Dealing with a Flat Tire on a Bike

Nothing slows down a bike ride like a flat tire. Getting a flat tire is often unexpected and it isn’t something everyone knows how to deal with. Knowing how to fix a flat can get you back on the road or trail for another ride. 

Determine the Cause 

When you get a flat, the first thing you should do is determine what caused the flat tire. Start by visually inspecting the tire to see what punctured it. In many cases, whatever punctured the tire may still be there so avoid running your finger along the tire so you don’t get cut. If you can’t see anything, try reinflating the tire to see if you hear air leaking out of the tire. This will help you locate the hole. Road debris may be the cause of the puncture and you need to make sure you remove it so it doesn’t cause any further holes. 

Patch the Problem 

Once you know what the issue is, you can patch the problem. A patch kit is a helpful tool to have on hand when you ride. They’re compact and give you exactly what you need to fix a hole. To begin, clean the area around the hole or puncture. Next, you need to rough up the surface slightly. Your kit should include tools for this such as sandpaper or emery cloth. You can then apply the patch to the puncture. Some patches simply require you to peel off the backing and apply the patch. Others will include glue. You apply the glue to both the puncture surface and the patch. Hold the patch down firmly to make sure it stays. 

Re-Inflate 

Now that you’ve addressed the puncture or hole, you can re-inflate your tire. When inflating, you want to have the proper amount of air pressure in the tire. Using a CO2 cartridge is a great way to do this. However, you can only use these once so you need to make sure you do it properly. To do this, make sure the inflator and valve stem are properly connected. If you don’t have a CO2 cartridge, you can also use a mini pump. It’s helpful to have a pump you can pump against the ground because this will help you increase the pressure. 

If you get a flat tire, you can replace the tire altogether or learn how to fix the problem yourself. While renting a Kova Rentals eBike, you don’t need to worry about fixing a flat yourself. Contact us and we will get you a new bike. 

Riding eBikes is a great way to get some exercise while making it easier for everyone to join in the ride. Click here to find available eBikes near you.