How to Temporarily Fix a Flat Tire

Most drivers will encounter a flat tire at least once during their lifetime. Swapping the flat tire out for the spare tire is one option; however, you can just as easily temporarily repair your flat tire, using an aerosol tire sealant. The advantage of using a temporary fix like this is that it takes a fraction of the time that it takes to swap out the flat tire. The main disadvantage is that it is only a temporary fix and you will eventually have to get your tire repaired by a tire shop.

Things You'll Need

  • Aerosol tire sealant such as Fix-A-Flat.
  • Locate the air filler neck on the flat tire and unscrew the plastic cap that protects the air nozzle.

  • Insert the nozzle coming out of your aerosol tire sealant can into the air filler nozzle and ensure that it is fully connected and no air will leak out when you begin to deploy the tire sealant.

  • Press down on the aerosol's deployment button, typically located on the top of the can, and begin to spray the tire sealant into your tire.

  • Watch the flat tire re-inflate as gases from the aerosol can enter into the tire. Keep pushing down on the button until all of the gas in the aerosol can has been dispersed.