Fixing a puncture is not something one normally bothers to do around town – that’s what garages or one-stop-tyre-’n-exhaust shops are for. But out in the sticks, with the spare already being used, you have to make a plan. It’s actually ridiculously easy ... provided you’ve got the kit, says Horst Kellerman of Safari Centre.
 

First get a tyre repair kit …

PLUG: (see image 1, from left)
To seal the puncture, you jam one or more of these guys into the hole.

RUBBER CEMENT: (see image 2, from left)
No, don’t sniff this. It is to ensure the plug stays where you want it.

REAMER: (see image 3, from left)
This is for preparing the puncture or hole before you insert a plug.

INSERTING TOOL: (see image 4, from left)
Yip, you’ve guessed it, you use this to insert the plug in the hole.
 

… make sure you have this

12 V COMPRESSOR: (see image 1, from left)
No, it’s not only for inflating the camping mattress, but more specifically for inflating a tyre.

TYRE PRESSURE GAUGE: (see image 2, from left)
What?! You don’t have one? Everyone should have one of these in the cubby hole for accurately measuring tyre pressure.

TOP -UP KIT: (see image 3, from left)
These cost around R40 and save you buying a brand new tyre repair kit when the plugs or glue run out. On longer expeditions it’s advisable to pack one as a back-up.