Unless you are fortunate enough to own a vehicle equipped with run-flat tires, you will probably find yourself dealing with a flat tire several times over the course of your driving career. Using a tire patch kit can get you back up and running quickly, until you are able to have the tire permanently repaired or replaced. Tire repair kits consist of soft rubber filler strips that can be inserted into your tire with a metal applicator. They are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at most gas stations and auto parts stores.
Remove the wheel from the vehicle. Remove the lug nuts from the wheel by turning the iron counterclockwise. Place a car jack under the frame near the flat tire, and lift the car so that the tire is off the ground by 2 or 3 inches. Pick the wheel up off the lug bolts and locate the puncture or foreign object.
Remove the object that caused the puncture if it is still in the tire. You may need to use a pair of pliers to accomplish this.
Place two or three drops of rubber cement on the applicator and drive it in and out of the puncture to remove any debris. The rubber cement aids in the sealing of the puncture, but is not included in all kits. If your kit does not come with rubber cement, the plug material will function without it.
Insert a strip of rubber plug into the notch at the end of the metal applicator. Add two or three more drops of rubber cement to the tip of the applicator if you repair kit requires it.
Insert the applicator into the puncture of the tire until the entire rubber plug strip has passed through the hole. Pull the applicator back out through the hole so that the tip of the applicator is free and has pulled 1/4 inch of the plug out of the hole along with it.
Twist the applicator 1/4 turn until it releases from the rubber plug. Trim any excess plug material with a pair of scissors. Re-install and re-inflate your tire if necessary. If you do not have access to an air source, install your spare tire using the tire iron and lug nuts. Lower the car and remove the jack. Drive to the nearest gas station or automotive service center, both of which should have an air compressor available to re-inflate your tire.
