How to Repair a Bike Puncture
How to Repair a Bike Puncture
No matter how careful you are when cycling, it's likely you'll puncture your tyre at some point. Luckily, it's usually quite simple to fix - follow Halfords' handy guide on how to repair a bike puncture and you'll be back on the road in no time.
If you get a puncture while you're out, it's usually easier to replace the inner tube with a new one, then repair the punctured tube at home. However you can still repair a punctured tube at the roadside if necessary, with the right kit.
BIKE PUNCTURE REPAIR CHECKLIST
Make sure you're prepared for a puncture by carrying these essentials with you every time you go out on a ride. It's a good idea to buy a bike bag that fits onto your frame to keep them in.
- Puncture repair kit
- Tyre levers
-
Spanner (if required for wheelnuts)
- Bike pump
- Spare bike inner tube
- Chalk, crayon, sandpaper
Halfords sells all of these items as part of our bike maintenance range - don't leave home without them! If you're unlucky enough to get a puncture, follow the steps below.
BIKE PUNCTURE REPAIR - FIRST STEPS
- Place the bike somewhere safe where you'll have room to work . Check your tyre for any obvious causes of the puncture, like a thorn or nail, and carefully remove.
- Loosen the wheel nuts with the spanner, or undo the quick release bolts if your bike has them. Remove your wheel and check that the inner tube is deflated.
- On the opposite side to the valve, push the tyre wall away from the wheel rim. Insert the flat end of a tyre lever into the gap, then hook the other end onto a spoke.
- Move the tyre around about 4-5 inches and repeat, working your way round to free one side of the tyre from the rim.
- Slowly remove the inner tube one section at a time, pushing the valve out carefully.
- Check the inside of the tyre for anything that might have caused the puncture, and remove.
- If you have a spare inner tube, now is the time to insert it and pump it up. If not, you'll have to repair the puncture using the following instructions.
HOW TO REPAIR THE PUNCTURE
- Locate the puncture by listening for escaping air or by placing the tube in water and watching for bubbles.
- Once you've found it, remove any objects embedded in the tube then mark the spot with the crayon.
- Roughen the surface around the hole with sandpaper, ensure the tube is dry, then stick on the patch from the puncture repair kit. Follow the instructions that come with the kit on how to do this.
- Check the inside of the tyre for any objects that could puncture it again, and remove.
- Put a small amount of air into the tube, before inserting the valve back into the wheel. Tuck the tube into the tyre all the way round, then tuck the tyre back over the wheel rim (starting opposite the valve this time).
- As you come to the final seating of the tyre (at the valve), push the valve back into the hole, seat the tyre and pull the valve back through.
- Use your bike pump to inflate the tyre to the recommended pressure (normally found written on the side of the tyre), and refit the wheel onto the bike.
BIKE PUNCTURE REPAIR AT HALFORDS
Learning how to repair a puncture is a valuable skill for any cyclist. However, if you don't have time or are unsure how to do it, Halfords carries out bike puncture repairs and other maintenance in-store for a low cost.
We've also got a massive range of bike tyres and other bike parts should you ever have to replace them. You can reserve online to collect in-store, or buy online for home delivery.
