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How do I fix a flat tire? Last Updated: 03/02/2023

Tires & Tubes To better understand how flat tires happen — and how you can prevent them — it helps to know how a bike’s tire works. All FATWHEELS kits are outfitted with standard tube/tire combinations. The tube, which is made of rubber and resides inside your tire, inflates (or deflates) via pneumatic (air) pressure. The tire serves as protection for the tube, preventing damage or puncture — most of the time. Tire and tube both sit on your wheel’s rim, the tire’s sidewall nesting snugly against the rim. Air pressure (typically referred to as psi or pound per square inch) is the amount of air inside the tube. FATWHEELS tires should be inflated to a maximum of 40 psi. With the proper air pressure, you’ll avoid blowouts from over inflation and pinch flats from putting too little air in, which can allow the tube to slip between the tire and rim. Types of Flat Tires The most common reasons for a flat tire include puncture by a sharp object, failure of or damage to inflation valve, over inflation, pinch flat, tire or tube wear, and severe road/trail hazards such as potholes or rocks. Also, these tires hold a very small volume of air and loss over time will naturally occur due to permeation. If your tires are several years old, they may simply be worn out. We provide replacement wheel assemblies on our website at the following link: https://www.fatwheels.com/fatwheels-replacement-w... How to Fix a Flat Tire When it comes time to fix a flat, start by taking the wheel off the bike. Next, remove the damaged tube. To do this, first completely deflate the tube, then remove one edge of the tire bead from the rim by pressing on the bead of the tire or using a tire lever to pop the bead off the rim. Now pull out the tube and inspect for damage, trying to assess what caused the puncture. Always try to establish cause before installing a new tube so that the new tube doesn’t meet the same fate. Also, make sure to examine the tire and inside of the rim, looking for (and removing) any flat causing objects such as thorns or glass shards. Once you’ve removed the tube, replace it with a new one. FATWHEELS tubes are 12.5" X2.25" with a straight standard (Schrader) valve. We do not stock tubes because they are not covered under warranty and because they can be easily and inexpensively purchased at any big box store in your area or at your local bike shop. Once you have a new tube in place, install the tire bead back over the rim using tire levers, being sure not to pinch the tube on the rim under the tire. Next, inflate slowly at first to set the bead and ensure proper installation. The sound of the tire bead popping into place is normal. Just make sure the tire is even relative to the rim. Check this by rotating the wheel and assuring it spins true with no bias. Lastly, reinstall the wheel. Finally, make sure that the wheel spins true. If everything looks good, you’re ready to get back on the road and enjoy the FUN & FREEDOM of riding your bike! Was this blog post helpful? 10 (Best) 9 8 7 6 5 (Average) 4 3 2 1 (Worst) Comments: