitar solo stoner? :)
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
Hey Eric would it be alright to patch a sidewall of a tire ? I always considered the tire as a loss once the side wall is damaged.
mixwell1983 1 year ago
Comment removed
syphilistic 1 year ago
@mixwell1983 No you should never patch a sidewall and any reputable tire shop will tell you the same. The reason is because the sidewalls flex and any patch simply won't hold on.
syphilistic 1 year ago
@mixwell1983 I'm going to admit to having done it and being told never to do it again.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
thnks, Eric ! i know now how to plug a tire for my car... but i don't have a car *
fancynot 1 year ago
@fancynot Well it's much easier to patch a bike tire anyway, better for the environment too.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
I was thinking...what if you put some soapy water on the plug? Wouldn't it help it go in easier?
mrjost55 1 year ago
@mrjost55 No, just man up and jam it in.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
I thought you were going to pop a gasket when you were installing that plug.
Looks like a little force is required.
Jeffmtbr 1 year ago
@Jeffmtbr No, my girth is more than enough to get it in there, I have had some issues in the past that's why there are dents on my tools from hammering them in on difficult tires.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
@Yaheuben66
I see those Smart cars everywhere out here in CA. If I was desprite for transportation, I'd rather take my chances on a bicycle there's a better chance of surviving a head-on collition with a Smart Car lmao. Have no idea how NTHSA approved these nat cars as being safe on the road.
Michiganborn1969 1 year ago
@Michiganborn1969 I think you should do a search on "smart car collision" I think you would be surprised.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
We had a plug in one tire, and it was actually close to the sidewall but not actually in the sidewall luckily and its still there after at least two years and countless miles. We have driven on that tire for hours on the highway, through the snow, just everywhere and it doesn't leak any air at all.
snoopdogie187 1 year ago
Did this the other day, but I leave the tire on the car as I don't have a jack that is going to work well enough to save me any time and effort. The best bet when you're doing it on the car is move the car so the nail/screw is in a nice spot. I go for the side so I can lay on the ground and push myself with the other tire or something else that can support the pressure. Do make sure you have the car in park if its an auto or in gear if its manual and the parking brake on.
snoopdogie187 1 year ago
@snoopdogie187 Good call and in the end safer if it's not jacked up, just a little more difficult but if it gets the job done it gets the job done. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago