Is the Tire Ruined After Using Tire Sealant?
2 Answers
Using tire sealant does not ruin the tire, but it may cause some corrosion to the wheel rim and tire. This is because tire sealant is a synthetic polymer compound, primarily composed of nitrile rubber powder and particles, which is ejected as a white foam-like liquid. Working Principle of Automatic Tire Sealant: When in use, the sealant is injected into the tire through the valve stem. As the vehicle moves, centrifugal force causes the sealant to uniformly form a protective film inside the tire. In the event of a tire leak, the escaping air carries the sealant into the puncture, instantly sealing it. However, it's important to note that tire sealant cannot repair punctures on the tire sidewall. Damage to the sidewall indicates that the internal cord fabric has broken, posing a safety hazard if continued to be used, and the tire should be replaced promptly. Precautions After Using Tire Sealant: Do not drive immediately after application. To ensure the sealant adheres more comprehensively to the tire, drive continuously for a while after use and avoid frequent stops. Be cautious when removing nails; after pulling out a nail, position the puncture area under the wheel and in contact with the ground before injecting the sealant to prevent air leakage. If prolonged parking is unavoidable, try to keep the puncture area under the wheel to slow down air leakage.
I've used tire sealant to handle tire issues a few times, and honestly, it won't immediately ruin the tire, provided the hole is small and in the right spot. That time I had a small nail puncture on the road, sprayed some sealant, and it sealed the leak, allowing me to drive to the repair shop. However, if the damage is too large or the sealant doesn't work effectively, the tire's internal structure might get damaged, and over time, it could indeed become unusable. More importantly, tire sealant contains chemical compounds that, if left inside the tire for too long, might corrode the wheel rim or cause imbalance, increasing the risk of a blowout at high speeds. So, my experience tells me this stuff is only for emergencies—after using it, you should quickly head to a professional tire shop to check whether the tire can still be used or needs replacement. Keeping a can in the car for emergencies is fine, but don't treat it as a permanent fix. Safety always comes first.
