Two flat tires, now what?
Although rare, two flat tires occurring on the same vehicle and the same trail can happen. I saw it myself when someone was traveling in a wash and sliced two tire sidewalls on the same sharp rock. When you are in remote terrain and several miles from the pavement and the nearest tire shop, this seems beyond disastrous. You do have a full-sized spare, so you can change one of the tires, but what about the other one? What to do?
One answer might be that you are traveling in a group of Broncos and someone has another identical-sized spare for you to borrow until you can get to a tire shop. That would be a lucky happenstance. Actually, an easier answer might be to have a tire plug kit, along with an air compressor.
As guides, we frequently share information on items you should carry in your Bronco or Sport when you travel off-road. There’s always the popular items people seem to remember, like traction boards, kinetic ropes, air compressors, and a shovel. But a really good tire plug kit doesn’t take up much room in your vehicle, is fairly inexpensive, and could save you from a costly recovery or hours getting off the trail and driving back in with another tire.
Plug a sidewall only in an emergency
Ideally, and according to just about any article read, you should only plug a tire when the damage has occurred in the tread. Plugging a sidewall should only be done in an emergency to get off the trail. Since a sidewall is more flexible, the plugs can shift or become dislodged, and if that happens at any speed, a blowout and accident can occur. If you’ve elected to plug a sidewall, you should travel at very low speeds and stop frequently to check the plugs and watch the inflation status of the tire.
What is needed?
A tire plug kit with lots of plugs (I typically carry 100 in mine; they don’t take up that much room) and parts to replace/repair valve stems which are a common source of off-road tire damage. A kit should have a reaming tool, a pair of pliers, and a tool to set the plugs.
How to repair the tire
Position the tire so that the cut is visible and allows you to easily access it. Clean the outer surface of the tire and remove as much of the dirt as possible. Also, if the cut is small, you may need to clean the tire to find it. If you notice an object in the tire itself, such as a nail, don’t remove it until you are ready with the plug.
Once you remove the object or identify the area that’s leaking, you’ll want to use the reaming tool to move the steel belts and open the area up so that the vulcanized plug will seat all the way through the tire. Saw the tool in and out of the area a few times.
Next, prepare the plug by seating it halfway through the eyelet tool. The plug is super sticky so use of the pliers can be helpful here.
If your kit came with liquid cement, you can apply some and then push the plug straight about 3/4 of the way into the hole, or about 1/2 of the plug is exposed. Then, twist the tool 90 degrees, and withdraw it. You can trim the plug if desired, but it is not necessary.
Use your air compressor to re-inflate the tire and check for leaks. Repeat if necessary.
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