How I Patch A Tire

In this video I bring you along as I patch a tire for a customer. Please refer to the proper tire repair manual to learn how to repair tire the correct way.

[@B.E.Long.63]

I swear you are the only one left on the planet that does things the right way honestly and with integrity... Thank You for that my friend....

[@ChaosNinja951]

the injury wasnt on the side wall though?

[@B.E.Long.63]

It's not the side wall my man..

[@roergaard]

No, but outside the repairable zone.

[@gatekeeper65]

If the injury was outside of the belt track, then why did a few sparks fly when he was buffing the area ?

[@conkilla187]

www.discounttiredirect.com/images/repairArea.gif The repair is outside the repairable area that my dealership will do.

[@terryrideshard]

im a retired tech , line mechanic, tire store tech , big truck repair tech . long ago. and id like to say i watch your video to pass my time alone. and it's no question technicians as yourself are far and few between you are to be commended for the expertise that use it each and every

[@davidcollins6164]

i do it better. i train all my guys to do it better.

[@ysesq]

@@davidcollins6164 prove it. wheres your video ?

[@davidcollins6164]

@@ysesq the fuck would a video prove

[@davidcollins6164]

@@biggsterbiggs5890 nope i'm better

[@mrobvious5892]

@@davidcollins6164 do exactly what better? Either dazzle me brilliance or baffle me with bullshit🥴

[@smb1014]

Ladies and gentlemen, you just saw the difference between a mechanic who has real experience in an auto repair shop and the pretend mechanics who get their degree from KZbin University. Eric O. at South Main Auto is one of the best TRUE mechanics I have seen on KZbin who is willing to show his expertise on KZbin.

[@davidcollins6164]

i do it better. i train all my guys to do it better.

[@pichanthaboury592]

I totally agreed brother I hope all true technicians watch this video and perform repair the correct way

[@mrmikeflo11]

Scotty Kilmer has years of experience as a mechanic, Eric the car guy as well.

[@tobycatron2103]

And the difference between a mechanic with scruples and Pepboys in Cincinnati that charged my son for this repair but put a simple plug in that failed.

[@Senkino5o]

I work as a Heavy Diesel tech, when we want to fix up a tyre like on a loader that's come from a scrapyard we just take the tyre off and load up a Marathon truck or float. So my experience fixing tyres is with the $30 tyre repair kits you can buy at auto stores, I've used them on cars, 4WDs, offroad equipment, never had a problem. I honestly cannot understand where the money is in buying $5,000 of equipment to repair car tyres.

[@skweekah]

You are a man of detail. I would imagine a customer would happily hand over their hard earned to you, cause it's obvious you do quality work. Great vid as always.

[@nickoli9889]

I wish I could trust a mechanic to do 1/4 of the job you just did. Very respectable work

[@mailmanjoe]

I don't know why but there's something satisfying about watching the tire seal to the bead when airing it up.😊

[@normang3668]

One thing I'd like to mention, if anyone is thinking of doing their own tire repair; even if you find the leak right away, make sure you check the whole tire thoroughly, because there's always the possibility that it's leaking from more than one spot.

[@jimbo357able]

After watching your video I decided to take my tire to a professional like yourself. In amazement I watched this as if it was the new star wars. It is amazing how I waist so much time on my day off watching stuff like this however; I am so much smarter today than yesterday. Keep up the good work and make more videos.

[@pazzmatt]

+Mike Wilson Haha, I was watching it like it was a movie too. Very interesting stuff.

[@robertbell525]

Educational videos like this are way better than the mindless garbage on TV that you try to catch between the endless commercials

[@micahgreene4573]

"waste"

[@watuzi]

Great video. I've always used the plugs myself whenever I get a nail in my tires. Never had any issues at all so far.

[@gregschofield8557]

And don't have to balance it with a plug

[@jimmypage4162]

You do real prideful work, makes me proud to be a mechanic when I see other guys out there like you!

[@ThacMan]

The most thorough tire patch and balance I've ever seen. Great job. Lucky town.

[@akawireguy1197]

When I was a young guy I turned wrenches for this Standard station for about a year in a small town. Great owner, we liked each other. I never had or wanted anything to do with the tire part of the operation. One Saturday the owner is gone. I see this kid who "did" tires walking a tire he had just mounted away from the machine. He had every huge wheel weight he could find all piled up in one spot on both sides of the rim with the ends lapping over each other and sticking out at crazy angles. I said to this kid, what's this? He says this is what the machine said it needed to balance up. I said no, something here is wrong. I took it back to the machine and disassembled it. Inside this tube type tire, which he had mounted tubeless, was the new tube that came with the tire all bundled up in there.

[@douglasthrelfall5318]

Great video! I love the fact you have all "dedicated" tools handy & ready for action. Unless that's just for the video "shoot"... I doubt it. You seem the type of tech who always does do it right the 1st time, with the right tools.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Douglas Threlfall I always try to do my best, even when no one is watching.

[@osos231]

When I was 17 I worked at Sears installing tears and that's how they taught me to plug a tire so I've been plugging tires at home the same way. I did learn about the Frey Lube, thanks Eric.

[@dwej9080]

I learned at sears too but 35 years ago. We lit the glue on fire to get it hot & sticky and then put the adhesive patch on.. AKA Hot patch. With two of us we could mount and balance four tires in as little as 15 minutes. Simple days...

[@Mike-we3rb]

2 years late but...you patch tires at home? You have a machine just to get them off?? Or just pry them off lol

[@kevinstorm6009]

@@dwej9080 lighting the glue on fire is a bad idea. It removes the solvents that are in the glue to help it seal. Just a hint from a retired pro tire tech.

[@JezebelIsHongry]

I just wanted to compliment you. You have a calm and masterful way of describing your craft that is enjoyable. I don't care abour sushi, but I found the same enjoyment wathcing the doc....Jiro Dreams of Sushi. Wish more people stopped fantisizing about getting lucky and somehow becoming rich with little effort. Just find a craft or job and master it....like this man.

[@jimdandy6472]

I've been tinkering with cars for many years, but had never seen the process of removing, patching, mounting and balancing a tire. Great video showing all the steps. I don't feel as bad about paying ~$20 to have this done now.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Jim Dandy :) There ya go

[@Scruit]

+Jim Dandy $20? I just had a 33" mud tire patched using this exact process and it cost me $80.

[@earlcousins6635]

They charge per inch of diameter. LOL

[@GT-kq3fe]

Buddy, you're mistaking quite a bit, places that charge $20 for that job *do not* use the same methods. They don't dismount the tire or wheel at all and only *plug* the tire (as opposed to patch). Quite a bit difference there.

[@search5819]

They Patch for $20...

[@MrOnemanop]

“I going to put a little light on it”, brings out Sun 2.0.

[@89nissancrawler]

Nice to see somebody doing it right. I had nails in two tires, took them to the closest shop, and specifically requested the plug/patch combo. An hour and $50 later, I walk out to see two greasy tampons stuck in my $250 10 ply tires. I went back in and got "this is how we do all of them". Yeah well, I requested otherwise. "It's fine, don't worry about it." I almost crawled over the counter and choked the crap out of them. I refused to pay and walked out. I had to order the patch/plugs and cement. A hi-lift jack, spoons, and a die grinder later, they were fixed the right way.

[@justinballard7242]

Cool story bro. Plugs work just fine

[@garybulwinkle82]

It's quite allot more strenuous when you don't have the fancy machines!!! My friend's dad taught us to light the glue with a match, real quick like, to speed the drying and heat the rubber a bit! He's gone now, but that was back in the olden days!! Riding motorcycles up in the hills, you have to fix your flats all the time. I could demount, patch the tube and remount in about five minutes!! All while finishing a beer!!

[@RealDarkFilm]

@@justinballard7242 Plugs work fine but aren't worth $50

[@mikespain8655]

1st video I have watched from you. I can already see you do quality work, very thorough. That has got to be the best patch system I have ever seen. I plug my own tires and they hold. But this method gives longer life and greater confidence.

[@233monte]

We do it the exact same way. Growing up around a shop, this was one of the very first things I learned and was “allowed” to do on customer cars. Basic job but it is so important. You should see our tire holding rig. Same principle, except it’s from the 40s. Still works like a charm.

[@ElectoneGuy]

That's the proper way to patch a tire hole. I still use plugs - so fast and easy and never an issue.

[@bremCZ]

Electone_Guy Never an issue until a tire explodes and kills someone. They are illegal in some countries now because they have been the direct cause of death.

[@cornfusedatbest6693]

Same here, but I recently tried to plug a 17" tire and it wouldn't seal - even with 2 plugs. The kit was pretty old and I think this may have something to do with it. I'm going to try patching from the inside cuz the hole is like dime size when you spread it out. And yes I know, I need new tires.

[@fuckjewtube69]

Explodes? How is a worm style plug going to make a tire explode? I call bullshit. I've done it 100s of times with no problem and on top of that I've never once in my life heard of those causing a tire explosion. After a long time they might start having a slow leak but even if it shot out it wouldn't cause a tire to explode.

[@jackrea7857]

I'm calling BS on the exploding tire as well, been using tire plugs for 22 years, never had a problem even when I had 8 plugs in a tire

[@justinballard7242]

I've never seen a tire plug cause a tire to explode either

[@alansauer6853]

Wow. Repairing a flat tire has come a long way since the 70's. Great video,like always.

[@christinehucklebridge1534]

well, we're a 58 year family business. I have been working full time 36 years myself. for as long as I can remember ( more than 30 years ) we have used the Safety Seal brand external plug. I've never seen or heard of one of these plugs coming out, or failing. as opposed to camel brand, which are bought in dime stores, as I call them.. as far as I know they are only illegal when installed in side walls. but we're in Nj. thanks. Dan H. Art's Auto Service.

[@Cheepchipsable]

Haven't you heard they will explode and kill ya! Like most things, it probably depends on application. As you say a tyre with a damaged sidewall is toast - throw it away. I'm sure plenty of people take short cuts and either do it wrong or try and patch a hole that is too big for the plug. The method in the video would be good for larger holes, but otherwise just seems like a lot of effort. I've never heard of plugs coming out and killing anyone. Of course the method in the video requires expensive equipment which average drivers don't have access to, so by default there should be less failures since the repair would be done by people who are in business and have liability if it goes wrong.

[@kevinstorm6009]

I worked as a trained certified tire tech in a tire shop many years ago (since retired). I'd cleaned up the messes left behind by other shops countless times. Plugs are a gamble at best. They may outlast the tire OR they may catastrophically fail 2 miles after the repair! That last one will end your business! Plugging a tire from the outside is the definition of lazy! They're can be a stop gap measure, for emergency roadside use; if it gets the vehicle off the road to a shop where it can be repaired properly. Tire plugs can also endanger someone's life! Learn how to properly repair a tire, from the inside ONLY. Once you have done so, teach and preach the proper way. The life you save may be that of someone you know and love.

[@wadesuhr]

You take really good care of your customers Eric. It shows in your workmanship.

[@wm437]

Thank GOD for perfectionists, this man does some really awesome work. Great job!!!

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Will V Thanks

[@robertgantry2118]

I kinda doubt that anyone would have any advice on how you could improve your tire repair procedure. That is the most thorough tire repair I have ever seen.

[@apshambarger]

Man - you really do things right! It’s fun to watch a master at their craft!

[@rogerwood2864]

If only tire shops had this much integrity in 2020.

[@rodpalm6398]

I like using the plugs myself. You don't even need to remove the wheel and they work just as well, they don't pull out when you use the proper adhesive. Nothing but luck with those over the years and I've never had one pull out or leak, EVER.

[@bremCZ]

Rod Palm They are illegal in many countries because the dont work just as well. They have been the direct cause of death many times over.

[@brookvalliant7813]

The tricky thing with plugs is that they can't be used on steel belted radials. The belts can and sometimes do cut through the plugs. The inside patch is the way to go. Keep plugs for the side of the road or 4x4 trail side fixes. In many places they aren't road legal.

[@HotBrass-Lead]

Abigail Junky that’s why you use the reamer the plugs come with and clean the hole out first . Both my back tires have plugs in them as we speak lol no issues

[@delvictor7570]

“Cause of death” give me break. The only reason tires blow out and cause accidents is cause they are SEVERELY damaged or are completely bald. Ignorant comment.

[@athhud]

Murph Kilter you know how long it takes for a flat tire to become severely damaged while cruising down the highway? Hint: not long at all. While I agree that the mere presence of a plug has never killed anyway, it’s a fact that people have been killed when driving on a flat that was caused by a slow leak past a plug. Moral of story, don’t drive on flat tires and don’t be so oblivious to your vehicle to not be able to recognize when your tire is flat... Unless you have garbage runflats of course. Lol

[@stevoidyt]

Very informative and well crafted video. I really appreciate seeing how a tire is repaired properly and the opportunity to watch a real craftsman at work. Thank you very much.

[@ddakota05]

Those patches are the Bees knees...awesome tutorial as always Eric!!

[@al52269]

I worked at an old tire shop many moons ago with old machines. Nothing like what you got there. That's why I always tip the technician since I know how much it's involved to properly patch a tire. Thanks for sharing your videos.

[@HaroRider03088]

Damn, super through. You are the guy I want patching my tire.

[@michaelhaney3175]

1969 to 1972 I used to do the same thing. Coats machine changed a lot, and we had a bubble balancer. We used rubber cement to seal the patch, and set it a fire to rubber cement for a few seconds; then mounted and checked balance. The new machines and supplies are so much better. Have fun, and do not forget to share your experience when you are 69yo.

[@briansmobile1]

"hugefoamyclumpofphoam" Not quite 37 syllables, but getting there. Did you see my use of ph next to the f? I thought that was a nice touch. ; D Just found a nail in my brand new Avon rear tire on the white bike. I've done a lot of tires, but I'm not up to date. For that, and the latest vocabulary I had to stop in and see ya! That security seal, and rust inhibitor are new to me. Thanks Eric!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Hey good to see ya hear Brian... if the F is next to the Ph does that cancel out the "fff" sound?

[@jasonboggs2801]

You do all that work just for a flat tire! Man I wished I had a mechanic like you! Thank you for taking pride in your work and doing things right!

[@vipermech]

You said to say something if you misses something. I always check the valve core for a leak before I cap it off. You probably did, just didn't show it. I've been fixing tires for 35 years, you're more thorough than I am.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Jeff Wiebe You got me on that one Jeff, I did not check it, just torqued it in. Man you been fixing tires as long as I have been alive haha

[@vipermech]

I'm 50 this month. My grandfather ran a repair shop till my dad took it over. I've been around it my whole life. Started fixing tires at age 14.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Sweet, you and I have a lot in common then :)

[@wonniewarrior]

How does the tyre pressure monitor tell the car what pressure the tyre is ? Does it have a small button battery in it ? (Tyre is correct spelling for Australia). We were quoted $250 for a tyre pressure monitor for 1 wheel OEM.

[@efx-mj8me]

@@wonniewarrior That is correct. They just come with small batteries but I think they are sealed so that's what you can't change just the batteries. My girl friends car has both front ones not working and they didn't bother to check that when we got new tires on the car. We went back and it was like 35 bucks each at Walmart. Dealerships are a rip-off. In Los Angeles I still can find a couple of shops that will patch a tire for free. I got a freaking nail on a new tire and had a shop check it for me. They did it for free so that was pretty nice.

[@geosutube]

When I was about 6 years old, I used to go up to the big service station on Hwy 90 and watch the mechanics at work fixing flats. Back then, 1948, they were using hot-vulcanizing patches on inner tubes. Set the patch on the cleared up hole, clamp it down, squirt on the lighter fluid, and set it on fire. Come back a few minutes later and check the patch. Just one of the many things going on in a large garage our on the edge of town. The folks there were always friendly, willing to answer questions as long as I kept out of the way.

[@DakotaBishop]

Dish soap and water is what I use to find leaks. Works exactly the same.

[@consaka1]

Can't beat that combination. I use dawn dish soap and water as well. works great.

[@bairfamilyfarm1336]

it's what I used to confirm a leak that takes almost a week to drain a tire. Even though it's a very slow leak, it'll foam real bad in less than a minute.

[@timothyhays1817]

Dakota Bishop The Tech product is more suited for the very hard to find small leaks. I use the soapy water first then if I can't find it because it's small and slow. The Tech product works better at that point on finding small leaks.

[@samuelspencer2086]

Dakota Bishop that's the cheaper alternative

[@Cheepchipsable]

If the leak is that slow it's probably not worth worrying about.

[@jimdandy6472]

After watching this video I stumbled across the video "How to repair a tire with sidewall damage using the sectioning technic". It makes me fell very fortunate to live in America!

[@roergaard]

Sounds like a backyard in Albania? That repair is in a nonrepairable section and he does everything wrong. And finishes with a small tube patch!? To keep it airtight? At least it should have been a reinforced patch.

[@orfeous]

Can you some day take a tour of the tire balancer machine?

[@SouthMainAuto]

orfeous Oh I imagine at some point :)

[@69ztang]

I liked how the tools on the tire changer swing out of the way. Seemed like a robot doing the changing job :-)

[@joku8900]

Finally correct way to repair puncture. So many youtube mechanic uses wrong patch type, you are only smart mechanic IMO. In here Finland "worms" are illegal to use patches. Your method is still legal here. Greetings from Finland, Eric!

[@tickyul]

That is a great repair, nice job! I swear, I have watched videos where they have a very complicated procedure for repairing a tire.......step after step after step. apply this adhesive and this vulcanizer......seemed like total overkill for fixing one small hole.

[@Cheepchipsable]

LOL, then use a plug. Takes a bit of elbow grease and 5 minutes. You can buy the kits quite cheaply.

[@mharradine57]

@@Cheepchipsable I get to fix those shoddy repairs all the time. Thank you for your business!

[@robertbell525]

Yeah if you plug it properly there is no shoddy repair to fix

[@mharradine57]

@@robertbell525 weird that I've NEVER had to repair a patch plug. The plugs even say on the box that they are a temp repair. Oh well. Always lore than one way to do things.

[@rvborgh]

your town is truly blessed to have a Godly mechanic like you working on their cars.

[@pazzmatt]

This was super informative. Thank you,

[@rogerwilliams1838]

That’s a proper tire repair liked the way you did not overbuff and used security coat and patch plugs taking off off the tire you can be accurate reaming you can make an extra hole by reaming from the outside then it will never seal you did it right good work

[@shahsmerdis]

I wish you were my mechanic :(

[@guyazbell8169]

Bardia Ghajari me too this guy would be my life long mechanic hands down just need to talk him into moving to minnesota.

[@jcman240]

I'm gonna make an appointment then drive the 631 miles to their shop

[@cardozita2cool]

Like I said before in another comment other people just plug the tire and charge $20.00 for it I rather had a tire patched up very good job man

[@andreaechevarria6725]

Second the cool t shirt comment! If you get some to sell get some for us full figured fellers. Nice video by the way. Never knew fixing a flat was so involved.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Andrea Echevarria It's not really... well unless you do it this way lol

[@tomrobie4374]

Most tech guy these days don't care of their work details and their clients anymore. You are a rare gem hard to find.

[@assignmeanameplease]

One suggestion that I would make is to run the drill in reverse until you're certain that the bit is headed the right way, then start drilling after the bit is through.

[@captain3xtreme]

very good idea thanks

[@athhud]

Had to patch my wife’s tire last weekend. The patch plug is the only way to go. I’ll use a goo plug on my lawnmower, but that’s about it. I may have had one, possibly 2, tire punctures in my entire life on a road vehicle. I deal with a lot of tires on my farm junk though. Not enough to justify a tire machine, unfortunately. I usually break beads by hooking a vacuum pump up to the valve stem, but the steel wheels on the wife’s Dodge Caravan are damn near as good as a set of bead locks. Under full vacuum and beating with a tire hammer I couldn’t get the bead to budge. A 2x4 in the shop press did the trick though and is now my second favorite diy bead breaking method.

[@10--50]

I study chemistry in college and laughed so hard when you said "It's about 37 syllabubs"

[@tyree9055]

Yeah, I think I'll stick to plain old soap and water... Why pollute our drinking water with some other chemical concoction that can't even be identified by water testing / research scientists? I may not be able to prevent my drinking water from being filled full of these chemicals, but I don't have to add to them either (especially for something this simple)!

[@camshaftP16]

this shows that it takes a few dollars worth of equipment to do a simple flat tire repair. another good video, always nice to watch a true Professional, thanks Eric

[@SouthMainAuto]

camshaftP16 Well thank you, thanks for watching :)

[@shadowdog500]

We had a mushroom patch pistol in a shop I worked in years ago. It installed a similar patch to yours that even had stem in the hole but we didn't even have to break the bead. It worked pretty darn neat but I guess it wouldn't be illlegal in NY. Chris

[@SouthMainAuto]

shadowdog500 Oh no kidding can't say I have seen one of those ...

[@manstersr]

shadowdog500 I had one of those mushroom guns that NAPA sold but kept finding the plugs fallen out, went back to the rope plugs. I just look for signs that the tire was driven too far while flat like scuffed sidewalls or a line around it.

[@manstersr]

shadowdog500 I had one of those mushroom guns that NAPA sold but kept finding the plugs fallen out, went back to the rope plugs. I just look for signs that the tire was driven too far while flat like scuffed sidewalls or a line around it.

[@SouthMainAuto]

manstersr Ahhh the old black dust when you open it up :)

[@manstersr]

South Main Auto Repair not the rubber dust, I'm talking about when you rubbed your hand over the tire a bunch of dust came off of it. Actually none of it is probably good for you. If you are blowing out black snot and boogers from your nose you need to start using a dust mask. We need to keep good techs like you around. :)

[@scottkershaw6418]

Glad to see someone using the plug patch method. The proper order is to use the cleaner before buffing so you don’t buff the spray that is appraised to the tires liner into the buffed area. Once buffed use a brass brush to remove the debris to leave a clean area for the patch to adhere to.

[@michaelkoncal7622]

For forty fore years I have used good quality plugs pushed in as hard as pos. and never lost one. Did many right on the car. Even with steel belted tires.

[@HotBrass-Lead]

michael koncal I have also with great results

[@robertbell525]

Same here been using plugs for years, lifetime repair, only had one that leaked because I didn't get it in right. Can't use them for heavy loads though they can shoot out. As for "exploding tires" either they did not leak test the repair or there was another leak.

[@thomasfletcher760]

Used plugs , too , for small leaks . Worked great and zero complaints .

[@2491kridge]

michael koncal the reason some states try to pass laws saying you have to do internal patches is because the problem with external push in style plugs is if the tire has sidewalk damage from being driven flat and you just stick a plug in it and never dismount the tire then you won’t know if it has sidewalk damage and then that can be a dangerous situation, it’s not that the plug will fall out but it’s that you need to see inside the tire to know the tire is ok

[@breeze787]

I was very interested in this video when I saw the title. Way back when there were service stations with guys who use to run out to your car and fill it up? I was that guy. We also use to fix and repair hundreds of tires when I was in high school. But we used a burn patch. So we'd clean up the leak by using a drill with an attached wire brush, apply the patch glue just like how you did but then we would use a patch that was held in place with a clamp and we'd set fire to the patch and it would melt the rubber patch right into the injury. I don't see that anymore and I was hoping that I could use that method for all of my little lawn equipment tire repairs. I also miss the smell of that burn patch use to give off as it was burning and melting the rubber patch into the wound. Thanks for putting this up as always.

[@anm0604a]

you are the best, can i bring my car up there from australia, i keep coming back to bob jane tmart for bad bad tyre repairs ha ha ha, thank you VERY MUCH

[@SouthMainAuto]

Sure can just call ahead first ;)

[@MrElbowgrease]

I really appreciate the time and effort you put in to make this safe reliable repair.

[@wysetech2000]

Was the most correct tire repair job on Y-Tube.

[@SouthMainAuto]

wysetech2000 But I forgot the fix a flat to top it off :)

[@TheSirGoreaxe]

I'm not saying it's like that at all Wal-Marts, but when I worked there years ago that procedure was the exact same as we did. Except we did a one size fits all for the patches, just drilled the tire out for the patch like you did. Glad I got a good learning on that, even if it was from Wallyworld.

[@danishzd]

I do it the same way at my shop, even use the same brand of security coat lol

[@dodojack1045]

Great to see someone who knows what he's doing.

[@Fireworm2]

Looks like an excellent tire repair. I would recommend using a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts.

[@SirDeanosity]

+Bob McAleese Eric is using a torque stick between the impact gun and the socket. The torque stick limits the torque applied to the nut based on its' rotational elasticity per degrees of rotation of the impact gun per impact hit.

[@guyazbell8169]

Bob McAleese or you could invest in a electric dewalt impact wrench.

[@christopherbriden8403]

I don’t think most people understand how much equipment it takes to patch a tire. I always am happy to pay the 25 dollar bill to my local tire shop because it feels like a good deal considering the amount of work it takes. It would be very tempting to take short cuts when you have a lobby full of customers waiting on you. Nice video and I learn a lot from your vids. Rusty snapped off bolt removals are my favorites.

[@chasiu75]

Eric, do you have a video with a short biography or any kind of back story of how you ended up with your own shop?

[@SouthMainAuto]

chasiu75 Actually I don't. Thought about doing one just never did ya know

[@chasiu75]

South Main Auto Repair Just a thought for a special video. I am sure a lot of viewers are interested.

[@helivesonforever]

chasiu75 I want to see a video like that!

[@melody3741]

@@SouthMainAuto this would be cool if you haven't done it yet!!

[@awaara24]

@@SouthMainAuto waiting for this video, Eric...

[@Blackford86]

I wish there was a garage up here in Alaska that was as good as you and could be trusted, keep up the good work.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Teri and TL Stanbro Do you live in Anchorage?

[@Blackford86]

+South Main Auto Repair Yes South Anchorage

[@geojor]

good practical video, thank you...

[@mikethompson3534]

Eric you do very detailed work I know people rest assured that you do the work on their cars👍

[@zachsgarage4714]

on that tire pressure monitor, you need to tell the Walmart Goof's to watch out for those, and teach them that technique.

[@christopherdherman1518]

I have been to shops that don't remove the weights before the re-balance. You are the man.

[@iskandertime747]

This is gripping! It's like watching heart surgery!

[@roobear5357]

Oh yeah... I was on the edge of my seat as he patched that hole...now I'm going through the playlist seeing if there's one where he puts in a new valve!

[@mongomongo17]

your one of the only people i would trust to work on my car.

[@justinballard4134]

Soap and water does the same job a lot cheaper

[@LadyAnuB]

Maybe not on pinhole leaks as Eric points out.

[@on-site4094]

That’s the proper way to patch a tire hats 🎩 off to you 👍. Great job. today mostly everyone sticks a plug in it everyone is a big hurry

[@bladeproject1]

Good grief. Whatever you charge for a patch job, you should be charging more!

[@SouthMainAuto]

nonayou damnbusiness $18.50

[@SouthMainAuto]

Lol Small town, small prices...

[@thecuss6817]

Great video. In my part of Arizona, most tire shops will NOT patch anything that close to the edge, will claim it's not safe and a great way to sell more tires (and won't even add air to a tire over 6 years old). Plug kits were used as "right way" to fix a tire for decades, so no less safe than they were "in those days"; and plug kits are sold in every parts store, Walmart, etc. here so obviously not prohibited. I do agree that Eric's way is likely the best way with today's technology, and with the way he does this. Kids' bubble solution from dollar store is also great at helping find leaks.

[@bobbybentley8136]

dawn and water is the same sruff

[@rrmech11]

Very well done. Brought back some memories of the tire days. Nice tire machine Eric

[@SouthMainAuto]

Thanks :) *****

[@fieldsofomagh]

What's the deal with tyre plugs ? Do they leak air ?First time seeing the magic mushrooms being used.Seems a far trustworthy repair.Great video and a good lesson on how to do the job properly.What's the charge for a puncture? should I ever end up in NY county in my Chevvy truck with a deflated tyre.lol

[@SouthMainAuto]

Tom OConnor Well it's pretty cheap Tom only $18.50 here check out this sit for a good explanation on patching - vs- plugging www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=77

[@garyfisher4155]

Tyre plugs are great, I've used them for a long time, you can repair a flat on the roadside in 5 mins, no need to even remove the wheel or tyre!

[@edwardtabor77]

I plug mine unless it's in an iffy spot, like the side of the tread. I then plug and patch mine and move it to the rear position.

[@williamwhite9767]

Most major tire stores in my state (NC)will not allow just plugging due to liability reasons I presume. They will only use the inside patch or patch/plug method.

[@bushmaster2936]

DAWN dish washing liquid and H2O in a spray bottle works a charm for locating itty bitty leaks as well as larger ones. Even porous sidewalls are exposed. : ) Thanks for another great video, Eric !

[@timetopay5344]

It means soap and H2o.

[@LadyAnuB]

Not at all, this product is a long chain hydrocarbon attached to an alcohol while soap is a fatty acid. They work the same in this case but Eric said that it is excellent with pinhole leaks. Not having any done any experiments between the two mixtures, I can't say which is better.

[@twwtb]

When I was a kid, we had a patch kit with a clamp and patches. I must have done hundreds of those patches on bike inner tubes. Each patch was attached to a little metal tray that had some sort of paper/sulfur stuff. We peel off a sheet from a weak adhesive and clamp the patch over the hole and light the paper/sulfur stuff on fire. Let it cool, take off the clamp and the metal tray and it was a very good patch. Of course it would take a week to get the sulfur smell out of your nostrils. For cars, I have used various types of plugs with varying levels of success. Hard to rely on them since when you finally needed it again, the glue would be dried out. Hopefully that is not at he side of the road at midnight in a snowstorm. Fi had a tire machine, I would definitely patch them they way Eric O is demonstrating!

[@davescruton2829]

Willing to bet that tire spreader still squeals

[@SouthMainAuto]

Last I checked it still did haha

[@SpencerRyllSmith]

Your attention to detail, and drive to do things the right way is absolutely awesome. Keep it up!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Thanks Spenc

[@SpencerRyllSmith]

:)

[@jtech23]

Cool T shirt, how much are they?

[@SouthMainAuto]

Jonathan Milbury Didn't think people would want my shirt lol I only have the ones I wear to work. Maybe I will get some to sell?

[@KevDoesStuff]

South Main Auto Repair ill buy one XL please! lol

[@jtech23]

I'll buy one if your gonna sell them, by the way I take an XL shirt. LOL

[@MrAwesomeglock]

South Main Auto Repair I'll take one XL.

[@damianballard9070]

I'll take one too please

[@deebee4206]

Basically everything is the same for the shop I work at but only use bead seal for them “fake” flakey chrome wheels and I stitch the patch starting from the middle out. Right on man!

[@cosmicdust22]

textbook job

[@keithgeisen]

It's funny watching the tire repair how I am reminded how much I hated doing tires- Period ! As a young guy I worked for "Rex the tire King" in MN/ Twin Cites area and all I did was tires - all day - every day & when winter hit I'd also be putting in "Studs" . Boss would tell me to say I put in a couple extra so they would have better traction...……...memories. Good repair Eric, like the drill the hole & stem system w/the sealer.... It's almost like the 70's again.

[@mrmikeflo11]

Some just use dish soap and water

[@wtbm123]

Thinking back to bias ply days , buff, glue , light, Stick on patch ,roll , and all done. I do not do tires , but do have a bubble balance thingy. And I think ya done a fine job.

[@SouthMainAuto]

wtbm123 Hahah I remember those Terry, matter of fact I think my dad still lights these ones haha

[@RradioActiV83]

0:47 i tried pronouncing that word and my furniture started to float...

[@brianrobertson1211]

This is a slick technique to path a tire. I keep plug kits in all my vehicles and their use has never given me trouble. Given the choice, I would choose your repair method for longevity.

[@ding0925]

We don't use that nasty rim sealer down here in Alabama...Not much will rust here. Glad i don't have to work on those nasty rusted cars..

[@charleslambert145]

Only thing different is degrease before I buff & use bead sealer on the over buff. Good job as always man, I love the vids!

[@MatHelm]

Has anyone ever had a problem with a plug? Because I never have...

[@SouthMainAuto]

I fix leaking plugs at least once a week

[@TheGreatdane56]

PL;UGS VOID MOST TIRE WARRANTYS

[@MatHelm]

So do nail holes...

[@joshleduc1771]

Nail holes are the reason for the warranty. It is called a road hazard warranty. A nail is a road hazard. So is a pothole.

[@am529]

Just had one at work today. Someone did a very poor job of plugging a large hole in a rear tire on a 2017 Dodge Charger. It was sticking out of the tire several millimeters and audibly leaking air anytime pressure was put on it.

[@Garth2011]

Very nice patches. Way better idea than a plug or band aid type. It won't leak, that's for sure. Thanks for the skills class.

[@bigmac965]

Gee, New York even regulates the way you can repair a puncture? Way too much meddling for me....

[@Football5198]

Nanny state. The government knows better than you and if you don’t believe it they will tax you to show you different.

[@Ragamuffin64]

Liked the video . I work as a car mechanic and although we have newer machines the principle is the same and we use the same products as you do. But we never patch a tire damage outside the outermost deep groove on the tire, inside or outside. We recommend a new tire in those cases.

[@clydehanamaikai1394]

I agree, near the sidewall is a no no. Too much pressure at those areas at all time & compromise the integrity of the tire.