How to Inflate a Tubeless Tire with Large Gaps?
2 Answers
Here are the methods to inflate a tubeless tire with large gaps: 1. Apply butter on the inner side of the rim. The lubricating effect of butter can make the edges of the tire easier to fill and slow down the rate of air leakage. However, this method may only be suitable for tires with minor leaks. If the leak is severe, applying butter will be ineffective. 2. The most direct method is to use a high-pressure inflation device. As mentioned with today's air pumps, when the inflation rate is greater than the tire's leakage rate, the tire will gradually press against the rim under high-pressure inflation. 3. Lift the tire and repeatedly hit the ground to ensure the tire's bead and the rim fit tightly together. However, some people worry that this violent method might cause tire deformation. In fact, tires themselves are highly resilient and will not deform due to such impacts.
Having driven for decades, I've seen plenty of cases with large gaps in tubeless tires during inflation. You need to use a high-pressure air pump or compressor to blast air forcefully, making the tire expand instantly to seal against the rim. First, I clean off any rust and dust along the rim edge—otherwise, the gap won't close properly. For particularly large gaps, applying some tire sealant or spraying water helps lubricate and improve sealing. Safety is crucial: stand to the side during inflation to avoid tire bursts and wear goggles for extra protection. I always keep my rims clean and inspect them regularly for deformations—prevention is key. Never ignore rim deformations; catching them early saves you from costly replacements. Nothing beats the peace of mind when driving safely.
