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CostHelper > Cars  > Flat Tire Repair

Flat Tire Repair Cost


How Much Does Flat Tire Repair Cost?

 
average costPatching or Repair: Free - $40, up to $60 for a Run Flat Tirehigh costReplacement: $50-$750+ Per Tire
Typical costs:
  • A do-it-yourself tire repair kit can cost $5-$20 for simple tools and plugs (to fill the puncture), or $20-$50 for a larger kit with a sealant and a pump or compressor to re-inflate the tire. A do-it-yourself kit is typically designed to create a temporary fix on the outside of the tire to get the vehicle back on the road, so the tire can then be professionally repaired (with an interior patch) or replaced. Tire repair kits are available from auto parts stores like Autozone[1] , big box discount stores like Walmart[2] ; or online retailers like Amazon[3] .
  • Having a flat fixed by a tire or repair shop typically costs $5-$40 for a standard tire and $30-$60 to repair a run flat tire (designed to be safe to drive on even when it is flat). Many tire and repair shops offer free flat repair for tires purchased from them, or through other programs; a few offer free tire repair for any tire, regardless of where it was purchased. For example, Walmart[4] charges $10 to repair a flat tire, or it is free if the owner purchased the Road Hazard Warranty at $10 per tire when buying tires at Walmart; Pep Boys[5] repairs flat tires for free for members of its Rewards program; and Discount Tire[6] (aka America's Tire) offers free flat repair, no questions asked.
  • If the tire damage is too severe or located in an area of the tire that can't safely be repaired, a single replacement tire typically costs $50-$200 for a passenger car; $60-$350 for a standard tire on a pickup or SUV; and $110-$750 for an all-terrain tire on a pickup or SUV. Modern suspension systems work best with matching tires; if only one is replaced, the replacement must be an exact match for the other three tires. Worn tires are often replaced in pairs, and many experts recommend replacing all four tires at once.
Related articles: Roadside Assistance Service, Towing a Car, Tires, Snow Tires, Wheel Balancing, Wheel Alignment

What should be included:
  • For a safe and permanent repair, the tire must be removed from the rim and the work done inside the tire (rather than an outside patch); repairs must be made in the tread area only; the puncture cannot be more than 1/4" in diameter; repairs should not overlap; and a rubber stem (plug) should be used to fill the puncture and a patch applied to seal the inner liner (or using a single unit that combines a plug with a patch). The Rubber Manufacturers Association outlines repair procedures for passenger and light truck tires[7] ; and provides a video illustration of proper and improper tire repair[8] .
  • CarsDirect.com provides instructions for using a temporary tire repair kit[9] with tools and a plug.
  • Consumer Reports has an overview of compact emergency flat tire sealants[10] .
Additional costs:
  • Most repair shops include the cost of wheel balancing (placing weights on the rim so the tire rotates evenly) in the cost of flat tire repair. If it's not included, this can cost $6-$20 per wheel.
  • If the spare tire is flat or not available, and if a temporary fix isn't possible, towing a vehicle to a shop where the flat tire can be repaired or replaced can cost $35-$125 or more, depending on location and type of vehicle. Towing or installation of a viable spare tire may be provided free to members of roadside assistance plans ($15-$360 a year, depending on the level of service included).
Shopping for flat tire repair:
  • Flat tire repair is available from most gas stations; tire stores like Firestone[11] or Goodyear[12] ; national automotive shops or departments like Meineke[13] , Pep Boys[14] or Walmart[15] ; or independent local repair shops.
  • Both the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence[16] and the International Automotive Technicians Network[17] provide a searchable directory of repair shops.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
Flat Tire Repair
Amount: $93.00
Posted by: a user in Naples, FL.Posted: December 27th, 2021 03:12PM
Car Make: CadillacCar Model: XT5
Car Year: 2021Auto Shop: Pine Ridge Imports Auto
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Tire repair
Amount: $85.00
Posted by: Mark C Olmsted in Minneapolis, MN.Posted: October 30th, 2021 07:10AM
Car Make: HyundaiCar Model: Sonata 1.6 LT. Turbo
Car Year: 2020Auto Shop: Morrie's Hyundai
I was a little surprised at the price tag but I was a walk in post COVID service's I've been going to this particular dealership for quite some time I new it was crap shot to get in for a Walk in tire repair. They only had two technicians on, I believe I am paying for the quality of service and convenience of service Morrie's Hyundai offers.
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Flat tire repair
Amount: $400.00
Posted by: Tboogie04 in Duluth, GA.Posted: May 18th, 2020 01:05PM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Oddessy
Car Year: 2009Auto Shop: Honda
This is crazy I paid 400 dollars for a flat tire
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Flat repair on the side of the road
Amount: $35.00
Posted by: Matthew H. in Edmond, OK.Posted: September 17th, 2019 02:09AM
Car Make: Chevrolet pickupCar Model: 1500
Car Year: 2010Auto Shop: Express Auto Rescue
Can't say enough about this guy. Came out right. Fast friendly service
Me and my kid were traveling through Edmond Oklahoma going to Wichita Kansas when I got a nail or screw in my tire and it went down rapidly couldn't pull off the side of the road being that it was about 1:20 a.m. nothing was open.
Felt helpless no tools no one stopping by to help I guess found this guy's phone number called him. It takes a special person to get up at 1:20am to come out and help someone for $35 I couldn't pull my money out fast enough to pay the guy. Heck I even gave him a $10 tip What a a lifesaver
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Flat tire repair
Amount: $13.00
Posted by: Flatstofix913 in Gulfport, MS.Posted: August 14th, 2019 01:08AM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Camry
Car Year: 2006Auto Shop: Discount Tire
Been nursing a flat for about a week because Firestone said my tire couldn’t be fixed and that I needed to buy a new tire. Well of course they said to buy 4 new tires. Finally went to Discount Tire. Went 15mins before they closed down shop for the day. (I know, shame on me. Sorry tech dude) The tech wasn’t too thrilled but he took a quick look, took the tire and fix it in like 2mins. Great service and great people. Discount Tire A+ Firestone F-
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Nail in tire - repair
Amount: $10.00
Posted by: a user in Surprise, AZ.Posted: June 24th, 2019 09:06AM
Car Make: hyundaiCar Model: Elantra
Car Year: 2017Auto Shop: Rodeo Hyundai in Surprize, AZ
Dealership was going to charge over $32.00 for a simple fix. I politely "complained" and, in the end, it was $10.00 plus tax. The dealership did right by this regular customer.
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Should Have Called For Quotes
Amount: $39.27
Posted by: [email protected] in Columbia, MD.Posted: February 5th, 2019 02:02PM
Car Make: AudiCar Model: A4
Car Year: 2018Auto Shop: Mr. Tire
Did a decent job by the looks so far but pricy. Oddly they put a no charge on my bill for repair and balancing and then put on another line item for balancing and repair and charged me $9.39. Repair was $13.99, TPMS stem seal kit $12.99, tax $0.56, and shop supplies $2.34. I’ve had a plug and patch done at a gas station with TPMS for under $20! That one held up for years!
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Cost of a Repair for a shop.
Amount: $30.00
Posted by: Nasser in El Monte, CA.Posted: December 28th, 2018 04:12PM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Camry
Car Year: 2004Auto Shop:
Compressor 240v $6000
Dismount Machine to not scratch your wheel $9000
Jack $400
Air hose $50
Air Gun $400
Technician cost (cause someone's gotta fix your tire) varies. Not including overhead, light bill, rent, etc. Bottom line, it's your CAR, you're crapped without it. Pay the $30 to fix your CAR that gets you to work, home, date, school etc. Chances are you paid 3 times more for your Nikes/Adidas. By the way most cars now have TPMS sensors to tell you a tire is low on pressure. If a technician dismounts the tire incorrectly, they could snap it off. The sensor cost $40-$150 not including tool to wake or program it which cost $3000-$4000.
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Flat tire repair
Amount: $15.00
Posted by: Nora17 in Newark, NJ.Posted: June 26th, 2018 02:06PM
Car Year: 2016Auto Shop: Catizones
Drove in with two kids in car. Took me right away and repair patching took 10 minutes- Never had to get out I car.
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Tire Patch
Amount: $27.00
Posted by: College Towns are Expensive in Greensboro, NC.Posted: March 5th, 2018 11:03AM
Car Year: 2003Auto Shop: Mr. Tire/Goodyear
Guy was really nice, but $27 seems like a bit. I wish I was strong enough to do it myself for $3.
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Flat fixed at Firestone DE
Amount: $33.00
Posted by: Ken F in WILMINGTON, DE.Posted: October 26th, 2017 08:10AM
Car Year: BMW 2000Auto Shop: Firestone
Had a simple nail in 2 of my tires (spare plus one regular) and the charged me $66 dollars to both. I should have gone somewhere else or done it myself using a kit. Plus the upsell sales tactics was unwelcomed.
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Tire Repair
Amount: $49.00
Posted by: Robbed2017 in Clarksville, MD.Posted: August 22nd, 2017 05:08AM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Rav4
Car Year: 2011Auto Shop: Hillmuth Auto Care
Standard fix for a regular Rav4 tire $49! Don't make my mistake. Call around first for pricing!
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tire repair
Amount: $30.00
Posted by: ken keener in lake wales, FL.Posted: May 31st, 2017 10:05AM
Car Make: toyotaCar Model: camry
Car Year: 2006Auto Shop: tire choice /mcgee tire
i have been buying from this dealer for the last 10 years bought all my tires from them and i needed a tire repair, small nail hole , they charged me $30 for the repair, that is crappy service for a long time customer
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Got a flat on the side of my tire today
Amount: $32.00
Posted by: Not a new tire and not a repair in Sarasota, FL.Posted: December 9th, 2016 10:12PM
Car Make: MazdaCar Model:
Car Year: 2009Auto Shop: Just Brakes
I got a flat today on a busy street with a lot of construction. Whatever I hit blew out the side of my tire and it was unrepairable. I was literally flub-flub-flubbing down the street with my hazard lights on looking for a place to stop. I stopped at the first place, a franchise called Just Brakes. They are not 'just brakes', they were able to give me a tire to get me home. I do need to buy a new tire but for $32, they got me home and to work, which was important because this car breakdown happened 20 miles away from my house and my job and I was due at work in 2 hours from where I broke down 20 miles away. I can't say enough great things about this particular shop. It is every consumer's worst nightmare to break down away from home and be at the mercy of an unknown car repair shop. These guys did not take advantage and really went the extra mile!
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Flat Fix at Ford
Amount: $20.00
Posted by: K-Mac in Muskogee, OK.Posted: August 21st, 2016 06:08PM
Car Year: 2013Auto Shop: Ford Dealership
Ask if there is a charge. I made the mistake of not asking. I bought my Mustang from Ford and had a flat fixed at that dealership 2 months ago. No charge. Another flat. Another Ford dealership in OKC. AFTER they fixed the flat he told me it normal to cost $30 but he was only going to charge me $20. I had no idea there would be a charge at all!
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GoodYear is unforgiving
Amount: $40.00
Posted by: RSM in PORT CHESTER, NY.Posted: March 22nd, 2016 08:03AM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Celica
Car Year: 2000Auto Shop: Hank May's Port Chester
4 tire set bought at the place. Still had to pay $40 for a single patch
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flat tire repair
Amount: $27.00
Posted by: Geo Web in Toronto, Other.Posted: November 28th, 2015 02:11PM
Car Make: hondaCar Model: odyssey
Car Year: 2012Auto Shop: Green and Ross
fast and quick, above included balancing -27+tax in Toronto canada
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External Resources:
  1.  www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Wheel-Tire-Repair/Tire-Repair/_/N-26z2
  2.  www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=tire+repair+kit&ic=16_0&Find=Find...
  3.  www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=15706711
  4.  www.walmart.com/cp/1087266
  5.  www.pepboys.com/service/tire_services/tire_puncture_repair/
  6.  dt.know-where.com/DiscountTire/
  7.  www.rma.org/tire_safety/tire_maintenance_and_safety/tire_repair/
  8.  www.rma.org/tire_safety/tire_maintenance_and_safety/tire_repair/video_viewer.cfm?v...
  9.  www.carsdirect.com/car-repair/how-to-patch-a-flat-tire
  10.  news.consumerreports.org/cars/2012/11/sema-compact-emergency-flat-tire-sealants-ar...
  11.  www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/repair/tire-repair.jsp
  12.  www.goodyear.com/en-US/services/flat-tire-repair
  13.  www.meineke.com/services/tires.aspx
  14.  www.pepboys.com/service/tire_services/tire_puncture_repair/
  15.  www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=tire+repair+kit&ic=16_0&Find=Find...
  16.  www.ase.com/Landing-Pages/Car-Owners/Find-a-Repair-Shop/Shop-Locator.aspx
  17.  autorepair.iatn.net/
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