Can inner tubes be installed in tubeless tires?
2 Answers
Tubeless tires cannot have inner tubes installed. Tubeless tires, also known as 'low-pressure tires' or 'pneumatic tires,' are inflatable tires without inner tubes. They offer high elasticity, wear resistance, good traction, and heat dissipation. Tubeless tires are increasingly used in bicycles, motorcycles, cars, buses, and trucks. They consist of three parts: the carcass, the cord ply, and the tread. Precautions for using tubeless tires: 1. Maintain the specified tire pressure; 2. They are not pressure-resistant and are unsuitable for overloading; 3. Avoid punctures from sharp objects, contact with acids or alkalis, and contamination by oils, as these can accelerate rubber degradation. Keep the tires clean to prevent rubber aging and extend their lifespan.
Last time I got a nail puncture in my tire and it leaked air pretty fast. I suddenly wondered if I could put an old-style inner tube inside the tubeless tire as an emergency fix. I asked my regular mechanic buddy about it, and he immediately waved his hands saying no way. He explained that tubeless tires rely on the inner rim wall to seal the air pressure. Adding an inner tube would be like forcing something in—the tube would rub against the inner tire wall, and after driving a few dozen kilometers in hot weather, it could wear through and leak even worse. Plus, the rim’s valve stem position isn’t compatible, so the inner tube’s valve hole wouldn’t seal tightly, leading to slow air leaks and a flat tire in just a few days. He taught me a simpler solution: for small holes, just pour in some tire sealant, and for bigger nail holes, use a mushroom plug patch for a solid, safe, and hassle-free fix. Now, before heading out, I’ve made it a habit to walk around the car and check the tires’ condition. If the pressure’s low, I top it up right away—saves me the headache of scrambling last minute.