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search for the puncture by putting it near your air after putting air in it with a pump to see if can find where the puncture is. Once you locate the puncture, you use the buffer to clean the area around the puncture, because the rubber glue works better on a smooth surface. So you buffer the area, place the glue on the patch and press and hold there for about 30 seconds making sure there is no gap between the patch and the tire that air can escape from.

That is only one option, and could work in some situations, but my own personal experience, when you puncture a tire it is easier to just replace the tube with a new one that of course your carrying with you right? The reasons for following that procedure instead of the other one is simply because patches are not always that effective. Certainly with enough practice you can become an expert, though you want to get back on the bike as soon as possible right? The search for a puncture the placement of the glue and finally the patch and then putting the tire back on and hoping that it will hold takes time, and may not be effective unless properly done. For anyone who is just starting out in bicycling and even those whom are nearly experts, it is just easier to carry an extra tube and replace it, fill it up with air and keep on riding. The extra tube does not add much weight to the overall ride, and with the advent of quick release it just becomes many times easier then the traditional approach.

Learn more about this author, Ray Marr.
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