Why this happens
Tubeless tyres seal against the rim without an inner tube, so a nail in the tread often lets air out slowly. A rubber plug inserted into the hole seals it from outside without removing the tyre. Plugs are meant for small holes in the tread area; sidewall damage or large cuts cannot be repaired safely this way.
What you need
Tools
- Tubeless tyre plug kit (reamer, insertion tool, plugs, cement if supplied)
- Pliers
- Tyre pressure gauge
- Portable air pump or compressor
- Sharp blade or cutter
- Centre stand
Materials
- Soapy water in a spray bottle
- Marker or chalk
- Gloves
Before you start
- Never plug sidewall damage, holes near the tread edge or long cuts; those tyres must be replaced.
- Do not ride fast or far on a plugged tyre until it has been checked by a tyre shop.
- Keep fingers clear of the reamer and insertion tool paths, and cut away from your body.
- Do not exceed the tyre's maximum pressure when reinflating.
Step by step
- 1
Get to a safe place and power off
Ride slowly or push the scooter to a safe spot away from traffic as soon as you notice a flat. Riding far on a flat tyre damages the tyre and rim. Turn the key off and switch off the main power switch. Put the scooter on its centre stand so you can turn the wheel.
- 2
Find the puncture
Turn the wheel slowly and look for a nail, screw or glass in the tread. If you cannot see anything, inflate the tyre a little and spray soapy water over the tread; growing bubbles show the hole. Mark the spot with chalk or a marker.
- 3
Check it is repairable
A plug repair is only suitable for small holes in the tread area, not near the edge of the tread or in the sidewall, and not for long cuts. If the hole is large, the cut is long, or the damage is in the sidewall, do not plug it; the tyre must be replaced.
- 4
Remove the object
Note the angle of the nail or screw, then pull it out with pliers. Air will escape, which is expected. Keep the reamer from the kit ready to use straight away. If the object is deeply embedded, rock it gently as you pull so you do not break it off inside the tyre.
- 5
Ream the hole
Push the reamer into the hole at the same angle as the object, and work it in and out several times to clean and roughen the hole. This lets the plug grip and seal. It takes some force; keep your hands behind the tool and push steadily.
- 6
Insert the plug
Thread a plug through the eye of the insertion tool so it sits centred. If your kit includes rubber cement, coat the plug. Push the tool into the hole at the same angle until about two-thirds of the plug is inside. Pull the tool straight out quickly without twisting, leaving the plug in place.
- 7
Trim and inflate
Trim the plug ends a few millimetres above the tread with a sharp cutter, cutting away from your body. Inflate the tyre to the recommended pressure with your pump, checking with the gauge. Make sure the tyre bead is seated evenly all the way round the rim.
- 8
Leak check
Spray soapy water over the plug and around the valve and rim. If bubbles form at the plug, remove it and try again with a new plug. Leave the tyre for a few minutes and recheck the pressure with the gauge.
- 9
Ride gently and get it checked
Ride at moderate speed and check the pressure again after a short distance. A plug is a roadside repair; have the tyre inspected at a tyre shop soon. They can check the inside for damage and fit a proper internal patch-plug if needed.
How to tell it worked
The plug shows no bubbles in the soapy-water test, the tyre holds the recommended pressure after a short ride, and a tyre shop has confirmed the repair.
Stop and call a technician if
- The damage is in the sidewall, the hole is large, or there is a long cut.
- The tyre keeps losing air after a second plug.
- The rim is bent or cracked, or the bead will not seat.
- The puncture is on a rear hub-motor wheel and the tyre needs to come off; motor wheel removal is a service-centre job.
Questions
Is tyre sealant liquid a good alternative?
Sealant can seal small holes and is quick, but it can make later repairs messier and some tyre shops prefer a plug. If you use it, choose a type made for tubeless tyres and tell the tyre shop.
How long does a plug repair last?
A well-fitted plug in the tread can last a long time, but treat it as temporary until a tyre shop checks the inside of the tyre.