What is Tubeless Tyre
A tubeless tire is a type of tire that does not have an inner tube. Instead, the tire itself forms an airtight seal with the rim of the wheel. This is achieved by the tire beads fitting tightly onto the rim, creating a sealed system that traps air directly inside the tire.
Safety first
- Park safely off the road, on level ground. Switch on hazards.
- Apply the parking brake and chock opposite wheels.
- Wear gloves and eye protection. Tyres are under pressure, be careful when inflating.
- If you’re unsure or the damage looks severe, call roadside assistance or a tyre pro.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need for Fix Car Tyre
- Tubeless tyre puncture repair kit (T-handle rasp, T-handle insertion tool, Rubber plug strips, reamer tool, insertion tool)
- Tyre pressure gauge
- Portable air pump or compressor
- Soap water (for leak detection)
- Gloves (for safety)
- Safety glasses (optional but recommended)
Step 1: Locate the Puncture
- Park the car on a flat surface and apply the handbrake.
- Visually inspect the tires for nails, screws, or other sharp objects.
- If it is difficult to find the puncture, inflate the tire slightly and spray soapy water around it – bubbles will form on the leaky surface.
- Mark the puncture site with chalk or a marker.
Step 2: Remove the Object
- Use pliers/tweezers to carefully remove the nail, screw, or shard from the tire.
- Be prepared for the air to quickly escape after removing the item.
Step 3: Prepare the Hole
- Insert the reamer tool from your puncture kit into the hole.
- Push and twist it repeatedly to clean the puncture and roughen the inside walls to better engage the plug.
- This step may require some strength – tire rubber is hard.
Step 4: Insert the Plug
- Take a rubber strip from the kit and thread it through the eye of the plug insertion tool until it is centred.
- Apply rubber glue/cement (if included in your kit) to the strip for a good seal.
- Push the tool with the strip into the hole until about 1-2 cm of the strip is visible.
- Pull the tool out quickly – the strip should stay in, sealing the puncture.
Step 5: Trim and Inflate
- Use a cutter to cut off the excess rubber that is sticking out of the tire.
- Inflate the tire to the recommended pressure (check your car manual or the sidewall of the tire for the recommended air pressure).
- Use a pressure gauge to ensure the air pressure is accurate.
Step 6: Check the Repair
- Spray soapy water again around the punctured repair area to eliminate air bubbles.
- If bubbles appear, the seal is not complete – you may need to redo the repair or seek professional help.
Important Safty Notes
- This is a temporary repair – have the tire checked and professionally repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
- Avoid repairing punctures on the sidewall of the tire – this is unsafe and will require replacement.
- Safety Tips.
- Avoid working on the side of the road in poor visibility; safety comes first.
- Always use the correct tire pressure to prevent further damage.
- If the hole is too large or the tire has multiple punctures, replace it immediately.
