Is Tire Repair Sealant Effective?
1 Answers
It is advisable to avoid using tire repair sealant whenever possible. This is because the sealant can cause damage to the tire. Tire sealant is a synthetic polymer compound that can chemically react with the inner rubber of the tire and the wheel hub, leading to corrosion of both the tire and the hub. Additionally, the sealant can affect the stability of the vehicle while driving, as tires require uniform mass distribution for optimal performance. The sealant, when injected into the tire, may only adhere to one side of the tire wall, disrupting the tire's balance. Below are specific considerations: 1. Large punctures cannot be repaired: In theory, tire sealant can only fill small air leaks with diameters not exceeding 5mm. It is ineffective for repairing cracks and cannot address extensive damage. 2. Sidewall punctures cannot be repaired: Sealant is only suitable for punctures on the tread area. Due to centrifugal force during injection and driving, the sealant can only fill the tread and cannot spread evenly on the sidewall, making sidewall punctures irreparable. 3. Not suitable for vehicles with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS): The sealant can damage the tire pressure monitoring sensors inside the tire. Any residue can also affect tire balance. 4. Use with caution in extremely low temperatures or high altitudes: Low temperatures can reduce the effectiveness of the sealant, and changes in atmospheric pressure at high altitudes can also impact its performance, so caution is advised.