You can fix a slashed tire at home as long as the slash isn’t too large and your tire has been slashed on the tire tread. If the slash is on the tire’s sidewall, you’ll have to replace it.

Whether you’re getting ready for your morning commute or simply going for a drive, discovering your car has a slashed tire can ruin your day. Slashed tires make it impossible to use your car until you either replace it or try to repair the slash.

Figuring out whether you can fix your slashed tire at home can be daunting. That’s why

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Can you fix a slashed tire?

While it’s possible to repair slashed tires, sometimes the damage is too extensive to fix. Here’s how to know if you’ll need to replace your tire instead of repairing it.

The slash is on the sidewall: You can only repair a tire slash if the slash is on the tread. If it's on the sidewall instead, it’s best to replace your tire instead of repairing it.

The slash is very large: If the tire slash is longer than a fourth of the tire’s diameter, the slash is too large to repair.

There are multiple slashes: If the tire has more than one significant slash, you’re better off replacing the tire. Repairing the damage will take longer, and there’s a greater risk of more damage done to the tire.

MORE:

Will insurance cover a flat tire?

What you’ll need to repair your tire

If your tire slash is on the tread and it’s not too large, you’re ready to begin repairing it. Here’s what you’ll need to fix your slashed tire:

Car jack

Tire sealant (for method 1)

Tire plug kit (for method 2)

Lug wrench (for method 2)

MORE: How often to check your car’s tire pressure

How to repair your slashed tire

There are two different methods for repairing a slashed tire. Which one you use depends on whether you want a longer-term solution or a quick fix.

Method 1: Use sealant

This method uses tire sealant to fix your slashes tires and generally lasts longer than method 2. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Lift your car with a jack so that the damaged tire is no longer on the ground. Make sure your hazard lights are on if you’re not in your driveway or a parking lot.

Read the sealant instructions and apply the directed amount onto your tire slash. Don’t use less than the recommended amount, as you’ll likely compromise the sealant’s efficacy.

Check your tire pressure and ensure the slashed tire’s pressure is balanced with your other tires and that it’s holding air. Beware that tire sealants can cause your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to malfunction, so you may not get an accurate read.

MORE:

The best tire pressure gauges

Method 2: Use a tire plug kit

This method doesn’t always last as long as tire sealant does, but it’s not as messy to apply, and a tire plug won’t cause your TPMS to malfunction. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Lift your car with a jack so that the damaged tire is no longer on the ground. Make sure your hazard lights are on if you’re not in your driveway or a parking lot.

Use your lug wrench to remove the slashed tire from your car.

Carefully inspect the tire for the slash. If you can’t see it, listen for the hiss of escaping air.

Follow the tire plug kit instructions to plug the tire slash. Make sure you push the plug far into the tire so that very little of the plug sticks out.

Check your tire pressure and inflate your tire if you need to. Make sure that your damaged tire is holding air before driving your car!

While both of these methods will repair your slashed tire, neither is a permanent solution. Eventually, your slashed tire will be ineffective, and you’ll need to replace it with a new tire.

MORE:

Nail in tire? How to remove and repair a puncture

How to find the best car insurance

Keeping your tires in working order is an important part of staying safe on the roads, but the best way to keep you covered is by finding the right car insurance coverage.

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FAQs

What's the difference between a slashed tire and a flat tire?

A slashed tire is just one way a tire becomes flat, whereas a flat tire can be caused by many things, such as a leaky valve or an accidental puncture. Tire slashes are typically deliberate and often caused by a knife.

Are slashed tires covered by insurance?

This depends on the type of car insurance coverage you have. If you have comprehensive coverage, it’s more than likely that your insurance provider will cover your slashed tire. If you only carry liability coverage, your insurance won’t cover any damages that occur to you or your vehicle.

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