Getting a flat tire can be frustrating for motorists. Whether on a long road trip or heading to an important meeting, a flat tire can throw a wrench into your plans. In this case, tire sealant is incredibly handy.
A tire sealant provides a quick and effective solution to fix punctures, allowing you to get back on the road without waiting for roadside assistance or struggling with a spare tire. Some vehicle owners might wonder how to use tire sealant. We’ll cover the details in this guide so you can be better equipped next time you get a flat tire.
What is a Tire Sealant?
Before you learn how to use tire sealant, you must understand what it is and how it works. Like the Berryman® Seal-R® Tire Sealing Compound, a high-quality tire sealant is a specialized liquid designed to seal small punctures in tubeless tires. It typically contains a mixture of adhesives, latex, and other sealing agents.
When a tire is punctured, the sealant is forced into the hole by the tire’s internal pressure. The sealant then coagulates and forms a solid plug that seals the puncture from the inside.
Benefits of Tire Sealant
A tire sealant on hand is convenient for those in a hurry. Here are some of the benefits you will enjoy if you have this tool ready to use:
- Quick Fix: Provides an immediate solution to minor punctures.
- Convenient: Easy to use and can be applied without professional assistance.
- Portable: Small and lightweight, making it easy to store in your vehicle.
- Cost-Effective: A fraction of the cost compared to calling for roadside assistance.
- No Special Skills Required: Using a tire sealant doesn’t require much technical know-how or physical strength.
Specialized tools and supplies, like tire sealants, help keep your car running smoothly. It’s best to understand how these supplies can help keep you safe on the road.
Limitations of Using a Tire Sealant
It is important to note that having a tire puncture sealant is not a permanent solution. Even if you know how to use a tire sealer, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It has its limits:
- Tubeless Tires Only: Does a tire sealant work on all tires? A tire sealant is designed to work on tubeless tires and may not be effective on tubed tires.
- Temporary Solution: While effective for minor punctures, tire sealing is not permanent and should be followed up with a professional repair.
- Limited to Small Punctures: This tool can only be used to seal a flat tire with small punctures. It is not suitable for large punctures or sidewall damage.
Tire sealants may have limitations, but they are a viable option that makes fixing a flat easier and more convenient. You can pre-install the sealant on your tires so that if your tires get punctured along the way, you can address the issue easily and get back on the road in no time.
How to Install a Tire Sealant
Installing a tire sealant is a straightforward process. Follow this step-by-step guide to install the sealant before your tires get punctured:
- Deflate Your Tire: The first step to installing a tire sealant is to deflate your tire.
- Prepare the Sealant: Shake the tire sealant bottle well before use.
- Attach the Applicator: Remove the valve cap from the tire and attach the applicator nozzle of the sealant bottle to the valve stem.
- Inject the Sealant: Squeeze the bottle to inject the sealant into the tire. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the amount of sealant required. You usually need one bottle of sealant for every tire.
- Reinflate the Tire: Once the sealant is injected, use a tire inflator to reinflate the tire to the recommended pressure.
- Drive the Vehicle: Drive the vehicle for a few miles to allow the sealant to distribute evenly inside the tire.
After driving around, check the tire to see if it has lost any pressure. Adjust the air pressure of the affected tire as needed. Inspect the tire to ensure there is no puncture and that it maintains proper pressure.
How to Reseal a Tire Using a Sealant Kit
A tire sealant kit typically includes all the tools you need to fix a flat tire. To assemble one, you will need a sealant, brush, wheel jack, spare tire, tire pressure gauge, and a tire inflator. Using the kit is quite similar to the process described earlier, except that you will need to locate the puncture first:
- Locate the Puncture and Remove Debris: Inspect your affected tire and locate the puncture. Use a wheel jack to raise the tire so you can rotate it to find the tire puncture. Remove any debris stuck in your tire, causing the puncture hole.
- Prepare the Kit: If you didn’t pre-install the tire sealant, follow this and the next step. Shake the sealant bottle and prepare the inflator. Deflate your tire and remove the valve cap.
- Attach the Applicator and Inflate: Connect the sealant applicator to the tire valve and inject the sealant. Use the inflator to reinflate the tire.
- Seal the Tire Puncture: Rotate the tire to distribute the sealant evenly, allowing the fluid to cover and seal the puncture holes you located earlier.
- Drive and Inspect: Drive the vehicle to distribute the sealant and inspect the tire to seal the puncture. Adjust the tire pressure as necessary. Inspect the tire again to ensure the seal holds, keeping your tire secure with the recommended amount of pressure.
Tire Sealant vs. Spare Tire
As mentioned, a tire sealant isn’t a permanent solution, so don’t expect it to solve all flat tire conditions. There are times when a spare tire is the better option:
- You have a significant puncture or sidewall damage that a sealant can’t fix.
- You need a more permanent solution and can’t reach a repair shop immediately.
- You have space in your vehicle to carry a spare tire.
Top-Notch Solutions for Flat Tire Issues
When dealing with a flat tire, always use top-rated solutions to get you back on the road. For more information about the products mentioned in this guide, contact Berryman Products today.