How To Use Fix A Flat...Properly (Andy’s Garage: Episode - 269)
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- čas přidán 1. 06. 2024
- A lot of people try to use Fix A Flat to repair a flat tire only to have it not work. Most of the time it is due to the user not properly following the directions. In this video Andy Phillips shows the proper steps to ensure your flat tire is fixed.
* It is the manufacturer's recommendation that this product only be used as a temporary emergency fix. It is not intended to be used for more than 100 miles, or left in the tire longer than 3 days.
Below are links to other videos of mine pertaining to vehicle maintenance:
How To Patch An Inner Tube: • How To Patch An Inner ...
Tire Inflator Product Review: • Air Compressor - Produ...
How To Fix A Faulty Spare Tire Mechanism: • How To Fix Spare Tire ...
How To Check & Fill Battery Water Levels: • How To Check & Properl...
How To Charge A Car Battery: • How To Charge A Car Ba...
Replacing Keyless Remote Battery: • How To Replace Battery...
How To Replace A Brake Booster: • Brake Booster Replacem...
Car Battery Charger Product Review: • Car Battery Charger - ...
Quieting Noisy Lifters: • How To Quiet Noisy Lif...
How To Diagnose Suspension Noise: • How To Diagnose Suspen...
How To Find Cause Of Engine Noise: • How To Find The Cause ...
How To Remove Bearing Race From Hub: • How To Remove Bearing ...
How To Press Wheel Bearings: • How To Press Wheel Bea...
Removing Hubs With Hub Puller: • How To Easily Remove H...
DISCLAIMER:
The individual featured on the Phillips Vision CZcams Channel identified as Andrew Phillips, also known as Andy Phillips is not a professional mechanic, contractor or certified repairman. He does not have any formal training in the automotive field, or any other trade. He is strictly a Do It Yourself handyman.
Phillips Vision, or the individuals featured on this channel, assume no liability for anything you choose to do to your vehicles, appliances, games or any other items featured in the videos before, or after watching one of the videos or utilizing the content from this channel.
All Do it Yourself (DIY) repairs or modifications you perform are at your own risk. Proper safety precautions are always needed, and are the responsibility of the viewer to follow. In some cases, even if you perform everything properly, you can destroy or damage one or more things you are working on resulting is costly repairs.
In addition, if for some reason, the instructions on this channel are incorrect, resulting it something becoming damaged, Phillips Vision and those featured on this channel WILL NOT reimburse or pay in any way the costs that may be incurred due to following wrong instructions.
PLEASE DO NOT PERFORM ANYTHING SHOWN ON THIS CHANNEL (PHILLIPS VISION) UNLESS YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE AND CONFIDENT TO DO SO. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
You will notice in the video two things: (1) the white flow coming back into the can, (2) white foam spits out of the valve on removal. The reason is he had too much air in the tire! The instructions assume your tire is dead flat. I added air to my tire to check for leaks last time and it was a boneheaded move trust me! Because I had too much air in the tire the flow of air spewed back into to line and ruined it. Yeah I was dumb but there should be one more warning on the can. Hopefully helps someone else…
Thanks for this comment
It says right on the can in the first instruction make sure the tire is completely flat
Thank you for this comment. I am getting ready to use the fix a flat and I took a look at the video and seen your comment 🙏🏾 stay blessed
I'm in a wheelchair and can't change a tire anymore. This is wonderful to keep me from getting stuck on the roadside.
You drive in a wheelchair? That's amazing!
@@LisaAnn777 They make hand controls for driving. The world is an amazing place lol
Thank you. Watched this in a gas station parking lot when my daughter called me with a flat. I’ve never used the stuff but at 8pm on a Sunday options were few and far between. So grateful this video was here so I didn’t mess it up.
👍
On a Sunday night on a lonely road in upstate NY, I had a flat tire. I had this can in the trunk. I was done with using it in under ten minutes and drove home 70 miles. Product works. I always tell people to keep one in the trunk. Some people say that it ruins the tire. It is still better than getting stuck someplace!
Thank you for the video. I woke up to a flat tire, and even though I know how to change one and have a spare, I haven’t had this problem since I lost my leg two years ago… and with my prosthetic, I couldn’t crouch down enough to even place my jack-laying down wasn’t an option because of where it’s parked!
I panicked, but I came across this video and my sister is bringing some over.
Wish me luck!!
Unless it’s a bad puncture, this should work
New sub. Im new here so i never caught you saying: "oh, excuse me, dont mind that Countach in my garage".😂😂😂😂❤❤
Great video!! Woke up this morning to my daughter’s tire completely flat and my husband is out of town. I’m gonna try to do this myself…praying I do it correctly (based on your video) and all works out well!!!!
You should be fine 👍
It worked great!!! Good as new!
Thanks for sharing that. Got a similar situation. @@kwhorley0202
Watching this while my dad is trying to fix the tire and showbiz how to do and it work tank you
Simple and to the point. Just the way I like it. Thank you.
THANK YOU ! I saw several other CZcams that said to fill with air first - which didn't make any sense to me. Appreciate your step by step instructions. Will be scheduling replacements for all - but want to call around first b/c of high prices quoted. Slow leak, like you describe on my 4Runner ! THANKS !
Very good video! Explained perfectly! Thank you.
I just wish I knew beforehand about the different size
Tire description on the can. I sure hope the one I bought works . It’s for a Sedan or coupe but I’m putting it in a
Small Ford Ranger 2000 truck . Tire slow leak. Hope it works.🤷🏼♀️🤞🏻🤞🏻
Straight-forward, step-by-step, informative, instructive video.
Great video. It answered all my questions about using this type of product and repair, thank you!
Thanks for your video. I will fix my car’s flat tire at once.
Great video. Learned some things I didn't know about Fix a Flat. This would be an excellent video for the Ladies too, single or married. Thanks again.
YUP I’m a lady and a male friend told me to get some Fix a Flat now I know how to do it for myself 😀
Thank you for this video. Didn't empty my tire a little bit like you suggested but I have an extra can of fix a flat and will do that next time
Thanks for your help, Gods work 😊
Thank you for the video. I just stopped off at my local parts store where I had a $20 credit so I purchased a large can TPMS safe of Fix-A-Flat and I got it for free! I drove up onto a curb pad or a concrete pad at the back end of a local grocery store parking lot to get my tire high enough for the can-can stand upright so I can attach it to the tire valve at the sixth position. So I filled it up throw five miles putting in the right PSI into tires and I am a happy camper once again thank you
Thx. Very informative. I have a flat , gonna try this now
Have the same problem! Going to try it out. Hope it worked for you!
Amazing how to video! Thanks!
Thanks this video helped me out a lot! Love and light❤
I like your idea better than others thank you
Thank you! This video was perfect :)
I used it twice I'm a single lady it didn't work. So today was the first day that I read the instructions! And watched this video. If you lay it down or forget to shake it, or don't put it tightly it leaks everywhere. I've seen it done right now I will try it.
Thanks for the comment; If you follow as the directions say, it should work fine.
Wait, did you really just say that you tried it twice and it didn't work...and never bothered to read the instructions? 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
What’s your Snapchat I’ll send over some a pointer
Thanks man, this was Perfect!😁
Thanks for your video
Thanks for the helpful info!
EXCELLENT VIDEO!!! THANK YOU!!!
Thank You so Much for this, You we’re simple and so effective Thank You so much for helping me This was informative ❤ I did exactly what you said i’ll get a new tire tmw or so
Awesome. Thanks for the feedback, glad it helped 👍
Thank you so much
Great job
Awesome! Need to have 1 just incase
Thanks. That was informative.
Really appreciate this video, sir!! You really helped us out this evening. Greatly appreciated 🙏🏽🙏🏽
Awesome, glad it helped
Good job 👌
If you're using it to seal a rim leak put the valve stem at 12 o'clock. Take the wheel off and tip the wheel back and forth. Don't drive until it's dry.
That way it runs all around the rim and centrifugal force doesn't fling it out where you don't need it.
I've fixed bad rim bead leaks this way and they've all sealed up flawlessly for the entire life of the tire.
Is that a Lamborghini in your garage? Enjoying your videos. Love from the UK
It’s a Countach LP400S replica that I’m restoring. Thanks for the support 👍
Thanks!!! Great video
👍
Thank you ❤
Thanks
Excellent
Sir thanks for your time in making this video. I've followed the steps exactly, and in the past year have gome through 3 cans of fix a flat. None have worked.
Depending how bad the puncture, it may need a plug or replacement
We got it plugged, but each mechanic I've talked to does not recommend Fix a Flat for car tire repair.
@@PhillipsVision
does the stem or puncture at 6 oclock
@@juanalvarez7410 Yes roughly. My issue is ALWAYS that the pressure in the can can't push the air out, meaning the tire pressure is too much for the can. I've just resorted to driving the tire to a shop and getting it fixed. They've even (several places) not recommended using fix a flat for cars. They've never seen it work.
Tnx for your help
thanks, very informative step-by-step video... a few questions for you Andy.. 1. what's the shelf life of fix a flat?... 2. does it work in sub-zero temperatures? 3. if there's a nail in the tire, ie a puncture, will it also work? 4. when you go to the garage to get a puncture repaired pernanently, does the mechanic have much trouble cleaning the inside of the tire?
Not sure what the shelf life is, but I’ve had some on the shelf for a long time and they worked fine. Should work in below zero temps, as long as not stored in those temps. If there is a nail it should be fine, it should seal around it inside the tire. Not sure if it will cause problems when trying to clean it. I know you need to let the tire shop know if fix a flat is in the tire so they proceed properly when removing it from the rim.
@@iransom4884 I always leave the nail in. As for the puncture position, follow what the directions say if it is at a different level from the stem
Fantastic video. Very informative and explained/demonstrated perfectly. Thank you!!!
Also, is that a Countach LP5000 in the garage?
Thanks. It’s a LP400S replica
@@PhillipsVision even better than the real deal, as I'm sure it is much more reliable! :-) Very cool!!!
@@charlesoxley7242 been restoring it for the past 3.5 years. Almost done. I have about 50 vids on my channel documenting the project.
Thank you. Good instructions. Will put two cans on the back of the trunk.
Ty liked your style
Hi, thank you for your video. Is wrong to flush the product inside the empty tyre, then fill the tyre with air to the correct pressure, then make some kilometers driving?
No, that’s what I always do and it works fine
Completely off-topic, but I bet you could grow a _magnificent_ mustache 💪
Also, thanks for the video! Bout to use this stuff on my mom's rototiller tire
How do you get the puncture to line up with the valve stem . Which is more important the puncture at 6 clock or the valve stem. Also does the slime affect tyre pressure monitoring
Bingo! This Exactly my question too!! The video is contradictory.
No one talking about Countach casually chilling in the garage. Nice car and helpful vid but only use this stuff as a last resort. Tire plug kits are the way-to-go.
Great video. Thank you. I used fix a flat for the first time a few hours ago. At the gas station when I added air it started shooting fix a flat out around the rim when I got over 20psi. I took it home and parked it and drove a different vehicle. I came home 2 hours later and now the tire looks over inflated but my tire pressure Guage is only reading 10 psi??? I don't know what to do now 🤷🏼♀️ It definitely has to have more than 10 psi in it?
You may have clogged the valve stem if you didn’t rinse off the excess fluid that sprayed out.
Hi! What if I don’t know where the slow leak is coming from? There’s no glass or nails or nothing but it’s a slow leak. What do I do then? Just do it at any angle? Thanks !
Just position the tire with the valve stem at 6 o’clock and hold the can upright
Thanks you !!!
Andy - Does ambient temperature matter? Here in Michigan is is only 10-degrees.
Thanks
What if your rim is on the floor after using the full can? Can you quickly put some air in before driving the few miles?
Chances are you have a tear in the tire or major hole. It needs to be replaced with a spare.
Can this work on a wheel seal too?
Pretty easy just unscrew the valve stem put a new valve stem in Walmart 8 buck get.
The reason that you might have the thing blocked up has nothing to do with sitting there and not moving right away it has to do with the fact that when these over splash comes out after releasing the mini tube from the can you need to rinse that out before you put the cap on, I some of that stuff got stuck in the valve and you didn't rinse it out and that's probably what happened the last time you spoke of when it got clogged.
But you definitely would not have to replace the valve at all.
It would also be nice to know how many pounds you would want to have available in the tire uninflated how far down should it be so that they can fills almost to well you know what I mean.
This is what I'm trying to find out, I have a slow leak. What should my tire pressure be before I add the can of fix-a-flat?
Thanks for the video! I have 2 zero turn lawnmoweres with one front tire (so they are both small tires) on each mower that needs repairing.I bought a standard size tire can of fix a flat. Do you think the one can can be used to repair a flat on the 2 flat tires? Also, what if puncture is not in the area of the valve stem..is it more important to have the puncture or the valve stem in the 6 o'clock position?
I think one can should be fine. I don’t always follow the puncture location, and never had issues. The main thing is that you add air immediately. Letting the tire sit with only the fix-a-flat will cause the valve stem to get clogged with the solution.
Thanks, have you ever used tire slime and if you have, which one would you prefer to use?
@@beam6981 I have, but I like Fix-A-Flat better. Had more success with it
@@PhillipsVision ok, thanks for your info!
Video was definitely effective
It says for puncture to be at 6 o'clock. Valve stem should be anywhere from 4-8.
I was about to comment this too. You want the foam to have to flow down a bit.
How would you find the puncture after it goes flat
Good.
Hi. Could you tell me the model/brand of the tire inflator gauge that you have connected to your air compressor line please? Thanks.
It’s from Harbor Freight. The brand is Merlin, and the part no. is: 63544, 57258. The price is $15.99
Thank uou
Have you ever had vibrations at higher speeds after using this? I had a previous repair the failed, so the tire shop wanted to replace the tire. I put this in instead and now it’s shaking bad at 75 and above.
Yes, normally if you don’t drive immediately after application. When you drive it will circulate around inside the tire. When you don’t drive, and allow it to settle, you will let it settle in one are causing that.
In regards to the 6’O Clock position, what if you’re not sure where the puncture point is? Would this still be the best position to put the valve stem at?
Yes, I always leave the valve stem at a 6 O’Clock position if the leak position is unknown
@@PhillipsVision Thanks for the reply. I appreciate the tip!
ok I just found my answer thanks
Question: I need to repair a small tire on a Zero Steer mower. The size is 20x12x8. The instructions are to use the entire can, but even the smallest size of fix a flat would be too much. Can I still use this, and maybe stop filling before the can is used and would that work ok? Thanks
Not sure, I’ve never used it on a small tire. Does the tire have an inner tube?
@@PhillipsVision Thanks for the reply. This particular tire is tubeless. It's off of a Cub Cadet ZT2 zero steer.
I watched a few other videos, looking for a second opinion on this. CZcamsr "Mower Mike" did a video (link to the specific video below) on repairing small mower tires. He simply used a 16oz can and stopped filling when the tire felt full enough to be firm, but not totally full. After driving the mower around, or manually "rolling" the tire around with your hands, you can top off with air if needed.
"czcams.com/video/k8IZjt2cQrg/video.html
Do you have to let it sit over nite after topping off the air or can you began to drive it as normal?
I usually drive as normal right after adding it and topping off with air
i screwed up 3 cans I didnt rotate tire, however the substantce sealed the tire as well as the value and tire is low
I came here for the fix a flat, I stayed for that lambo booottyyyy
Can this fix the bead seal on the tires also ? I have a slight leak on the bead it doesn’t sit right
This will only seal any leaks where air may be escaping
Can you clear the valve with a burst of air before you drive the 2-4 miles?
I would think so
Nice Lambo!! 😎🔥🤤🤌🤘🦅
Thanks. It’s a replica
I have a screw in my tire, do I remove the screw before I use the fix a flat or keep the screw in there?
Leave it in, it will seal around it. If you remove it you’ll probably need to plug the hole
Great video. How long does the fix a flat last for the tire once you put it in?
I always leave it in for the life of the tire. I know that is not what is recommended by the manufacturer, but if the tire is not damaged I leave it.
That’s correct, it in most cases will last the rest of the life of that particular tire you filled it into there shouldn’t be any need to service it any further as long as you don’t run over anything else that could cause issues but you won’t be able to use another can in there if something happens again with the same tire
What do you do if the puncture in the 6 o'clock position is far away from the valve stem? For example the puncture is at 6 o'clock and the stem is at 12 o'clock. Can the product still work?
The can says to have the puncture at 6 o'clock, not the valve stem.
I don't know where the puncture is, in a different video they recommend to jack up the car so the tire won't be touching ground.
I never jack them up. The can has compressed air which will inflate it.
Is DG auto Tire Inflator the same as the one you used just a different brand?
I used the actual brand. The DG one is like a lot of other generic brands. It should work pretty much the same.
Your video is well made, easy to follow and understand, but I have to wonder why we need to be told how to use a product that has a full set of instructions right there on the back in plain English. I would do a video on why the Jeep Wrangler wheels are designed to trap water inside them and rust out so prematurely.
Because like everything these days, 1) instructions seem to always be lacking enough to answer any questions about details and 2) all the little nuggets of information from experienced people's comments are something you'll never find on the back of any box.
Hey just curious do u remove the nail or leave it in?
Leave it in so it can seal around it. If you remove it you’ll need to plug it.
So, if the puncture is not close to the valve stem, but also not opposite, then which should be at 6 o'clock, the puncture, or the stem?
While you are putting fix a flat into the flat tire, does fix a flat also seal the stem if there was a leak in it?
Not really since any sealant in it will be pushed out when air is inserted
Does the puncture or stem need to be at 6 o’clock
The puncture if you know where it is, if not just put the stem at 6 o’clock
Can i use this on a 16 hour road trip. Or does it have to dry for the 24 hours?
Should be able to apply and then top of your tire. Once topped off you can drive it.
My tires are continually losing a little air, can I just press the yellow cap for 5 seconds on each tire if that's possible, Thank you.
No, you want to fill it with the content. Release enough air so you can spray the full can into the tire, then top off with air. That should solve your issue
Is this suitable for emergency roadside repair instead of swapping in spare?
Yes, as long as the tire is not ripped or with a large puncture. This works well with nails and other similar penetrations
What if there's a nail or screw in your tire that caused the flat? We had a lot of that after the hurricane.
I leave it in and let the Fix A Flat seal around it
Can you use fix a flat to put air in tire that needs more air without taking air out
Normally you want to release some air to make room for the pressurized air to enter. If not, you may over fill it.
How does it work?
Does it set hard in the tire?
If you follow the directions and drive the car after using it, it will balance it around and not cause hard spots. If you use it and let it sit, you will get hard spots that cause the tire to be out of balance and run the risk of clogging your valve stem.
Dude has a Lamborghini in the Garage Damm Ben Baller over here!
Great video, but one thing caught my eye... is that a damn Countach in that garage???
It’s a Florida built replica, not an original Italian one. I have over 50 vids on my channel documenting the restoration if you’re interested
Okay so do I put the valve stem at 6 o'clock or the puncture???
I honestly don't know where the hole is ....
If you can’t rotate the puncture to 6 O’clock, turn the valve stem to 6 O’clock and fill.
@@PhillipsVision Okay thank you!
I did exactly what you said and it's holding... But how long will it last?
Should it be okay for a while?
@@raevynkinsey Contrary to the instructions, I usually leave it in until the tire is worn and ready to be replaced. It holds for the life of the tire.
@@PhillipsVision Awesome! Thank you for replying!!
How flat or pumped does the tires have to be?
If the tire is not very flat, let enough air out for the rim to be about 1”-2” off the ground. That will give enough space for the Fix-A-Flat to fill the tire completely
Will this work with big semi truck tires
Yes, but you’ll need to get the one for large tires
I just purchased a can of Fix a Flat. Mine doesn't have a hose or pushbutton on top.
What if I just inflated the tire can I use fix a flat or does it have to be flat completely?
You want to let enough air out so it is close to flat, that will give enough capacity for this product to fill
@@PhillipsVision thanks
After you put fix a flat do you have to get tires fixed after 3 days?
They recommend getting the tire replaced and using it as a temporary fix, but I have left it in tires for the entire life of the tire with no problem.
@@PhillipsVision thank you!
No. Just add more air as this can does not inflate as much as you normally want. So, no need to fix the tire. The nail is sealed until you pull out. But proper inflation is needed after you drive a few miles. Driving after using this product is essential. It distributes the material inside evenly.
The instructions on the can says that the "puncture" should be at 6 o'clock, not the valve stem. However, everyone on CZcams says it's the valve stem. 🤷🏾♂️
Just used a can today and it said "rotate tire valve to 6 o clock position if possible." Seems it depends which type you get.
The one in the video says puncture should be at 6 o clock However.
Can say’s “Tire Valve stem should be at 3 or 9 o’clock.” I have the can in my hand rn
@Jonny and yours isnt?
Sounds like we can all agree that neither the puncture nor the stem should be in the 12-o'clock position 🫠
If your not home and do this process on the side of the road will you be able to drive it home and then leave it overnight?
You can drive it home, but if you leave it over night you run the risk of the solution hardening is the stem, and then you can’t add air
If there is a nail in the tire. Would you take it out before using the fix-a-flat.
No, leave it in and the fix-a-flat will seal around it. If you pull the nail out you’ll have to plug it properly
Beyond jelly you have that countach
Just used some of this stuff today, it didn't work... I followed the directions on the can perfectly and and am watching this video hours later to confirm I did. What went wrong? It seemed like it just didn't have nearly enough pressure? Was the can defective?
Did you have the right capacity, for your tire size?
@@PhillipsVision The guy at the store looked at the tire and said to get large, maybe should've got x-large? Does it affect the pressure? The can felt like it had a lot of fluid still in it, it just wouldn't really go, it especially didn't inflate the tire at all
@@carllinden533 Did you hold it upright and have everything in the right position? If the van is not upright it can cause it to lose pressure.
@@PhillipsVision Yes the can was upright, correct position and all that. I will say we didn't drive immediately because the tire was still way too low riding on the rim etc. Perhaps the leak was just too fast.
@@carllinden533 could be, or the can was defective
It looked like you were still pressing down as you disconnected. Is there a reason for doing that, or is that why it dribbled?
I was not pressing it. You’re going to have some dribble due to the pressure in the applicator hose. You want to keep pressing the button until the fluid within the hose slows down.
@@PhillipsVision Ok, thanks for the great video, it was really helpful!
@@paulettecallahan6182 glad it helped
@@PhillipsVision finger pressure looked like u were pressing down still lol