Does Tire Sealant Damage Wheel Hubs?
2 Answers
Tire sealant can damage wheel hubs as it may cause corrosion. Principle of tire sealant repair: The liquid containing short fiber materials or fine particles is pre-injected into the tire in a certain amount. When the tire has tiny holes, they will be blocked; when there is a hole in the tire, the escaping air will release the liquid along with the fibers or particles. Usage duration: It can only be used for 6 months. Tire sealant can chemically react with the inner rubber of the tire and the wheel hub, and prolonged use may corrode the steel rim and rubber. Additionally, the sealant injected into the tire may only adhere to one side of the tire wall, affecting the tire's balance, causing vehicle vibration during driving, and compromising vehicle stability.
After using tire sealant, I have to talk about its impact on the rims. That time on the road, my tire had a small puncture, so I directly used the built-in tire sealant to temporarily fix it. It worked fine while driving, but later I found a sticky layer on the rim that was hard to clean. Especially for aluminum rims, they are prone to rust and dirt because the chemicals in the sealant are highly corrosive. Over time, it can wear out the paint and even cause air leaks. It's best to go to a repair shop as soon as possible after an emergency fix to have the tire properly repaired or replaced, and clean the rim to avoid buildup. Otherwise, long-term use of tire sealant not only damages the rim but may also affect balance and make driving unstable. The mechanic at the tire shop warned me that low-quality sealant can be even more damaging to the car, so choosing a reputable brand can help mitigate the issue. Safety first—don’t always rely on these quick fixes.
