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How do I fix a puncture in a car tire?

Earlier today, I pulled into my garage and could hear a hissing noise from my tire—I ran over a screw, and I'm kicking myself. I need this car to get to school, as well as to get my kid to daycare, and I really can't afford a hole in my tire. How do I fix this puncture?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“A punctured tire can feel like the end of the world—but it doesn’t have to be, and there’s no need to kick yourself. To fix a puncture in a car tire, follow these steps:
  • Locate the leak, if you haven’t done so already.
  • Loosen the lug nuts of the wheel and safely jack up the car.
  • Remove the wheel.
  • Use a plugging kit and push the plug (rubber) into the hole using the included tool.
  • Use rubber cement or another seal to spray around the area.
  • Refill the tire up to the proper PSI.
After you’ve completed this, drive around for about five to 10 minutes and re-check the PSI. If it’s fixed, the PSI should remain the same.
If the PSI drops, the tire could be beyond repair. Unfortunately, most
extended warranties
don’t cover this damage, so you’ll likely have to pay out of pocket. The price of a new tire runs about $80 to $300, depending on your car and the type of tire you want.
A tire should never be patched more than once, as it can blow out and cause an accident, and you may have to file a claim on your car insurance.
If you want to save money, one easy way to do so is by checking your insurance rate with the
Jerry
app to see if you can lower your premium. We’ll get you customized quotes from top-of-the-line providers within minutes–and if you find a provider you prefer, we’ll even help you switch! That way you can simply roll your way to a better price.
Best of luck with the tire—you’ve got this.”
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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