Tire sealant: how to choose and use the product

Due to the peculiarities of Russian roads and the condition of the roadside, a punctured tire is a common occurrence that almost every driver has encountered. Trouble can happen both on a flat highway and in rural areas. A spare tire can help a person out. But it may not always be in the trunk, and sometimes it is completely useless, for example, if two tires go bad at once. To get out of this situation, you should use a sealant. However, it is important to know how to choose it correctly and what criteria to pay special attention to.

The editors of the YaNashla website have prepared for you a rating of the best tire sealants for 2022.

What is it and how to use it

A similar product appeared in stores relatively recently and managed to receive many favorable reviews among motorists. Depending on the additives used, sealants can be natural, synthetic, or latex. It is used for vulcanizing tires in an emergency and placed in a special container. Products that are used to take emergency measures to solve the puncture of the beads of tubeless and tube tires have a number of advantages:

• The device is comfortable to use. The kit includes a hose equipped with a valve. There is no need to remove the wheel.
• Can be used to repair tires with aluminum, magnesium and steel wheels.
• The substance will remain active for some time, so no new punctures are expected.
• The substance used does not lead to the formation of corrosion on the outer surface of the disk.

For low pressure tires the solution is optimal. It is important to use the product if there is a puncture in the tread area. It's all about centrifugal force. Vulcanization of side cracks and cuts will be ineffective, regardless of the name of the selected model. The composition will also show its ineffectiveness when disassembling the tire. It should also be noted that this measure can be either temporary or permanent.

The substances are used not only for repair, but also for preventive work. Among the selection criteria there is also the separation of substances into liquid and aerosol. The characteristics are practically the same. The kit includes a small hose, but the compressed air is removed from the tires first. The peculiarity of aerosol sealant is that it is liquid and is under high pressure in the can. After use, the pressure is restored.

Other popular means

In addition to the products listed above, there are currently a large number of similar formulations on the market with different characteristics and effectiveness. Let us give as an example a few more popular means among motorists for sealing tires in road conditions.

• ORANGE SEAL BOTTLE TUBELESS TIRE;
• STAN'S NOTUBES;
• CONTINENTAL REVOSEALANT;
• CAFFELATEX EFFETTO MARIPOSA;
• AIM-ONE TIRE INFLATOR;
• Motip 000712BS;
• ATAS SURE;
• Zollex T-522Z;
• Ring RTS1;
• Smartbuster Sil;
• Fix-a-Flat.

If you have had experience using any sealants or anti-punctures, write about it in the comments and how you found their effectiveness. By doing this you will not only help expand this list, but also make it easier for other car owners to choose a similar product.

What's the outcome

In general, it can be argued that sealants for tire repair are a good solution for any car enthusiast and using sealant makes sense as an alternative to a spare tire. However, there are several subtleties. The first of them is that if a car enthusiast has bought any sealant, then there must be a pump or car compressor in the trunk of his car. This is due to the fact that the vast majority of sealants sold do not produce the pressure in a car tire necessary for normal driving. After all, as real tests have shown, the use of preventive agents is questionable.

The second subtlety is that most car tire sealants cause wheel imbalance, albeit minor. Therefore, when driving at high speed, this can negatively affect the handling of the vehicle, as well as the impact on its suspension system. Accordingly, after using such a sealant, it is advisable to go to a tire shop in order to have the repaired wheel balanced.

Which company is better to buy sealant for motorcycles?

CAFFELATEX EFFETTO MARIPOSA

Sealant from an Italian manufacturer, which is based on the use of latex. In addition to eliminating existing damage, the substance prevents the formation of new ones. Experts note the uniform distribution of the composition inside the structure, which leads to the filling of all damage without exception due to the presence of solid particles of different diameters in the composition. The cost-effectiveness of consumption, thanks to the foaming structure, deserves special attention. The sealant copes well with the designated tasks in a short period of time. The camera will remain intact for 1 year, and the rubber for 90 days.

Cost – 890 rub.

sealant CAFFELATEX EFFETTO MARIPOSA

Advantages:

• cost/quality ratio;
• ensures the chamber is sealed;
• efficiency;
• uniformity of distribution.

Flaws:

• should not be used to repair automobile wheels.

Hi-Gear HG5339

An American brand sealant that can easily repair a punctured tube or tubeless structure right on the road. The substance is capable of patching holes up to 4.5 mm. The indicator is not the highest, but the composition belongs to the long-acting category and helps maintain wheel balance. No special skills are required to use the sealant. It is enough to connect the nipple and the plastic tube together, and then press the valve. Experts advise starting with 80% of normal pressure. After several kilometers the pressure can be brought back to normal. The composition is prone to freezing, so before using the sealant it is necessary to warm it up to +15°C.

Price – 700 rub.

sealant Hi-Gear HG5339

Advantages:

• environmental friendliness;
• safety;
• durability;
• ease of use;
• copes with significant punctures and cuts.

Flaws:

• pumped up in several stages;
• Warming is required before use.

K2 TIRE DOCTOR

Reasonable cost and ease of use are why the sealant is in high demand among Russian motorists. Manufactured in Poland. Sold in small cans, which are enough to create 1.4 atm in the wheel. This value is quite enough to get to the nearest service station. The substance is highly flammable, so before repairing the wheel it must first be removed from the tire. Ideal for eliminating side punctures. It is in demand due to its compactness and ease of use. Price also plays an important role in choosing tire sealant. It will be difficult to inflate the wheel with a hand or foot pump.

Cost – 620 rubles.

sealant K2 TIRE DOCTOR

Advantages:

• reasonable cost;
• ease of use;
• creating a certain pressure in the tire;
• reliability.

Flaws:

• inability to inflate the tire manually;
• flammability.

CONTINENTAL REVOSEALANT

A well-known German brand that specializes in producing high-quality tires. Several years ago, he provided the world with a new product in the form of a special substance that was tested on rubber from this manufacturer. The tests were successful and the product entered the European market. The expert commission highly appreciated the environmental friendliness indicator. The substance does not contain any components or compounds hazardous to humans. The product is based on latex, which does not destroy rubber. Used for repairing tubes and tubeless tires. Can be used not only for recovery, but also for puncture prevention. The lower temperature threshold is -20°C, so it cannot be used in all regions of our country. In severe frost, it is not possible to repair the wheel yourself. The substance will also not cope with V-shaped cuts.

Price – 850 rub.

sealant CONTINENTAL REVOSEALANT

Advantages:

• reasonable cost;
• long service life;
• does not destroy rubber;
• environmental friendliness;
• safety.

Flaws:

• It is not recommended to use in cold weather.

For sealing sides

Bead sealant for tubeless tires serves to seal the gap between the tire bead and the wheel rim, and prevent air leaks at the points of their contact. The main properties of this type of sealant:

• Helps eliminate leaks at the wheel-tube connection.
• They can repair wheel cracks up to three millimeters.
• Dries quickly.
• Gives the treated product good characteristics and long-lasting results after use.
• Anyone can carry out repair work using this composition with their own hands; you just need to learn a couple of simple rules.

Stages of the operation:

• First you need to find and mark with chalk the leak points that are located between the tire bead and the rim on the rim; this is easier to do at a tire shop.
• Then, in a tire changing machine, the bead of the tire is pressed away from the disk, the surface is cleaned and wiped so that it is dry.
• After this, the side sealant for installation is applied with a brush to the area where the leak is noted.
• Then the tire bead is released so that it presses against the rim.
• Dry the sealant, after which you can inflate the wheel to the desired pressure.
• If after completing all the operations a small leak remains, it can be eliminated by tapping both the disc and tire in this area.
• When the leak is large, which occurs when the beads are damaged, then the tires are completely removed from the rims of tubeless tires, washed, wiped dry and degreased.
• After which the damaged area is covered with several layers of sealant.
• Drying each layer separately. To reduce drying time, you can use a hair dryer.
• This multi-layer solution allows you to repair the rim of a tubeless tire with damage up to three millimeters deep.

Popular sealant test

Recommendations for use

In order for the composition to work correctly, you must adhere to all established recommendations that are indicated on the container by the manufacturer. First of all, the foreign object that caused the damage should be eliminated. The car is first raised using a jack for greater convenience. After this, the wheel is turned so that the cut is on top. The next step is to pump the air out of the wheel. The chamber should be empty.

Only after this can you start pumping the substance into the wheel from a spray can. The spool is unscrewed, after which the hose is installed (dimensions depend on the configuration). Pressing the valve will activate the mechanism and liquid will begin to flow into the structure. The spool is left alone when it comes to using an aerosol. In order for the substance to evenly cover the work surface, it is necessary to slowly drive some distance. We invite you to consider the TOP best compositions.

Rating of the best models for passenger cars

Hi-Gear HG5312

A reliable and high-quality product that is poured into a tubeless tire before driving on a difficult route or road. After a puncture, the pressure does not drop, and the hole is clogged with a durable film. The whole process happens automatically, the person won’t even notice it. The volume of the jar is 360 ml, which is quite enough.

Sold at a price: from 800 rubles.

sealant Hi-Gear HG5312

Advantages:

• Convenient use;
• No pressure is lost;
• Efficiency;
• Quickly plug the hole.

Flaws:

• High price.

Akfix R60 OTV60

This option is designed for quick and independent tire repair. A small jar easily fits in the trunk and does not take up space. Convenient use allows you to deal with almost any problem in a short period of time. In this case, the sealant can be used anywhere and at any time. Volume – 0.3 liters.

Sold at a price: from 450 rubles.

sealant Akfix R60 OTV60

Advantages:

• After use, a reliable and durable connection is formed;
• Convenient jar that easily fits in the trunk or glove compartment;
• There is a hose for introducing liquid;
• Quick to use;
• Optimal volume.

Flaws:

• Not found.

MOTUL P3 Tire Repair

A good model that will repair and inflate a tire in a few minutes. In this case, there is no need to dismantle the wheel, which greatly simplifies the operation. The product has a unique composition that is suitable for various types of tires.

In addition, it can even be used to repair scooters, bicycles or motorcycles. After use, the tire remains intact and does not corrode, since the base is latex. For convenience, there is a convenient hose.

Sold at a price: from 990 rubles.

sealant MOTUL P3 Tire Repair

Advantages:

• Universal application;
• Convenient hose;
• Inflates wheels without disassembling;
• Does not damage the tire and tube;
• Quick repair.

Flaws:

• Not found.

MICHELIN 12190

An effective but expensive remedy that can cope with almost any problem. The volume is 500 ml. The product is manufactured and manufactured in France, so finding it on the Russian market is not so easy.

Most sealants are sold online; certificates of authenticity are available, which indicates the originality of the product. In the kit, along with the substance, a person receives disposable gloves, a plastic mat and a convenient container for safe storage.

Sold at a price: from 1,400 rubles.

sealant MICHELIN 12190

Advantages:

• Universal application;
• High service life;
• Efficiency;
• Quickly fix the problem;
• Good equipment;
• Convenience.

Flaws:

• High price;
• Hard to find in regular stores.

How to use sealant

Any tire sealant comes with the manufacturer's instructions, which describe the procedure in detail. For most products, the steps are as follows:

1. Remove the wheel from the disk, rim. Remove the object that caused the puncture of the rubber: usually it is a sharp wire or a nail. If it is in the tire, you will have to use pliers to remove it.
2. Release all air from the tire. Unfold the product so that the puncture site is in a position convenient for the technician.
3. If repairs are carried out in winter, slightly warm up the sealant bottle. You cannot use open fire for this purpose; it is best to place the product in the car interior, where the heater is on, for 15 minutes.
4. Remove the spool. Place the tip of the cylinder or the tube that comes with the kit onto the wheel valve and secure it as securely as possible.
5. Fill the product with sealant by pressing the valve of the can. The latter should only be located in a vertical position.
6. After the tire has acquired the desired shape, disconnect the cylinder from the valve. Measure the tire pressure and, if necessary, bleed the air or pump it up with a compressor.

The first ten kilometers of the journey after the repair must be driven at low speed: this will help the compound to be better distributed inside the tire. After that, if the damage is minor, you can continue to use the wheel, but if the puncture is serious, it is better to get to a repair shop quickly. You need to check the tire pressure again after 10-20 km to make sure there is no overinflation, because some sealants remain active for a long time.

Tips for using sealant:

• eliminating lateral damage in this way is impossible; do-it-yourself sealing is done only in relation to the protectors;
• Sealants cannot be used if there is deformation of the wheel, there are seals on the disks and other serious defects;
• some sealants contain flammable gases, and when they are introduced, the wheels cannot be inflated with air for a certain time;
• It is unsafe to drive a wheel sealed on your own at high speed; it is better to keep the driving speed no higher than 60 km/h or contact a professional for repairs.

Types of Tire Sealing Products

Despite the large number of manufacturers, today there are two types of sealants:

• Repair;
• Preventive.

The first option is used exclusively for sealing holes. Preventive sealants are purchased for preventive use. They are immediately poured into a good wheel.

Most models also differ in composition; this is how they are sold:

• Latex versions. They form a protective film inside the tire. The advantage of this option is that it protects the tire from small punctures in various places. Thanks to the formed film, air is retained inside the wheel.
• Models with synthetic or mineral components, for example, polyethylene, paper, etc. The difference between this option is that the substances act in a specific area. That is, they fill only the problem area and form a protective film that prevents air from escaping.

Depending on the model, the cost and composition of sealants differ.

Features of the preventive sealant

The main advantage of this option is the speed of action, which is almost instantaneous. The sealant is introduced in advance and forms a protective film as soon as the tire is punctured. In this case, the driver may not even notice that trouble has happened and can calmly get to the right place. No pressure or air is lost.

The liquid agent is administered in advance in certain quantities. There is no need to distribute anything yourself, since the composition will evenly fill the inner surface during movement, which is also convenient. Another advantage of the design is the possibility of use with various types of tires. For example, using preventive sealant with tube tires, the wheel will receive:

• Cord protection;
• Cooling the inner tube rubber, so there will be no air gap.

In cases where the product is used for tubeless tires, the liquid is simply distributed inside the cavity. So, if the driver runs over a nail, the hole formed will be sealed due to internal pressure. But that’s not all, a small part of the sealant forms a thin and durable layer that increases the strength of the seal.

Features of repair versions

Liquid for repair work is most often included in the initial car kit. You can also buy it yourself at the appropriate car store, and the cost of the product is low. It is better to always have the product in stock, since a tire can be punctured at the most inopportune time and on any route. The canister does not take up space in the trunk, so a person will not even notice its presence.

The repair sealant is easy to use. The first thing to do is wait until the wheel is completely empty, and then turn it over with the hole facing up. The product is inserted through the nipple; this can be done either directly or using the appropriate adapter (it is included in the kit).

As soon as the product gets inside, it will gradually expand. The driver will notice this because the wheel will begin to take the correct shape and the car will rise slightly. During this process, excess foam may come out through the hole, but this is not typical for all models, and much depends on the composition.

If a high-quality and proven product is used, the tire pressure can reach or even exceed two atmospheres. It is important to remain vigilant, as cheap options are sold that raise the pressure just a little, after which it begins to drop sharply.

We must not forget that the sealant will expand even while moving. Therefore, after several kilometers it is worth getting out of the car and checking the condition of the tire so that there is no excess air, otherwise it will create additional problems. The opposite situation is also possible, when the wheel will need to be slightly pumped up.

Another thing to keep in mind is that some varieties may contain flammable gas. They cannot be used, so you should read the instructions before purchasing.

Prophylactic

Express substances are used to prevent a significant cut or puncture of the tire on the track. Through centrifugal force, it is distributed inside the wheel as the vehicle moves. For preventive purposes, the substance is distributed in the air cushion of a tube tire. This way the cord layer is protected.

Advantages of using the new product:

• increase in service life;
• protection against possible corrosion;
• preventing significant damage;
• stable cooling of the protectors.

If the integrity of the tire is compromised, the substance will form a volcanic plug. According to buyers, the substance prevents rapid delamination of rubber and helps improve thermoregulation when tires overheat. The cord threads are protected from corrosion, and the service life of the rubber increases significantly. The substance copes perfectly with the indicated functions, as it simultaneously creates several levels of tire protection.

What to look for when choosing

To buy a reliable and high-quality option, it is important to know the main criteria. If you don’t think about them, then there is a chance that the remedy will be useless and in case of a problem it will only take up time.

• The first thing to remember is the purpose. Some products are sold in bottles, most often they can only eliminate a puncture. Sealants are available in aerosol form. They, on the contrary, in addition to eliminating the problem, also pump up the tire.
• It is important to pay attention to the temperature conditions at which the product will be most effective. If a person decides to use a standard product in extreme cold, then nothing will happen, and it may only get worse. American and European sealants are not always suitable for Russian winters, so you should only buy those models that meet the conditions of use.
• The dimensions of the wheel are taken into account, since the volume of the can depends on this. Many people forget about this, which is why they later face problems.
• We must not forget about the tire filling speed. If a person decides to fill a small wheel with a large cylinder, then due to the high injection rate, twice as much liquid will be introduced as required.
• Lastly, stores sell both universal products and products that are intended only for tube tires or only for tubeless tires.

By following these rules, a person will eliminate the problem in a short time, and also safely get to the nearest workshop without damaging the wheels.