Is Tire Repair Fluid Useful?
3 Answers
It can only be used for emergency purposes, as the tire repair fluid can cause damage to the tire. Below is some information about car tire repair fluid: 1. Hazards: Tire repair fluid is a synthetic polymer compound that can chemically react with the inner rubber of the tire and the wheel hub, thereby corroding the tire and hub. Additionally, the tire repair fluid can affect the vehicle's driving stability because, under normal conditions, the tire needs to maintain an even distribution of mass. However, the repair fluid needs to be injected into the tire and may only adhere to one side of the tire wall, disrupting the tire's balance. 2. Reasons not to use: Large punctures cannot be repaired: Theoretically, tire repair fluid can only fill small air leaks with a diameter of no more than 5mm. It is not effective for repairing cracks, and large-area damage cannot be fixed. Sidewall punctures cannot be repaired: Tire repair fluid can only be used for punctures on the tread because, after injection and during driving, centrifugal force causes it to fill only the tread and cannot spread evenly on the sidewall. Therefore, wounds on the sidewall cannot be repaired.
As a frequent driver, I've personally used tire sealant in an emergency on the highway. That time, my tire had a small hole from a nail, so I sprayed the sealant directly into it. It quickly solidified into a gel, sealing the leak and allowing me to drive to a repair shop. There are indeed advantages: it's convenient, quick, easy to carry, and inexpensive (a bottle costs just a few dozen yuan), making it suitable for sudden situations like remote areas or bad weather. However, it has significant limitations: it only works for holes smaller than 1/4 inch in diameter in the central area—if the puncture is on the side or too large, it won't work; prolonged use can corrode the wheel rim or sensors; and after spraying, the tire may become unbalanced, affecting driving safety. Therefore, I recommend using it only as a temporary solution—don't rely on it for more than a day, and seek professional tire repair or replacement as soon as possible. Remember to clean the inside of the tire after use to avoid chemical residue buildup.
From a technical perspective, tire sealant contains viscous sealing compounds and fibrous materials. When injected into the tire, it forms a filling layer through pressure and rotation, physically plugging small leaks such as pinholes or fine cracks. This can prevent air leakage and maintain tire pressure in emergencies, helping you drive out of trouble safely. However, there are significant chemical concerns: the sealant tends to corrode metal components and may clog the TPMS pressure sensors, leading to false alarms or malfunctions. It cannot seal sidewall punctures or large holes because uneven stress distribution can cause it to break apart. Although convenient and economical, it is only a temporary fix. After research, I recommend checking tire pressure before each trip and keeping a can for emergencies, avoiding long-term reliance to prevent damage to tire lifespan and additional future costs.
