Flat tire: test of five emergency vehicles

Tire bead sealants come in two types. The first is intended for processing the bead ring of a tubeless tire before installing it on the rim. The second type of bead sealants for tires is applied when roughening the tire, which slightly damages its layer, which ensures the tightness of the inner volume of the wheel. Some sealants and others are more necessary for workers and owners of tire workshops, where the relevant work is carried out on a large (industrial) scale. Moreover, as a rule, the volume of packaging of these products is quite large.

The store offers a variety of tire rim sealants (sometimes called mastic or wax). They are selected based on information about their type, properties, and conditions of use, and price and volume come last, because the main thing is that the sealant for installing a tubeless tube is of high quality. In addition, it is useful to take into account reviews and tests about sealants for rims of tubeless tires, left by specialists on various resources on the Internet. The following material presents a non-advertising rating of such popular products used by tire shop workers. It looks like this:

Types of sealants for tubeless tires

In order to answer the question of why tire sealant is needed, it is necessary to clarify that these products are divided into two types: sealing (used for tire fitting) and repair sealants (for restoring the tubeless layer on the tire).

Sealants for sealing can also be divided into two subtypes. The first are the so-called “blacks”. Their task is to seal the inner space of a tubeless tire and eliminate air leakage along the side of the tire in the case when wheels with high mileage and/or are simply old are used (rubber tends to crack and dry out over time).

As a rule, such sealants are applied in several layers (usually two, maximum three layers) with intermediate drying for 5...10 minutes. In most tire shops, “black” sealants are used by craftsmen when performing seasonal tire replacements on cars that car owners turn to them. The peculiarity of such sealants is that they dry to form an elastic film, the shape of which exactly repeats the voids between the tire bead and the corduroy. However, the fact that sealants harden is their disadvantage, especially when driving the car on roads with poor road surfaces.

The fact is that there is always a risk of damage to the tire side sealants. This is due to driving on bad roads, off-road, especially at high speed. At the same time, additional mechanical stress is placed on the wheels, and in particular, the sealant, which can lead to the appearance of microcracks in it. And this automatically entails depressurization and gradual air leakage. To get rid of it, you need to seek help from a tire repair shop.

However, there are “black” sealants that do not dry out. This is precisely their advantage. Thus, when a similar microcrack occurs, the sealant, under the pressure of the escaping air in a liquid state, moves to the localization site and seals it, similar to sealants for tire repair.

The second type of sealant is tubeless sealant. They are applied to rough areas on the side surfaces of the tire before installing the patch inside the tire.

During the roughening process, the rubber layer that directly retains air is broken. Therefore, in order to maintain pressure after such treatment, the tire must be treated with an appropriate sealant. Moreover, you can not process the entire perimeter of the layer, but only that part that was damaged during the roughening process and after installing the patch, and also apply it to the edges of the patch.

Rating of popular sealants for tire repair

Among the variety of tire sealants, you can get confused: such a large assortment is available in stores. Below we describe high-quality compounds that will help repair a broken tire.

"Anti-puncture"

Anti-Puncture sealant is universal and is suitable for preventing and repairing holes. The packaging is enough to seal ten punctures no more than 6 mm in diameter. The composition is suitable for tubed and tubeless tires. One wheel of 14-15 inches will require 300-330 ml of product, for 15-16 inches you will need 360-420 ml. When repairing SUVs and trucks, you should purchase at least 480 ml of the product.

Wheel sealant Hi-Gear Tire Doctor

One of the most popular sealants, considered ideal for emergency repair of tubeless tires. Hi-Gear Tire Doctor can be used in road conditions; if there is a hole, it will help you get to a car service center. This American product is considered reliable and durable, but if possible, it should only be used to seal small punctures.

Liqui Moly Reifen-Reparatur-Spray

Liqui Moly brand sealant is made on the basis of a rubber solution, excellent for tubeless and inner tube tires. The composition in the form of a spray is odorless, safe for humans and the environment, and can be used even in enclosed spaces. Due to the risk of fire, do not handle the product near an open flame.

Emergency sealant MOTUL Tire Repair

The repair compound of this brand is intended for restoring punctured and cut tires. One cylinder is enough for a 16-inch wheel. When injected, the rubber compound fills existing defects, and the remaining mixture becomes a prevention of new cuts, continuing to remain inside the tire. The sealant creates high pressure, which reduces the risk of a flat tire on the road. The downside of this product is that it causes some imbalance in the wheels, so after repairs it is better to have the car checked at a service center.

ABRO emergency sealant

The sealant is used for car tires and is not suitable for repairing inner tubes of bicycles and motorcycles. It quickly seals small punctures on tires up to 16 inches in diameter. The product can be used for tubeless and tube tires, but the effectiveness when working with the former is much higher. When it’s cold, the sealant needs to be warmed up well, otherwise the quality of the repair will decrease.

AirMan Sealant

It is considered the most popular solution for tires for trucks, SUVs, and large equipment. Its packaging is enough to process a tire with a diameter of 22 inches. The product is suitable for machines where an automatic pressure control sensor is installed. The quality of the Japanese product is very high, the sealing properties are serious, but the cost cannot be called budget.

Aerosol sealant K2 Tire Doctor

Inexpensive tool for repairing tubeless tires in road conditions. Helps to inflate the tire to a pressure of 1.4 atmospheres and get to the service center without any problems. The sealant is available in the form of an aerosol in a convenient container with a hose; working with it is comfortable and easy.

Emergency sealant MANNOL Reifen Doctor

An effective sealant that allows you to seal holes up to 6 mm in diameter. Suitable for old wheels with tubes and tubeless tires. MANNOL Reifen Doctor acts quickly, sets in literally a minute, is safe for steel disks, and does not provoke the development of corrosion. Inside the tire, the sealant will be in liquid form, but upon contact with air it will immediately polymerize, so it can also be used to prevent punctures. The downside of the product is low pressure after repair, the need for additional inflation of the wheel with a pump or compressor. The maximum puncture size for sealing is 6 mm.

Anti-puncture XADO ATOMEX Tire Sealant

The setting time of this product is also minimal - 1-2 minutes, it is suitable for cars, trucks, and other equipment. The price of the sealant is low, but it serves as a temporary remedy until a visit to the tire shop, and the maximum driving speed should not exceed 20 km/h.

Emergency sealant NOWAX Tire Doctor

Latex-based sealant has a temporary effect until a trip to a car service center. After filling, you need to drive at least 5 km at a speed of 35 km/h to distribute the compound over the inner surface of the tire. The sealant will not cope with large punctures, so it is not suitable for holes larger than 4-6 mm in diameter.

Runway Emergency Sealant

Runway sealant is suitable for use on motorcycle, bicycle and car tires. It is sold in a can with an extension hose, the volume of which is 650 ml, which is enough to repair two wheels. Due to the nature of the composition, do not allow the product to come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes!

AIM ONE Tire Inflator

Easy to use, fast acting and effective product. It is completely safe and non-toxic, easily copes with holes and cracks up to 5 mm in size, suitable for trucks, cars and bicycles. The sealant is ideal for use on the road as an emergency solution, although the “patch” it creates will be quite durable.

Continental RevoSealant

The sealant is produced by a concern that produces one of the most famous brands of tires, and is adapted for any car tires. It is based on latex, and there are no harmful additives or toxic impurities. In addition to safety for humans, the sealant is characterized by the absence of a destructive effect on wheels. The composition allows you to do without a spare wheel when carrying out repairs in emergency conditions.

Stan's NoTubes

This American-made product is respected by consumers due to its high quality. It copes well with tire damage, has a more liquid texture than its analogues, so it quickly spreads over the inner surface of the tire. The effectiveness and long service life of the sealant (up to 7 months) are due to the presence of natural rubber and composite microcrystals in the composition.

Orange Seal Bottle Tubeless Tire

The product copes with tire holes up to 1 cm in diameter, eliminating air leakage by forming a “plug”. Made on the basis of latex, it is a thick composite solution with virtually no odor. The sealant is suitable for large cars and trucks. To restore pressure, you need to have a pump or compressor with you.

Bead Sealer Rossvik

Bead Sealer Rossvik is used only for small cuts - up to 3 mm in diameter. It involves applying the composition externally with a brush in 3 layers with intermediate drying with a hair dryer, which is quite a big inconvenience. Typically this sealant is used in auto repair shops.

Holts Tyreweld

Holts Tyreweld brand sealing compound allows emergency wheel repairs to be carried out quickly and reliably. This polymer product is harmless to tires, tubes, wheels, and seals punctures up to 6 mm in diameter.

It is recommended that every car owner who does not have a spare wheel carry the sealant with them. The product will eliminate the need to purchase it and will allow you to safely get to a car service center; in addition, it will be an excellent measure for preventing punctures when used prophylactically.

Do I need to use sealant?

On thematic forums on the Internet you can often find heated debates about whether it makes sense to use sealants for the sidewall. There are many contradictory arguments and examples on this score. Omitting unnecessary considerations, we can say that bead sealants (preventive) are recommended to be used when repairing low-quality or old (with significant mileage) tires and the disc itself with defects. In this case, its tubeless layer adjacent directly to the surface of the wheel rim is leaky, and this is the direct cause of the risk of tire depressurization.

If the car has good new tires installed, especially on a non-bent disc, then the use of sealant is not necessary. And in some cases it is even harmful. For example, if the elastic adjacent rubber layer is very soft, and the sealant takes on a rigid shape after drying, this is very harmful to the tire. In addition, the wheel may become depressurized. This situation is due precisely to the fact that the tire will sit rigidly in its seat, and when driving on a bad road (especially at high speed), the sealant can develop a microcrack through which air will escape.

Some car enthusiasts note that due to the use of sealants, if necessary, it is very difficult to separate the tire from the rim. In fact, such a problem can arise not only due to the use of the mentioned means, but also due to a mismatch between the width of the tire and the rim. Therefore, there are three solutions here. The first (and more correct) is to use the “correct” rims that are most suitable for a specific tire. The second is the use of softer rubber, that is, with a more elastic side. The third is the use of special liquids to dissolve sealants. An example of such a product is the Bead Breaker dismantling liquid from the Tech company (article number 734Q).

As for repair sealants, which are applied after the aforementioned roughening, the situation here is more obvious. If a corresponding repair operation was carried out to restore the tire, then the use of such a sealant is also very desirable. Otherwise, there is no guarantee that the repaired tire will not leak air exactly in the place where the roughening was carried out.

It makes sense to briefly discuss how sealant should be applied to the tire bead. First of all, you need to thoroughly clean the disk (in particular, its end side, which is in direct contact with the wheel rubber) from dirt, dust, rust, peeling paint and other possible damage.

Wheel cleaners

A special cleaner is used to clean wheel rims. It can be acidic or non-acidic. These products wash off bitumen and other dirt well. According to tests, the best rating includes: Tortal Wax, Koch, Liquid Moly Read more

Some car enthusiasts sand the surface of the disc using sandpaper or special sanding brushes placed on a drill or grinder. The same applies to the surface of the tire. It should be cleaned as much as possible from dust, dirt, and possible deposits. And only after that, using a brush (or other similar device), apply mastic to the edge of the sidewall of the tire for its further installation on the disk.

Best Tire Bead Sealants

Currently, there are quite a lot of different sealants on sale for mounting tubeless tires. Their selection must be made based primarily on their type and purpose. The presented rating of the best tire bead sealants is based on an analysis of tests and reviews of car owners who have used certain similar compounds at different times. The list is not commercial in nature and does not advertise any product presented in it. Its goal is to help the tire shop or car enthusiast buy the tire bead sealant that is most suitable for their tasks.

Tip Top Side Seal

One of the highest quality and most popular tire bead sealants. Produced by Rema tip top in Germany. The popularity of this product is due to the fact that after application to the surface of the tire and during the operation of the tire, it does not harden, but is constantly in a gel-like state. This is its competitive advantage, since thanks to this factor it not only reliably protects the internal volume of the tire from depressurization, but also if such a nuisance occurs, it will effectively protect the wheel from it. Due to the property of transitioning from a gel-like state to a solid upon contact with air, that is, vulcanizing rubber.

The instructions indicate that using Tip Top sealant you can get rid of cracks up to 3 mm in size. The basis of the sealant is airtight rubber. When dismantling the tire, it does not cause problems, that is, the sealant easily peels off from the disc and rubber. Real tests show that this sealant is truly distinguished by its quality, and many professional workshops use it in their practice.

Tip Top Bead Sealer is sold in packages of two volumes - one liter and five liters. Accordingly, their prices as of winter 2018/2019 are about 700 and 2500 rubles.

Bead sealant TECH Bead Sealer

Tech Bead Sealer is designed to seal the interior of a tubeless tire by providing a protective layer between the rim and the tire. It is noted that it can be used even if the disc has slight irregularities. It is also one of the most popular products in its market segment. As a rule, it is used in professional tire shops. The composition is flammable, so it should not be heated or stored in close proximity to open flame sources. It is undesirable to inhale it, and the sealant should not be allowed to come into contact with the skin, much less the eyes. One package is enough to process about 68...70 passenger car tires (with a diameter of 13 to 16 inches).

Tech onboard sealant is sold in a 945 ml metal can. Its price as of the above period is about 1000 rubles.

Bead Sealer Rossvik

Bead Sealer bead sealant from the famous Russian company Rossvik is one of the most popular similar products in its market segment. Can be used to treat wheels of both cars and trucks. It is noted that the sealant is capable of sealing damage up to 3 mm in size. However, for this it is necessary to apply two or three layers of the product with preliminary drying of each of them. To do this you need to use a traditional technical hair dryer. The sealant is based on airtight rubber, which does not shrink and dries quickly. Even with long-term use of the wheel, its removal is no problem. If you need to eliminate air leaks on the wheels of trucks, you can use soft porous paper together with the sealant. This will reduce the consumption of sealant while maintaining its high efficiency values.

It is very popular among car enthusiasts and tire service station specialists due to the high efficiency of the product, as well as its low price. Respectively. Rossvik bead sealant is recommended for purchase by anyone who regularly engages in tire fitting work. Please note that there are packages that include a brush for applying the product to the surface to be treated, and there are packages without it!

Sold in various packages, including 500 ml and 1000 ml cans. The article number of the popular 1000 ml package is GB-1000K. Its price is about 600 rubles.

Bead sealant for tubeless tires BHZ

Bead sealant for tubeless tires “BKhZ” (abbreviation BKhZ) means that this product was produced by the Barnaul Chemical Plant. Designed to create a strong seal and eliminate air leaks that may exist between the rim and the tire bead. The instructions indicate that the BHZ side sealant is capable of eliminating cracks up to 3 mm wide. However, to achieve such a high result, several layers must be applied to the rubber with intermediate drying. The instructions suggest degreasing the area before applying BHZ sealant. This will ensure better contact and extend the durability of its use. The sealant has a high drying speed.

The product can be used as a preventative and also as a repair. In the first case, it can be used when regularly replacing tires from summer to winter and vice versa. In the second case, using a sealant you can get rid of existing air leaks at the points of contact between the disc and the rubber. That is, apply it locally. However, if the size of the damage site exceeds 3 mm, then this sealant (like other similar means) will not help, so you need to mechanically repair the disk or look for the cause of the air leak in another circumstance.

Sold in an 800 ml tin, the kit includes a brush for applying the product to the surface to be treated. The price of one package is about 500 rubles.

Side sealant with Unicord brush

Unicord sealant is produced by the company of the same name in the CIS. As the name implies, the kit includes a brush for applying the composition to the surface to be treated. The sealant can be used to treat tires of both cars and trucks. It is especially effective to use for old tires that already have a worn inner layer. It is noted that the sealant is able to “heal” cracks up to 3 mm in size. Easily removed from the surface when removing the tire. The composition is based on airtight rubber.

Reviews found on the Internet suggest that Unicord bead sealant is a very effective and, most importantly, inexpensive product, which is why it is quite popular among workers at various service stations and tire shops.

Sold in a 1000 ml metal can. Its price is about 500 rubles.

This list can be continued further, especially since now the market is constantly being replenished with new sealing compounds. If you have had experience using any of these sealants for mounting tires, please express your opinion on how it works. But not everyone buys such a shaving brush; when installing it themselves, car owners seal it between the tire and the disk with other, improvised means.

Rating of preventive tire sealants

The sealant can also be used as a preventive measure. While driving, it circulates inside the wheel. In the event of a collision with a sharp object, the composition will automatically create a protective plug. Therefore, the driver may not even feel that his tire has been punctured. Below we look at 6 top sealants that are ideal for preventing punctures.

RUNWAY Tire Sealer

A simple, inexpensive composition that is suitable for preventive maintenance of cars and trucks. The useful properties inside the wheel are retained for a long time and can withstand high loads well. If a tire is damaged, it quickly and effectively seals the hole.

Price – 500 rubles for 650 ml.

Pros:

• Long shelf life.
• Convenient use.
• Versatility.

Disadvantages - there are many fakes on sale.

Tire Fix WYNN'S 11979

A relatively rare sealant, which, according to analysts, is gradually conquering the Russian market. The main feature of the composition is a progressive composition based on many additives. Thanks to additives, the sealant can be used both for emergency repairs and for prevention.

Price – 700 rubles for 300 ml.

Advantages:

• You can repair tires of any car.
• Eco-friendly additives.
• Easy to use.

A major drawback is that it does not work well in the cold.

Mannol 9906 Reifen Doctor

An excellent sealant for daily use. The composition remains active inside the wheel for a long time and easily copes with cuts and holes. Copes well with heavily loaded equipment (trucks, buses). Can be used in winter at temperatures down to -10 degrees .

Price – 500 rubles for 450 ml.

Pros:

• Convenient refill tube.
• Long shelf life.
• Stable work in the wheel.

There are no significant disadvantages.

Nowax Tire Doctor

Another sealant that can be used both for repairing a punctured tire and for prevention. The composition retains its technical properties well in the cold and contains environmental additives.

You can buy it for 500 rubles per 450 ml.

Advantages:

• Closes large cuts.
• Remains active in the wheel for a long time.

Disadvantage : it is rarely sold in stores (it is recommended to buy online).

Smartbuster Fibro-Seal Sil 450

The composition copes with high loads, effectively “plugs” the hole, and does not damage the tire surface. The sealant can also be used for prevention and emergency repairs.

You can buy it for 550 rubles per 450 ml.

Other advantages:

• Copes with high loads.
• Quickly covers the hole, which quickly restores the wheel.
• It remains active for a long time and does not change its physical properties.

Disadvantage : not suitable for driving in cold weather; sold only online.

TERRA-S

A good sealant for heavily loaded equipment and passenger cars. Sold in bulk but compact containers. Retains its physical properties for a long time and does not deteriorate during storage.

Price – 1100 rubles for 700 ml.

Advantages:

• Retains beneficial properties for a long time.
• Copes with large cuts and holes.
• Quickly restores wheel tightness.

Disadvantages : it’s inconvenient to pour into a car; there are a lot of counterfeit products on sale.

How to make your own tire sealant

There is a so-called “folk” recipe, according to which you can prepare homemade tire sealant. Thus, almost all factory-made products contain rubber, which is found in “raw rubber”. Accordingly, in order to make a sealant for the cord of a tubeless tire with your own hands, you need to buy that same raw rubber and simply soak it in gasoline.

However, the subtlety here is to purchase imported rubber, since, unfortunately, domestic products contain a lot of impurities, and there may be very little rubber or it will be of poor quality. As for gasoline, you can use almost any available gasoline, not necessarily the most expensive and high-octane. Some auto repairmen use kerosene and even diesel fuel for these purposes. But still, gasoline will be a better solution in this case.

Bead sealant for tubeless tires: types, features, rules of application

Unpleasant moments on the road are common. One of them is a tire puncture. It's good if there is a spare tire in the trunk. But it happens that it is missing, so you need to carry sealant for the sides with you. This tool will help you fix the puncture and get to your destination. Bead sealant for tubeless tires is used to prevent punctures and cuts when driving.

see also

Comments 48

Update information: having pumped up to 2.5 after the ride and arrived home, I noticed that the poisoning had stopped.

Even without a camera, my nipple was cut off. when I didn’t notice in time that I had taken off my shoes.

It was necessary to drift less simply))

They smeared me with salidol and it was fine

Why didn't you install cameras? I read that you have to have a tubeless tube to etch your tires. And who is so smart who told you this? I set 500 with cameras and also asked the master to miss the mark. He said, “that the wheel will be 80 rubles more expensive.” To which I replied, “go ahead.” I smeared it with some kind of special fuel oil (I don’t know the name). Missed both sides. I also heard that they smear it with some kind of “glass glue”. But there, according to rumors, you can only cut down the cover with an ax.

If there’s a camera standing there, you’re going to shoot it, and then you’re going to sort out the shit, then it’ll definitely cut off your nipple.

The camera is less likely to be messed with. During my stay I never disassembled it. It's up to you.

Place your camera and feel free to go up to o.5, although Safari has its own specifics))))

What exactly are the specifics, please expand on the topic?

specificity is that the quality is not stable and different kits behave differently

I didn't notice any difference from deflated to 0.5 and inflated to 1.5. The ride is just 0.5 softer.

Or badlocks or ride at 2.5 pressure. Everything else is bullshit. The glass glue will also fall off, not immediately, but it will fall off. Dirt and sand will clog in any way...

The stupidest things are usually written in a peremptory tone...