There’s nothing exciting about getting a flat tire. In fact, it can be the immediate end of an otherwise pleasant moment. Can this aerosol be a real emergency flat tire repair tool or would it be better used to signal a trucker through their windshield? Road tire sealants are a constant source of debate among motorists.
Classic car drivers often don’t even have room for a proper spare wheel in their vehicles, so one of these products is the only chance they have on the roadside outside of calling a flatbed tow truck to pick them up. Remember that if an automotive repair product seems too good to be true, it probably is. Now, forget you heard that for a minute. Fix-a-Flat is the real deal, and it’s the original flat tire aid. It really temporarily repairs tires, like a discounted tire repair in a bright yellow can.
Fix-a-Flat really works. It’s safe to store in your car and can survive scorching heat and freezing temperatures. All you need to know now is how to use the thing. As is the case with anything under high pressure in a can, using it incorrectly can lead to disastrous consequences. If your tire valve appears damaged, for example, you shouldn’t even take the yellow can out of the trunk. Knowing how it works and how to use it can be a lifesaver if you find yourself in that situation.
How to Use Fix-a-Flat on a Flat Tire
Warning:
There is evidence that aerosol sealants can damage TPMS (Tire Pressure Management Systems). If your car is equipped with tire pressure warnings, please consult the manufacturer before adding a can to your roadside emergency kit.
Fix-a-Flat is almost entirely self-explanatory. It can repair tires. But like all simple things, it’s the small details that can gum up the works.
Get ready to save the day
Stop in a safe area.
Remove the black cap from the valve stem (the nipple where air enters).
Put the cap in a safe place, you’ll need to put it back on when you’re done. *
Screw the Fix-a-Flat can onto the valve stem, you’ll hear it start filling the tire with air.
When it stops filling, unscrew the can and replace the valve stem cap.
Drive the car immediately. The sealant in the magic can needs to circulate evenly inside the tire to fill the leaking hole and roll smoothly.
Plug the hole yourself or take it to the shop.
Important
Remember that Fix-a-Flat is designed to get you to a safe place only and should never be considered a permanent tire repair. Fix the hole properly as soon as possible. Additionally, if you experience vibrations or wobbling while driving a tire repaired with Fix-a-Flat, don’t worry. The extra liquid inside your tire can throw it completely out of balance. While this isn’t an optimal condition for driving and can be somewhat hard on your suspension over an extended period, it’s okay to drive like that long enough to get it properly repaired. Remember that the keyword here is temporary.
If you get your tire repaired at a shop, make sure to tell them that you used Fix-a-Flat. They need to know that your tire is filled with aerosol gas and not just air.
* Valve stem caps prevent debris from clogging the valve and keep water and ice from building up. Both could cause problems in an emergency.