Can Tubeless Tires Be Used with Inner Tubes?
4 Answers
Tubeless tires can be used with inner tubes. After adding an inner tube, the tire's load-bearing capacity improves, enabling it to effectively support the vehicle's weight and ensure stable driving. It also helps absorb shocks, reducing the impact forces experienced during driving, thereby enhancing stability and lowering noise levels. Tubeless tires are environmentally friendly and more wear-resistant due to their larger diameter compared to conventional rims, which prevents them from being affected by brake drum heat, thus extending their service life. However, after adding an inner tube, tubeless tires become more susceptible to temperature changes. High temperatures can increase tire pressure, leading to blowouts, while the tires may harden, compromising ride comfort and shortening the lifespan of shock absorbers.
I just helped a friend deal with this issue a couple of days ago. In theory, tubeless tires can be fitted with inner tubes, but there are quite a few practical problems. Remember to check if the inner rim shape is smooth—if there are sharp weld points or burrs on the rim, the inner tube can get punctured at any time. Also, you'll need to replace the valve stem with a dedicated one, as the valve hole on regular tubeless tires is too small. After installing the inner tube, tire heat dissipation becomes worse, posing significant risks at high speeds. Once, after just half an hour of test driving, I could feel the sidewalls were scalding hot. I recommend using this method only as an emergency solution in remote areas, keeping the speed below 80 km/h, and removing it immediately at a repair shop for a proper fix. After all, with solutions like tire sealant and mushroom plugs being so convenient nowadays, it's not worth taking the risk.
After repairing cars for over a decade, I've encountered many car owners asking about this. Converting tubeless tires to tube-type is indeed feasible, but requires strict quality control. First examine the rim type - aluminum alloy wheels usually aren't suitable for inner tubes as the protruding inner walls will wear them down. You must use inner tubes of the exact same size; even a half-size difference can cause friction overheating. During installation, thoroughly clean the wheel interior - metal shavings left inside can puncture the tube within 50 km. Post-conversion tire pressure management is critical - I had a client who inflated to 3.0 bar and the tube ruptured. This modification lasts at most 300 km before requiring complete replacement, and insurance companies may deny claims for related accidents.
As a truck driver who frequently travels the Qinghai-Tibet line, I always keep two inner tubes in my vehicle. In high-altitude areas, there are few repair shops, and inserting an inner tube after a puncture in a tubeless tire can be a lifesaver. The key is to buy reinforced inner tubes, as standard ones can't handle the load of a truck. Before installation, sand the wheel rim seams smooth and wrap the protruding parts of the rim with a tire liner. After installation, keep the tire pressure 0.3 bar lower than the standard to allow for thermal expansion. However, you must stop every two hours to check the tire temperature—if it's too high, immediately find shade to cool it down. This method has saved me a lot on towing fees, but never try it in flatland cities; proper tire repair is the safer option there.
