Most drivers face a flat at least a few times in their lives. Although it can be daunting the first time you attempt it, changing a flat tire is not difficult. Almost anyone can do it in under 15 minutes--less time than it usually takes for a tow truck to arrive.

Tools you will need:

- Car jack

- Lug wrench (or socket)

- Pliers

- Knife or Knips

How to patch holes:

Tips for finding small holes: You might be able to hear air escaping through holes in the tires. Sometimes, however, it's not that easy. Here's a trick to help you spot small holes in the car tire. Make a soapy solution in a large bowl. Inflate the tire as best you can. Pour the soapy water over it. The leak should be easily evident because the air escaping through a hole will create bubbles. Mark the hole with a paint pen so you can find it later.

Ways to fix a tire: You may either get it patched or temporarily plug it yourself. Here are some repair tips:

Patches: To get it patched, you're going to need to take it to a tire or auto repair shop. This is the preferred way to fix a flat tire, but it means you have to get it to a shop, and it usually costs about $15. The shop will have to remove the tire from the rim and apply an internal patch over the hole. These patches work very well, and they are a lot cheaper than buying a new tire.

Plug a Tire: Plugs are excellent as temporary solutions, but the proper way to get a tire fixed is to have it patched. You can plug it in your driveway, or on the side of the road if need be. Tire plug kits are available at all auto repair stores and in most chains like Walmart, Kmart, and Target. You can plug a tire without removing it from the rim; therefore, it is ideal for the do-it-yourselfer. It should be one of the basic repair tools in your car at all times. Here's how to plug your tire:

Open the repair kit that you keep in your car just in case this sort of thing happens.

Remove the offending object - this usually requires pliers.

Take the rasp tool included in the kit, quickly insert and remove it from the hole to roughen and clean the rubber.

Take the plug and cover it in cement. Both the plug and cement are included in the kits. Use the included insertion tool to stick the plug into the hole. About 1/2' of it should remain outside the tire.

Quickly, pull the insertion tool straight out. This should leave the plug in the hole.

Cut the plug flush with surrounding tire treads.

Remember that a plug is a temporary fix. You'll want to get the tire internally patched or replaced as soon as possible.