Guide to Fix a Bicycle Puncture

Shift the bike to the lowest gear if it’s the rear wheel.

Open the quick-release lever or use a adjustable spanner to loosen the nuts on the wheel.

Carefully remove the wheel from the bike.

If there is any air left in the tire, let it out by pressing down on the valve stem.

Remove the Tire from the Rim.

Insert a tire lever under the edge of the tire (bead) and hook it onto a spoke.

Use another tire lever to go around the tire, lifting it off the rim.

Take out the inner tube, starting from the valve stem.

Be gentle to avoid tearing the tube.

Inflate the inner tube slightly and listen for a hissing sound.

If you can’t hear it, submerge the tube in a bowl of water and look for bubbles.

Mark the puncture spot with chalk or a marker.

Dry the tube if you used water.

Use the sandpaper from the patch kit to roughen the area around the puncture. This helps the patch stick better.

Apply a thin layer of glue from the patch kit to the roughened area.

Wait for the glue to become tacky (usually a minute or so).

Press the patch firmly onto the glue and hold it in place for a few minutes.

Make sure there are no air bubbles under the patch.

Place the inner tube back inside the tire, starting with the valve stem.

Fit the tire back onto the rim. Use the tire levers to help if necessary, but be careful not to pinch the tube.

Use the pump to inflate the tire to the recommended pressure (check the side of the tire for the pressure range).

Make sure the tire is properly seated on the rim as you inflate.

Put the wheel back on the bike, making sure it’s properly aligned.

Tighten the quick-release lever or the nuts securely.

Spin the wheel to make sure it’s aligned and doesn’t wobble.

Give the tire a final check for any signs of pinching or bulging.

Practice makes perfect! It might take a few tries to get the hang of it, but don’t get discouraged.

Be gentle with the tire levers and inner tube to avoid causing new punctures.

Always carry a patch kit and a pump when you go biking. You never know when you might need it!

Work in a safe, flat area away from traffic.

If you’re unsure at any step, ask an adult for help.

Happy biking and have fun fixing your puncture!