ATV Tires

I have noticed one of my tires is not holding air, slow leak of some sort. Can you take it to a shop and have them fix it like a car tire (plug) or is there a difference with ATV tires?

probably leaking around the bead, you can take it to a shop that does atv tires or add tire slime.

Jami

Yeah,you can have it plugged if you can find the leak.
Had to do this to mine last year after building my garage (a few nails were around).

Same plug will work. Most people carry a plug kit with them so if they run over something they can plug the hole and add the canned fix a flat to get back to the truck. Also a bead leak can be fixed by over inflating the tire then letting air out until you get to the desired pressure. Soemtimes with the low pressure the bead doesn’t seal up right and slowly leaks from the start.

You can fix it yourself or bring it up to a tire shop, they can take care of it. Always carry a plug kit in your tool kit, cheap insurance. A few things I also carry in the kit, a little foot pump that’s made for a bike, valve stems, cores and the tool that removes them. I also carry a small can of ether/lighter. I’ve been on a few trips where someone broke a bead or valve stem, the ether comes in handy. Other things I carry, spare belt and the tools to change it, spark plugs and a small tube of grease. The grease is used to set the bead. I know the above is more than “a tire leak” but, they come in handy when your broke down.

To find your tire leak…grab a spray bottle add a drop or two of dish soap and fill with water, shake it up good. Over inflate the tire a little. Remove your tire lay it flat, spray the entire bead. The leak will bubble, easily noticed. Spray the valve stem, both the base and the core. Flip it and spray the other bead. You can take care of bead leaks by over inflating a little but more often than not there is dirt, a rock or a stick jammed in it. They need to be removed, bead broke/cleaned, bead sealant and reset. A tire shop is your best bet if you havn’t done or know how to do the ether method.

If you don’t have any leaks in the bead or stem it’s in your tread. Roll the tire and spray the entire surface, watch for bubbles, find the leak, ream the hole and shove a plug in.

Speaking of ATV’s, going on a ride with about 20 guys next weekend! All the above tools and more will be in my tool kit/saddle bags.

BIRDDOG

DO NOT USE FIX A FLAT OR SLIME ITS JUST A HUGE MESS!!
Plug the hole with a plug