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Acura: How to Fix a Tire Leak

A small tire leak will eventually lead to a flat tire, so learn how to fix it now before you get stranded somewhere.

By Bassem Girgis - April 28, 2016

This article applies to all Acura models (1986-2016).

A tire leak is equivalent to slow death of your tires, and can leave you stranded somewhere. You should never ignore a tire leak, even if it's slow, because it will eventually lead to a flat tire and always at the most inconvenient time. Fortunately, there are plugging tools that you can purchase at any auto store, and although it's recommended you have a professional shop patch it, this procedure can be done effectively anywhere. Purchase the plugging kit, read the instructions below, and be ready the next time you have a leak.

Acura: How to Fix Tire Leak

Materials Needed

  • Tire plug tool
  • Tire plugs
  • Tire reamer
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Pliers
  • Box cutter

Step 1 – Remove nail/object

Locate the nail or the foreign object in the tire that is causing the leak. Use your flat head screwdriver to pry it up a little if needed, and once you have enough of it to grip, use your pliers to remove it.

Remove nail/object causing the leak
Figure 1. Remove nail/object causing the leak.

Step 2 – Make the hole even

Use your reamer, which is the tool similar to a round file that came with your kit, and clean out the hole that the nail was in. Press it all the way in, then rotate it from side to side. This will get the hole even and round.

Make the hole even before plugging it.
Figure 2. Make the hole even before plugging it.

Step 3 – Plug the hole

Insert the plug, having it perpendicular to the tool, then pressure it in the hole. Once it goes in with only a little bit outside of the tire, turn the tool while pulling it out. The tool should come out of the tire alone without the plug in it.

  • Load the plug on the tool
    Figure 3. Load the plug on the tool.
  • Press the plug into the tire, then twist and pull out
    Figure 4. Press the plug into the tire, then twist and pull out.

Step 4 – Trim excess pieces

Have your tiny assistant trim off any excess plug, leaving it sticking out just a little more than flush. This allows the tire on the road to flatten the plug so it spreads out and seals better. If you don't have a tiny assistant, use your box cutter.

Trim excess plug nearly flush
Figure 5. Trim excess plug nearly flush.

Featured Video: How to Plug a Tire

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