Having a flat tire can be frustrating. This frustration will mount if it continues to happen again and again. Many things can cause a flat tire, including heat, cold, thorns, glass and sharp rocks. Luckily, there are ways to safely inflate your tire and ensure that it stays inflated.
Step 1
Stabilize your bike. The easiest and quickest way to do this is to invert your bike and set it on the handlebars and bike seat. You may also recruit another individual to hold your bike for you.
Step 2
Loosen the brake and the quick release lever in order to remove your bike tire from the frame.
Step 3
Insert the tire lever between the tire and the rim and pull it around to break the seal so the tube may be removed.
Step 4
Check the inside of the tire for thorns or glass by carefully running your finger along the inside of the tire.
Step 5
Remove the black cap of the new tube and insert the stem into the hole in the tire rim. Proceed to put the rest of the tube into the tire. Push the tire back into the rim using your thumbs and making sure that the tube does not get pinched between the rim and the tire. If it is pinched, it will pop when inflated.
Step 6
Put a CO2 cartridge into the CO2 inflator. Unscrew the valve at the end of the tube and attach the CO2 inflator. Release the CO2 into the tube. The tire will quickly inflate. Remove the CO2 inflator, tighten the valve and replace the black cap onto the stem. CO2 inflators are especially beneficial if you are out on the road because they are lightweight and convenient to transport. A CO2 inflator also requires little effort to use and tire inflation is fast. If the tire needs to be pumped up at home, a traditional tire pump may be used instead of a CO2 inflator.
Step 7
Replace the tire onto the bike, being sure to tighten the brake and the quick release lever.
Tips and Warnings
- If you find yourself having flat tires often, your tire probably needs to be replaced. Don't throw your old tubes out. They can be patched and reused at a later time, saving money in the future.
- If you purchase a cheap, thin plastic tire lever, beware that it will probably break and could cause sore fingers.
Things You'll Need
- Tire lever
- New tire tube
- CO2 inflator
- CO2 cartridge
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