Imagine you’re on a long-distance drive and your tire decides to pop. Getting a flat tire is an inevitability of owning a car, but that’s not the worst part.
What if you don’t know how to change the tire or don’t have a spare on hand?
What if you’re out of mobile range and can’t call for help?
That’s where Fix-a-Flat comes in handy.
Fix-a-Flat is an emergency aerosol flat tire sealant and inflator. It contains a latex emulsion foam that plugs any leaks, and the propellant expands to inflate the tire and lift the rim off the ground.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to use Fix-a-Flat and answer some related questions.
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Let’s begin.
How To Use Fix-a-Flat (Step-By-Step Guide)
Fix-A-Flat comes in a 16 oz can with enough sealant and propellant for standard-sized tires. It’s best to keep a can handy in your car, so you don’t get stranded with a punctured tire.
Here’s how you can use Fix-a-Flat to repair your flat tire temporarily:
- Bring The Car To A Safe Spot
- Identify The Leak Source
- Open The Tire Valve
- Attach The Fix-a-Flat Nozzle
- Close The Tire Valve
- Drive The Car Immediately
- Inflate Tire To Recommended PSI Level
Step 1: Bring The Car To A Safe Spot
Several modern cars are equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that keeps a tab on the tire pressure and tells the driver which tire has gone flat.
If you notice this warning light on your dashboard, slowly pull over to the roadside or a parking lot.
Step 2: Identify The Leak Source
Once you know your tire is leaking air, it’s essential to identify the leak source. Flat tires could be caused by several factors like road debris, sharp objects, or excessive tire wear.
But you can only use Fix-a-Flat for minor damage or a tear not exceeding ¼ inch. It’s not designed to fix large leaks or repair completely flat tires.
In case the tire is too damaged, call roadside assistance or a mobile mechanic for help instead.
Step 3: Open The Tire Valve
Unscrew the tire valve cap and place it somewhere safe where you can find it later.
Shake the can of Fix-a-Flat to prepare the sealant for use.
Step 4: Attach The Fix-a-Flat Nozzle
Screw on the Fix-a-Flat nozzle onto the tire valve and ensure it’s tightly secure. Once the nozzle is in place, the can will start inflating the tire.
Note: Fix-a-Flat is for one-time use only, so you should empty the entire can into a single tire.
Step 5: Close The Tire Valve
Once the can is completely emptied into the tire, unscrew the can nozzle and place back the valve cap.
Step 6: Drive The Car Immediately
You should drive your car immediately after using Fix-a-Flat. This will help increase the tire pressure and distribute the sealant evenly inside.
Note that you should only drive your car for 2 to 4 miles after using this temporary sealant. So, try to take your vehicle to the nearest auto repair shop after using Fix-a-Flat.
Step 7: Inflate Tire To Recommended PSI Level
Every car manufacturer specifies PSI (pounds per square inch) pressure level for tires. The recommended air pressure will be listed on the tire placard attached to the vehicle door, glove box, or fuel door.
After using Fix-a-Flat, you’ll need to drive to the nearest gas station to inflate the tire to the recommended PSI level.
While using Fix-a-Flat is a quick solution, you’ll need to get your tire repaired or replaced by a professional. Also, remember to inform them that you’ve used a sealant so they can properly clean the tire for repair.
Now that you know how to use Fix-a-Flat, let’s also quickly answer some common Fix-a-Flat-related questions.
3 FAQs on Fix-a-Flat
Here are answers to common queries you might have about Fix-a-Flat:
1. How Does Fix-a-Flat Work?
Fix-a-Flat is an aerosol propellant-cum-sealant in a can that forces liquid into the tire. This liquid expands inside the tire and turns into gas. The propellant also carries a polymer latex that fills the tire with foam and hardens to plug any minor holes or tears.
However, this fix is only temporary and good enough to get your car to the nearest mechanic.
2. When Can I Use Fix-a-Flat For My Vehicle?
Here are some of the cases when Fix-a-Flat is a good solution:
- During an emergency or when there’s no time for changing a tire
- When you don’t have a spare tire and other required tools
- When you don’t know how to change a tire
- When a towing service is not available
3. Why Is Fix-a-Flat Not Recommended?
Here are a few reasons why we don’t recommend using Fix-a-Flat:
- Cleaning the sealant is difficult, especially when it has dried up
- The sealant can freeze in colder regions
- It won’t fix major flat tire issues
- The sealant can clog your vehicle’s TPMS
- Fix-a-Flat is only intended for cars and trucks with tubeless tires and not for motorbikes
Closing Thoughts
Fix-a-Flat is a quick fix during an emergency, but you’ll still need to head to a repair shop to get the damaged tire repaired.
For that, you could reach out to an auto repair service like AutoNation Mobile Service.
AutoNation Mobile Service is a mobile auto maintenance and repair solution with competitive and upfront pricing. We’re available 24/7, and you can easily book us online.
Contact us now, and our ASE-certified mechanics will stop past your driveway to repair or replace your flat tire in no time!