Does Tire Sealant Affect Tires?
4 Answers
Tire sealant does affect tires. It is only a temporary solution and cannot be used for a long time, as it can easily cause corrosion to the tires. As an emergency tire repair foam, the main purpose of tire sealant is to provide a quick fix when a car tire is punctured. If you are on a highway or there are no nearby auto repair shops, and the tire is leaking air, tire sealant can be used for a simple and quick repair. Disadvantages of automatic tire sealant: 1. Affects wheel balance: Using tire sealant can have a certain impact on the wheel's dynamic balance. 2. Requires timely cleaning and replacement of the valve core: After using tire sealant, it is generally necessary to clean the residual sealant from the tire and replace the valve core within six months. 3. Cannot repair large punctures: Tire sealant can only repair small punctures; punctures larger than 6mm or extensive cuts cannot be repaired. 5. Cannot repair sidewall punctures: There is no adhesive layer formed by the tire sealant on the sidewall of the tire, so sidewall punctures cannot be repaired.
I've repaired quite a few cars before, and I know that tire sealant works by injecting liquid into the tire to quickly plug small leaks, which is especially suitable for emergency situations like punctures from nails on the road. In the short term, it's indeed convenient and practical, allowing you to drive to a nearby repair shop. However, long-term use can lead to significant problems: the chemicals in the liquid may corrode the wheel hub or rim surface, causing rust and deterioration; even more troublesome is that the additives can accumulate inside the tire, leading to weight imbalance. At high speeds, the vehicle may shake and become unstable, even affecting braking and steering performance. My advice is that if you encounter a leak, using it as a temporary emergency measure is fine, but don't delay—immediately seek a professional repair shop for thorough cleaning and tire repair. Otherwise, there are hidden dangers. Tires are the foundation of safety, and failing to address the issue promptly after using tire sealant may lead to premature tire failure, and the cost of replacing a new tire is much higher. Keep this piece of experiential advice in mind.
When I was young and driving, I also used tire sealant to solve a problem. That time at a highway service area, I noticed a slow leak in the tire, bought a can of sealant, and it quickly fixed the issue, saving me the trouble of towing and allowing me to continue my journey. It felt convenient and economical, cheap in price and easy to carry. However, I later discovered some residue stuck inside the tire. The mechanic said long-term residue could damage the wheel hub material, leading to corrosion and rust, and the car felt slightly shaky when driving. Now I think this product is only suitable for temporary emergencies, like an urgent fix in a remote area to get you home or to a repair shop. Once used, you should immediately go to a shop for inspection and cleaning to avoid further damage. Personal experience reminder: Don’t be lazy. Regularly checking tire health and maintaining proper tire pressure are fundamental preventive measures, more reliable than any temporary repair.
The greatest threat of tire sealant to tires is safety risks. The residue left inside the tire after adding the liquid may cause a shift in the center of gravity, leading to imbalance issues. During high-speed driving, the vehicle is prone to shaking and instability, and in severe cases, it may cause loss of control accidents. The chemical substances may also corrode the wheel hub or valve stem, weakening the structure and affecting braking performance. Using it to seal leaks in emergencies is a temporary solution but not a long-term fix. Professional repair should be sought immediately to prevent secondary damage. Regular tire maintenance to reduce the chance of blowouts is the safest approach.
