What are the hazards of tire repair fluid to tubeless tires?
2 Answers
Tire repair fluid can temporarily seal air leaks in tires within a short period, but this is merely an emergency repair method. In reality, tire repair fluid poses the following hazards to tubeless tires: 1. Tire repair fluid is composed of chemical ingredients with acidic or alkaline properties, which can react chemically with the rubber inside the tire and the wheel hub, thereby corroding both the rubber and the hub. The quality of tire repair fluids on the market varies, making it easy to purchase inferior products, which increases safety risks for the tires. 2. Being a liquid, tire repair fluid tends to coat the inner tire wall during driving, making it difficult to clean off. It also hinders sanding and bonding, which is detrimental to tire repair and may lead to air leakage. 3. Tire repair fluid is only effective for minor damages and does not work for tire injuries larger than 6mm.
Tire sealant can cause several noticeable harms to tubeless tires. I remember one time when my tire was leaking, and after using the sealant, I felt the wheel was unbalanced and shaking violently while driving. This happens because the liquid flows inside the tire, altering the weight distribution, which can cause wobbling at high speeds and affect handling safety. Even worse, the chemical components in the sealant may corrode the wheel rim, especially aluminum alloy rims, which are more prone to issues. Over time, it can also damage the tire sidewall rubber, creating tiny cracks and shortening the tire's lifespan. Additionally, when the tire truly needs professional repair, these liquids can create a mess, making it difficult to clean thoroughly, and mechanics have to spend extra time dealing with the residue. Therefore, I don’t recommend relying on tire sealant for long-term use—it’s better to visit a professional shop for inspection as soon as you notice a leak.
