Tire sealant work?

[jas929]

Hello:

(1) How the tire sealant work? Could someone please recommend one?
(2) Do we need to clean tire after used?

Thanks,

[mryakan]

Pressure inside the tire causes the pumped goo material to escape via the punctured hole at which point the goo will solidify and plug the hole. If you have TPMS sensors, you may kiss them goodbye as there is a fairly good chance the goo will ruin them. Also this is probably not a permanent fix and I would definitely not leave it on for a long time (I'd get a proper plug done using DOT approved material/procedure). I also wouldn't drive at high speeds if only this goo material is plugging my tire. When you get the tire fixed, you definitely want them to take off the tire and clean the inside of the rim and tire and chances are you need to rebalance that tire.

[darcydancer]

It's better suited for slow leaks than larger holes, and is a very temporary solution as MRY says.
One would use it with caution. There are some tire shops that won't touch a tire that has had a lot of goop inserted. I gather that it's miserable to work with.

[robmpulse]

do not use

/thread

[Mad Dragon]

It gets between the tire and the belts, causing them to slip. Hell, it gets everywhere. Especially when you have to dismount the tire.

[Grumpa72]

It gets between the tire and the belts, causing them to slip. Hell, it gets everywhere. Especially when you have to dismount the tire.

HUH! The belts are vulcanized (read that as melted) to the carcass, or casing, of the tire. How on earth is the gooey stuff supposed to get between two? Is this a known fact or are you passing along a rumor? The entire tire, after it is manufactured, should be one solid unit without individual layers. If the sealant could get between the belt and the carcass, then that would indicate that the belts could slip under the right conditions.

Tire Rack confirmed that if you have the TPMS, the sensor will be damaged or ruined with Fix-A-Flat, or its equivalent. If you have the rubber valve stems, or the FTM, then you just have the gooey stuff to clean out when you dismount the tire. Oth, if it gets you home, then it would be worth using the sealant, imo.

Gary

[robmpulse]

You Guys Have Run Flat Tires. Am I Missing Something?

If You Have To Drive Farther Than You Can On Run Flats, Then You Shouldn't Be Using Fix A Flat Either. It's A Temp Solution And Not Designed To Be Driving On For Days.

In Addition, If The Tire Is Messed Up To The Point It Will Not Drive On The Run Flats, Then What Is This Stuff Going To Do?

Again, I Am Asking.... Did I Miss Something?

[mryakan]

You Guys Have Run Flat Tires. Am I Missing Something?

If You Have To Drive Farther Than You Can On Run Flats, Then You Shouldn't Be Using Fix A Flat Either. It's A Temp Solution And Not Designed To Be Driving On For Days.

In Addition, If The Tire Is Messed Up To The Point It Will Not Drive On The Run Flats, Then What Is This Stuff Going To Do?

Again, I Am Asking.... Did I Miss Something?
maybe he dumped the runflats for traditional tires :dunno.

[samger2]

Stay away from fix-a-flat...it could potentially cause vibration because the crap is sloshing around in the tire...it could potentially cause damage to the interior of the tire as well.

And it's nasty to clean out...oh and it will ruin your TPM sensors...so hopefully this is enough info NOT to use the stuff.

[fseybert]

Great stuff for offroad tires. I wouldn't even think of using it in an automobile of any type. The liquid will pool up in the bottom of the tire when parked. It takes a little while to thin out and distribute around the tire when rolling. Very bad vibrations until it does due to an unbalanced condition.

[M62pwrdE38]

I wonder if that stuff eats the wheel from the inside as well.

[fseybert]

Never had any problems with aluminum wheels on ATV's.............

[jas929]

Thanks for all of your inputs.