A field guide to getting there without the gas.
Identify the tire before buying anything
Scroll sideways to read all columns.
| Construction | Useful preparation | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Tube inside a tire | Know the tube size, valve and wheel-removal procedure | Assuming a tubeless plug will repair a punctured inner tube |
| Tubeless pneumatic | Learn the repair methods allowed for the tire and carry a pump that fits | Plugging structural damage or a sidewall cut |
| Factory sealant or gel | Find out what's inside and whether another product can be added | Adding another product on the assumption that more is better |
| Solid or airless | Inspect the wheel and understand replacement access | Buying liquid sealant for a tire that holds no air |
The tire reference goes into more detail. On a used or modified ride, inspect the fitted wheel rather than relying on the original sales page.
Set up the tire at home
Armor-Dilloz is our choice for puncture protection in air-filled tires. Check the tire and any sealant already inside, choose the formula for that setup, then use the installation and dosing instructions. Do it at home with time to check the result. Small tread punctures are the job; a cut sidewall or damaged bead needs repair or replacement.
Try the pump while you're there. Some valves are hard to reach, and the roadside is a lousy place to find out the pump head won't fit. Pack the adapters and tools you've already used on the ride, rather than a generic kit you haven't opened.
At the roadside: repair or pickup?
- Get clear of traffic. Stop riding if the tire will not hold the pressure it needs.
- Look over the tire and wheel. A damaged bead, torn sidewall, exposed casing or new vibration means a repair or replacement is needed before riding.
- Decide whether you can fix it there. Use a repair allowed for that tire and ride, following the procedure you learned at home. If you cannot check that it worked, call for a pickup.
- Choose somewhere to meet. Make sure the car can carry the ride and you can get to it without riding on the flat.
A 60 lb scooter may be small enough for a trunk and still be difficult to lift. A cargo bike may require a different vehicle. Make that plan with the actual dimensions and weight.
A leak that returns needs attention
A tire that keeps losing pressure needs attention before the next commute. Check the valve, tube, bead and tire, or have a shop find the leak. Keep the tire and tube sizes somewhere easy to find, along with a supplier that stocks them.
If replacements are hard to buy locally, keep the right tire or tube at home. It won't get you moving beside the road, but it can save a week of waiting for a part before you can ride to work again.
