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How to Fix a Flat Bicycle Tire

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Remove the wheel

    Release the brake, then loosen the quick-release lever or axle nuts to detach the wheel from the frame.

  2. Pry off the tire with tire levers

    Slide a tire lever between the rim and tire to pull one side of the tire off the rim, then pull out the inner tube.

  3. Find the puncture

    Inflate the tube slightly, then submerge it in water or hold it near your ear or the back of your hand to find the spot where air is hissing out or bubbles are forming, and mark it.

  4. Check inside the tire for debris

    Run your fingers carefully around the inside of the tire to make sure whatever caused the puncture β€” glass, a nail, a thorn β€” isn't still embedded there.

  5. Patch it or swap in a new tube

    Lightly sand around the hole, apply rubber cement, and press on a patch β€” or simply install a fresh inner tube instead.

  6. Reassemble and inflate

    Tuck the tube back inside the tire, seat the tire back onto the rim, and pump it up to the recommended pressure printed on the tire's sidewall.

Worth carrying with you

Two or three tire levers, a spare tube or a patch kit, and a portable pump are enough to fix most flats on the spot, wherever you are. Swapping in a fresh tube is generally faster and simpler than patching, so many riders default to a tube swap first when they're short on time mid-ride.

Habits that prevent flats in the first place

Keeping your tires inflated to the recommended pressure before you head out, and periodically checking that the tread isn't badly worn, go a long way toward cutting down how often you get a flat at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: patching or replacing the tube?

Patching is cheaper and slightly better for the environment, but the adhesive needs time to set. Replacing the tube costs a bit more but gets you back on the road much faster, which is why many riders reach for a spare tube first when they need a quick roadside fix.

What if I can't find where the puncture is?

Try submerging the tube in water and watching for bubbles, or inflating it a bit more and listening closely for a hissing sound. If you still can't find it, installing a new tube is the safer bet.