What is the Principle of Tire Sealant?
4 Answers
Tire sealant works by utilizing fibers and rubber particles or suspended fine rubber particles in the adhesive within the sealant. When a tire loses air, these rubber particles or micro rubber particles precipitate and form clumps to block the air leak. Tire sealant is a mixture containing various high-molecular chemical materials and is widely suitable for rubber tires on electric vehicles, motorcycles, and small to medium-sized cars. It is particularly effective for puncture holes with diameters ranging from 1 to 5mm. The method of using tire sealant is as follows: 1. Shake the sealant well and lift the outer tube; 2. Align the tube opening with the tire valve and tighten it; 3. Tear off the fixing ring on the bottle top and open the switch; 4. You can observe white liquid being injected into the tire through the tube. After inflation, turn the valve counterclockwise to close it.
The working principle of tire sealant is actually quite straightforward, and I always keep a can in my car for emergencies. When you inject the liquid into the tire, it contains small polymer particles and fibrous materials. If there's a small hole in the tire, such as a puncture from a nail, the liquid is pushed toward the puncture by air pressure during inflation. The polymers and fibers then accumulate and block the hole, while also solidifying to form a seal that prevents further air leakage. The whole process is like plugging a leak in a bucket with a stopper, except the material comes from the reaction of the liquid components. This principle only works for small-diameter holes and cannot handle large punctures or sidewall tears. Once, when my tire was punctured by glass on a national highway, I used it to drive to a repair shop. However, remember that this is only a temporary solution—after use, you must promptly inspect or replace the tire, as residual sealant can corrode the wheel rim.
I've been driving long distances for many years, and tire sealant relies on that special can of liquid to work. Once you fill it in, the rotation of the tire causes pressure changes at the puncture site, prompting the liquid components to flow there. The polymers inside act like glue, coagulating to seal the hole. Simply put, it's a material that plugs leaks and seals, allowing you to safely reach a repair shop. However, that liquid isn't suitable for all situations—it only works for small punctures and is ineffective for large tears. Plus, once used, the tire must be replaced and shouldn't be used for long. Once, I had a flat tire in a remote area, and after filling it with sealant, I barely managed to drive 30 kilometers. The principle seems practical but has its limitations. I recommend carrying a can for emergencies, but don't rely on it for too long. Also, remember to clean the wheel hub stains to ensure safety.
The principle of tire sealant is quite simple. I've used it a few times—it works by using internal fluid materials to plug leaks. After injection, the liquid contains chemical reactants like latex or microfibers. When there's a puncture in the tire, these materials are forced into the hole and accumulate, quickly hardening to form a sealing film that stops air leakage. The entire process is automatic, requiring no manual operation, allowing you to continue driving in an emergency until you reach a service station. However, the effect is temporary and can't permanently fix major issues. It's convenient for novice drivers to keep a can on hand, but they should first understand how to use it to avoid misuse that could damage sensors.
