Using Aerosol Tire Repair Spray

A flat tire always seems to occur at the worst time possible.  They can be quite dangerous if it affects your ability to steer.  The aerosol tire repair option is a convenient choice, especially if you are in a hurry or if you are far from help.

While most of us don't carry an aerosol tire repair spray can around, they sure can come in handy in an emergency.  They are not meant to be a permanent fix, but instead as a way to get you up and running again after a flat tire.  Not all of us know how or want to change a flat tire by ourselves. 

This part is very important; if you do use the aerosol to inflate and seal your tire, you must get to a repair shop ASAP for a “real” repair.  You must inform the mechanic that you used this and it would help if you kept the empty can to show him what product was used.  Why is this important?  Because a mechanic has to release air from the tire, thereby emmiting flammable chemicals from the spray propellant.  Furthermore, some believe the stuff in these cans can actually corrode the tire from the inside out.  Another reason to take the car in afterwards.

If this happens to you, first decide if the tire has simply just leaked air, or if it is damaged.  The spray won’t do you any good if the tire is severely damaged.  Then be sure your vehicle is moved away from traffic. 
Here is a quick summary of the best way to use tire repair spray:

1.  Move the car slowly so that the flat tire’s valve stem is neither directly at the top or at the bottom.  A 4 o’ clock position works well.  Unscrew the valve stem cap of course.

2.  Shake the can well.  Apply the nozzle right in line with the valve stem and keep that alignment the whole time.  The contents should begin to fill the tire now.  Keep holding until can empties.  The can is only meant to fix one flat tire.

3.  When done, remove the can and wipe any excess off the tire.

4.  Now you can put the valve stem cap back on and start your vehicle.  The best thing to do now is to slowly drive the car for a few miles so the sealant spreads evenly throughout the inside of the tire.  The product takes a little while to cure.

5.  Fill the tire to the appropriate pressure, then get to a repair station as soon as possible to have a permanent repair done.  Don’t forget to tell your mechanic about the use of the spray.

Good luck, hope this helps.