How to Fix a Flat Tire on Your Riding Lawn Mower

Move the riding mower to a level area. Place a floor jack under the front or rear frame of the mower, depending upon which tire is flat. Raise the mower with the jack until the flat tire is 6 inches off the ground. Position jack stands under the frame on each side of the jack. Slowly lower the jack until the weight of the mower is supported by the jack stands.

Rotate the tire until you see the puncture. If there is an object in the tire, pull it out with a pair of pliers. Fill a small container with 2 tbsp. of liquid dish soap and water, if the hole is not visible. Fill the tire with air and listen for a small hissing sound. Rotate the tire and brush the soapy water over the area with a brush. The air will create bubbles where the hole is located.

Insert the reamer tool into the hole of the tire. The reamer tool is the one in the repair kit that resembles a round file with a handle. Push and pull the tool in and out of the hole several times. This creates an even hole and removes stray pieces of rubber.

Pull one of the piece of tar strips from the plastic backing. Insert the tar strip through the end of the threading tool. The threading tool is the tool that resembles an eye of a needle on the end. Position the tar strip so that it is centered on the end of the threading tool.

Insert the tar strip into the hole with the threading tool until only ½ inch of the strip remains above the tire. Twist the threading tool and pull it out quickly. The tar strip releases from the tool and stays in the hole.

Fill the tire with the appropriate amount of air. The sidewall of the tire has a stamp with the recommended air pressure. Raise the mower with the jack just enough to remove the jack stands. Pull the jack stands away from the mower, and lower the jack completely.