What are the pros and cons of applying sealant to tubeless tires?
2 Answers
The advantage of applying sealant to tubeless tires is that it can quickly repair air leaks, with the sealant usually solidifying within about 5 minutes after application. However, the downside is that excessive use of sealant can corrode the wheel rims, and it is ineffective for large punctures, poor at sealing cracks, and unable to repair sidewall punctures. There are several methods to repair tubeless tires, with the most convenient and quickest being the use of sealant, also known as applying glue to tubeless tires. Sealant can rapidly fix air leaks, but it is somewhat corrosive and is generally only applied once. If the tire is damaged again and leaks, it is recommended to use more professional repair methods or replace the tire if necessary. When using tubeless tire sealant, it is injected into the tire through the valve stem. As the car moves, the centrifugal force spreads the sealant evenly over the inner surface of the tire, forming a sealing film that effectively repairs the puncture.
As a mechanic with ten years of experience, applying sealant to tubeless tires depends on the situation. For daily city driving, tire repair fluid is indeed convenient—it can seal a nail puncture on its own without immediately needing a spare tire. However, it’s less reliable on rough roads or highways. The sealant can disrupt the tire’s balance, causing the steering wheel to shake violently at high speeds, like a massager. Moreover, the sealant is highly corrosive. Overuse on older cars can rust through the valve stems and cause white spots on aluminum alloy rims. Some repair fluids contain fibers that, when overused, can stick to tire pressure sensors and render them useless. I recommend using it only for emergencies and getting professional treatment as soon as possible after sealing.
