I ran over a nail, and now my back tire has a slow leak, can it be repaired with a plug or does the tire need to be removed for repair? Tire has spokes.

Occasionally, we all run over a nail or a screw on the road. Repairing the tire with a plug is a very simple repair which requires almost no technical ability. Follow these steps, and you will be driving again in no time.

1. Buy a tire plug kit from your local auto parts store. The kit comes with the plugging tools, glue, and several plugs.

2. Raise the tire off the ground so you can rotate the tire. It is easiest to repair the tire off the car, but it is possible to do it on the car as well.

3. Locate the puncture. Simply rotate the tire until you find the nail or screw.

4. With a pair of pliers (side cutters work best), remove the nail.

5. It may be necessary to **** (clean and enlarge) the puncture. For this, use the round tool that looks like a file. Simply insert the tool into the hole and twist it back and forth. Push the tool all the way through the tire tread.

6. Take a plug from the kit and fit it into the hook of the second tool. It should be approximately centered on the tool. Coat the plug generously with glue and push the tool and plug into the hole in the tire. Do not push the tool too deep, as the plug will fall off of the tool inside the tire. The plug should be inserted deep into the tire, but the two ends of the plug should protrude from the tread at least 1/2" (13 mm). Remove the tool, leaving the plug in the tire.

7. Inflate the tire to full operating pressure and watch for leaks. A second plug may be necessary on large punctures.

8. Reinstall the wheel on the car and lower the car to the ground. After tightening the lug nuts and putting everything away, you are ready to drive the vehicle again.