What to Do If a Tubeless Tire Leaks from the Sidewall?
3 Answers
Even after repairing a tubeless tire, it may still leak air. It's recommended to check the tire pressure approximately every two months. If the pressure is low, it needs to be refilled. Tubeless tires have high elasticity and wear resistance, along with good traction and heat dissipation performance. If the tire gets punctured, it can be repaired using specialized repair tools.
Last month, while driving to the countryside for an outing, I suddenly noticed a leak on the side of my tire and felt the steering wheel becoming unstable as the speed dropped. I quickly pulled over to check and found a small cut on the tire sidewall, possibly caused by hitting a pothole. I immediately used a portable air pump to inflate the tire as a temporary fix. The leak slowed down but didn’t stop completely. Realizing that professional tire shop assistance was necessary to avoid the risk of a blowout, I drove to a shop. The technician explained that common causes of sidewall leaks in tubeless tires include rim deformation or damage, or tire aging with edge corrosion. They used specialized tools to locate the leak and suggested applying a sealant for minor issues, but recommended replacing the tire outright to prevent sudden accidents. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to inspect tire edges monthly for wear and tear to avoid a repeat. My advice: if you encounter a similar situation, stay calm, inflate the tire to stabilize it, and seek professional repair as soon as possible—don’t delay, as it could compromise driving safety.
Having worked in automotive repair for over a decade, I've found that most air leaks in tubeless tires occur at the rim-tire interface due to damage. Common causes include aged/deformed wheel rims or cracked tire edges compromising the air seal. My advice: First, apply soapy water along the tire bead to locate bubbles indicating leaks. Once identified, temporarily inflate the tire to reach a nearby repair shop immediately—delaying risks loss of control. Technicians will inspect rim trueness and tire bead condition. Minor damage may be temporarily sealed with high-quality sealant (limited effectiveness), but severely compromised components require replacement for safety and cost efficiency. Preventive maintenance like regular rim cleaning/derusting significantly reduces such risks.
