What are the disadvantages of automatic tire repair fluid?
4 Answers
Automatic tire repair fluid has the following disadvantages: 1. After using the repair fluid, it will have a certain impact on the wheel's dynamic balance; 2. Generally, within half a year after using the repair fluid, the residual fluid in the tire needs to be cleaned and the valve core replaced, otherwise it will affect the effectiveness of the next use; 3. The repair fluid can only fix small punctures, and cannot repair punctures larger than 6mm or extensive scratches; 4. The rubber protective film formed on the tire surface after use will affect the grinding and adhesion process in future tire repairs; 5. There is no rubber covering layer formed by the repair fluid on the tire sidewall, so punctures on the sidewall cannot be repaired. Tire repair fluid is an emergency product used when the tire is punctured and loses air, and there are no immediate repair conditions available.
The tire repair sealant seems practical for emergencies, but actually comes with many hassles. What annoys me most is that the liquid dries into a sticky glue adhering to the tire's inner wall. It's extremely troublesome to clean and can easily corrode the wheel rims, especially aluminum alloy ones which are more vulnerable. It's only a temporary emergency solution - you must visit a repair shop for professional patching after driving a few dozen kilometers, otherwise the air will leak out again. Moreover, it causes tire weight imbalance, making the steering wheel vibrate noticeably while driving, which becomes particularly dangerous at high speeds. Most importantly, it only works for minor punctures - larger holes can't be sealed, wasting both time and money. Carrying a spare tire is far more reliable than keeping this sealant.
From a safety perspective, tire sealants come with significant risks. As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I believe they can be a lifesaver in emergencies, but their drawbacks are evident: the residue can clog the tire pressure monitoring system, causing sensor failure. Without this monitoring, you won't know the actual tire pressure while driving—what if a sudden blowout occurs at high speed? Additionally, repaired tires are prone to imbalance, leading to vehicle wobbling and increasing accident risks. Moreover, using them requires an air pump, making the process cumbersome, especially for beginners who might mishandle it. After emergency use, it's crucial to visit a professional shop immediately for a thorough repair—never take it lightly, or the consequences could be dire.
When it comes to environmental protection and health, the drawbacks of automatic tire repair fluid are quite evident. Those chemical components are toxic, and during self-application, one may inhale volatile substances, which is harmful to the respiratory system. When cleaning up the residue, dirty water flowing onto the ground can pollute the soil. The product also contains plastic particles, and excessive use accelerates tire aging, leading to premature scrapping and resource wastage. Even worse, it's unsustainable—a single can is used up in one application, making it less economical in the long run compared to investing in greener alternatives. Although it may save some money in emergencies, for the sake of health and the planet, it's more reliable to use it sparingly or opt for a spare tire solution.
