Driving home from TESBROS, I ran into a problem that every driver dreads—a flat tire. If you’ve ever been in this situation, you know how stressful it can be, especially when you’re driving a massive vehicle like the Cybertruck. Here’s exactly what happened, how I handled it, and what you should do if you ever find yourself in the same situation.
How It Happened
I was heading home through an industrial area, just 15 minutes away from my house. There was a large trash bin in the road, and it looked like someone had been moving a bunch of stuff around. I don’t know exactly what caused it, but I must have run over something sharp.
At first, everything seemed fine—until I noticed my tire was losing air rapidly. It was dropping about 1 PSI every 15 seconds. That’s when I knew I had to act fast.
Step 1: Monitor Your Tire Pressure
Thankfully, the Cybertruck lets you monitor PSI levels in real-time. As soon as I noticed the pressure dropping, I pulled up the service screen and kept an eye on it while driving carefully.
When the tire pressure got down to 20 PSI, I had to make a quick decision:
- Can I make it home or to a shop?
- Do I need to stop immediately?
- Is it safe to keep driving?
Step 2: Finding a Solution
At this point, my goal was to find a gas station with a tire inflator. The Cybertruck’s massive 35-inch tires normally hold 55 PSI, so I needed a good amount of air. If you’re ever in this situation, it’s best to:
- Drive slowly and carefully.
- Look for a nearby gas station with an air pump.
- Assess whether you need a tow or can make it somewhere safe.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have access to a gas station, a portable tire inflator is a lifesaver. I always keep one in my car, and I highly recommend you do the same.
Step 3: Temporary Fix with a Tire Patch Kit
By the time I reached the gas station, my tire pressure was down to 16 PSI—really low. I grabbed temporary tire patch kit at the gas station. Pro tip: Keep one in your car for just-in-case situations like this one.
Here’s how a temporary patch works:
- Locate the puncture – If it’s in the center of the tread, you can usually patch it. But if it’s near the sidewall, you’ll likely need a new tire.
- Use the reaming tool – This opens up the hole to prepare it for the patch.
- Insert the plug – Push the rubber plug into the hole using the insertion tool, then pull it out so the plug seals the hole.
- Inflate the tire – I used my TESBROS tire inflator to pump the tire back up to a safer level.
This is a temporary fix—it’s not meant to last forever. But it can buy you enough time to get home or to a repair shop safely.
Step 4: The Proper Repair
After getting home, I checked my tire again. Overnight, it only lost about 20 PSI in 10 hours, which was much better than losing PSI every few seconds.
The next morning, I re-inflated the tire to around 40 PSI and carefully drove to Tesla’s service center (only five minutes away). They topped it off to 50 PSI, which made it easier for me to drive to a trusted shop for a permanent fix.
I took my Cybertruck to Quick Everett’s Garage (highly recommend them if you’re in Chattanooga), where they patched the tire properly.
What’s the Difference Between a DIY Patch and a Professional Repair?
A temporary fix (like the one I did at the gas station) just seals the hole from the outside. However, a proper tire repair involves:
- Removing the tire from the wheel.
- Cleaning and patching it from the inside.
- Sealing it properly to prevent slow leaks.
This is the best way to ensure the patch holds up long-term. If done correctly, you don’t have to replace the tire, which is great news because Cybertruck tires cost around $500 each (or about $2,000 for a full set).
Final Thoughts: Be Prepared!
If you drive a Cybertruck—or any vehicle—it’s always a good idea to have a plan for flat tires. Here’s what I recommend:
✅ Carry a portable tire inflator – It’s small, lightweight, and can get you out of a tough spot.
✅ Keep a tire patch kit in your car – A quick fix can help you avoid waiting hours for a tow truck.
✅ Know where the nearest gas station or tire shop is – In an emergency, time is everything.
This experience reminded me just how important it is to be prepared. I hope this guide helps you if you ever find yourself with a flat tire!