How to Repair a Tire Seal

Your tires maintain a good seal when the bead -- a metal cord encased in the lip of the tire -- presses firmly against the lip of the rim. Cold weather and driving over potholes or curbs can loosen the seal, causing air leaks. Rust and damage to the rims also may cause a seal leak. Most seal leaks allow a few pounds of pressure to be released per day. Repairing the seal requires properly seating the bead and applying bead seal.

• 1

  Remove the tire. Drain any air out of the tire by removing the valve core with a valve core removal tool. Wait for all the air to escape the tire before proceeding.

• 2

  Place a pry bar between the lip of the rim and the tire bead. Apply ample downward pressure to unseat the bead. Push the bead approximately 1 to 2 inches from the lip. Repeat at intervals of 3 to 4 inches until the bead is entirely pushed back. Repeat the process on both sides.

• 3

  Clean the surface of the rim where the bead sits with a wire brush. Dust off any debris and wipe clean with a rag. Repair any dents in the lip with a rubber mallet to straighten out the metal.

• 4

  Apply bead seal over the circumference of the bead on both sides. Stand the tire up and apply pressure to it by leaning onto the tire.

• 5

  Pump air into the tire with the valve core removed. Do not allow fingers or loose articles to hang near the bead. Inflate the tire to the factory-recommended pressure level and replace the valve core with the valve core removal tool. Monitor the bead for any signs of leaks.