How to Fix and Prevent a Flat Tire on Your ATV

Wednesday, 22 September 2010 11:17

Written by Manoj Agarwal

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Everyoneknows that a flat tire can ruin the day. Most ATV lovers can tell you that it has happened to them or to a member of their party. Knowing how to repair a flat tire on your ATV can get you out of a bad situation and knowing how to prevent one is even better. In this article we will explain how to do so.
The main cause of a flat tire is a foreign object, an inexperienced driver and improper use or care of the tire. We suggest to carry an all-purpose repair kit when going out. These are small and compact. They can be put in a storage unit of your ATV or in a backpack. You will need these tools to help you repair the flat tire. Here are the eight basic steps.

First, locate the hole on your ATV's tire. Then remove the foreign object if there is one. The object can be pulled out or pushed in, do as needed. To see if the ATV's tire leaks pump air to 10 psi in the tire then put some soapy water over the hole. Out in the woods spit will do. If bubbles are made then you have a leak and it needs to be repaired. Insert the rough reamer in the hole to clean it and heat up the rubber. After insert a new rope style plug in the insertion tool. Force the rope in the puncture hole. It needs to be very tight if it goes in easily then it is to loose and you will have a leak later. To correct this situation add a second rope in the hole. Numerous ropes can be placed in a hole but the more you put in the greater the chance that you will have a slow leak. Sometimes this is acceptable. It can get you back home. Now cut off the excess rope but keep enough to have a knobby height. You are ready to pump air back in the ATV's tire. Remember that most ATVs use between 4-8 psi. To much air will cause your ATV to slide more and not enough will increase your traction. But will also increase your risk of getting a sidewall puncture or the bead breaking loose from the rim.

Another way to repair a flat tire on an ATV that has a large sidewall tear would be to go down to your local tire shop and have them install a think sidewall patch called a boot. Use one that is strong and flexible enough to repair large sidewall puncture. Also, you will need to install an inner tube in your ATV's wheel. This will be your back-up in case the boot patch didn't hold. Don't try to save a few dollars by not putting in the boot patch because the inner tube will find its was out of the hole and break. It might cost a few dollars to do this type of repair but when it comes down to it, this is cheaper then buying a new ATV tire. Best of all it works.
Now that we know how to fix a flat tire on an ATV here are some tricks on how to prevent from getting one. We have found three ways that work. The first one is to use a liquid sealant that is placed inside the ATV's tire through the valve before it's filled with air. The liquid sealant will coat the under side of the tread as the wheel turns. The sealant will seal off any small puncture holes as they happen from the inside. This is only good for small holes.

The second trick we found is a new product. It's a foam that is placed inside the ATV's tire and when a flat occurs the foam keeps the tire in its original shape. The tire will not go flat and there is no need to stop.
Our last suggestion are the tire balls. During the mounting process of the ATV's wheels many oval shaped rubber balls get placed inside the tire. If a puncture hole happens only one chamber will loose its air pressure and the ATV's tire will keep its shape. Chambers can be changed individuality.These three tips are strongly advised to use before a competition. Many professionals already uses these tricks. Now that you know how to fix a flat tire on your ATV and also know how to prevent one you should enjoy going out ridding you ATV. If this situation happens you'll be able to take care of it.