In any list of the top 10 repairs every bike rider should learn, fixing a flat is probably Numero Uno. And, unless you’ve embraced tubeless-tire technology, that inevitably means you’ll have to patch a tube. We’ll cover the basics here, but also check your patch kit’s instructions and defer to them where details differ.

Here are the typical steps for patching a tire tube:

1. Grab your supplies: At a minimum, that’s a patch kit and tire levers for removing the tube from the tire.
2. Find the leak: Closely check the tube; tiny holes require detective work or submersion in water to locate.
3. Decide whether to repair or replace: Severely damaged tubes can’t be saved.
4. Clean, dry and rough up the surface area where the patch will be: It helps the adhesive stick.
5. Spread the glue and apply the patch: Once the glue is tacky, press the patch down, holding it firmly in place.

This article describes how to apply a patch at home, using a traditional glue-on patch. For most flats, you can do a similar fix in the field.

Note that many patch kits now come with glueless patches—the steps are essentially the same, minus the glue application. Early generation glueless patches tended not to hold as well as glued-on patches. Today’s glueless patches have serious staying power, though their chief appeal remains that they are quicker and easier to apply.