Road, Gravel And MTB Tyre Sealant FAQs

What is Tyre Sealant?

Tyre sealant is a liquid, which is added inside the tyre. Designed to be used with tubeless ready tyres, the sealant is designed to instantly repair small punctures, such as punctures from thorns. Sealant usually has latex as a main ingredient, as well as particles and solids which help quickly plug any holes. Sealant works with punctures up to around 3mm in diameter. Sealant also allows riders to run lower tyre pressures, without the risk of pinch punctures.

What Is The Best Tyre Sealant?

All Tyre Sealants are of a good quality, and we have checked and carried out research into all of the tyre sealant available, that we supply online. Vittoria and Syncros Sealant sells well, and is popular with both our own staff and customers alike.

How Often To Top Up Tyre Sealant?

There are a lot of variables in answering this question, a rider living in a hot and dry climate may have to top up tubeless sealant around every 12 weeks, whereas in a cooler climates such as the UK - tyre sealant can last up to around six months. There are certain situations which we will cover in another section of this FAQ - covering when tyre sealant needs to be topped up due to leakage.

Can I Mix Different Tyre Sealant?

Sealant manufacturers do not recommend mixing tyre sealant, with a lot of products stating they should not be mixed with different tyre sealant brands. Although we always recommend following manufacturer guidelines, many sealants have the same ingredients - so mixing some in emergency situations should not present too much of a problem.

How Much Tyre Sealant To Use?

How much tyre sealant to use is personal preference, a rough guide is to use between 30-60ml for road tyres, and around double for mountain bike tyres - and for gravel tyres, you guessed it! Somewhere inbetween those figures. Note that the more sealant is used, the longer it will last and the better the tyre will be at handling small punctures. Obviously, the more sealant which is used, the heavier the tyre becomes - worth bearing in mind for those looking for a super lightweight setup.

How To Check Tyre Sealant Condition?

The easiest way to check sealant is with a tyre syringe. Alternatively, deflate the tyre and just look inside! If the sealant is murky and solid then replace the sealant. Another popular way of checking sealant, is to remove the wheel and shake it, if you can’t hear liquid sloshing about inside, it’s time to either replace all of the sealant or add to it.

How To Add Tyre Sealant?

You can inject sealant through the valve, using a syringe or a sealant container with an applicator attached. The valve core needs removing in order for you to do this. Always shake the sealant first!

Does Tyre Sealant Corrode Rims?

No, not if correcty installed!

Tyre Valve Clogged With Sealant

Remove the valve core and clean with a cloth. A thin nail will work in clearing the valve of sealant. If you cannot clear it, order new tyre valves!

Should I Add Anything To Tyre Sealant?

It used to be popular to add glitter into tyre sealant, to help plug the gaps of punctures with more solid particles. In our opinion, leave this well alone - modern tyre sealants have been formulated and tested for maximum performance and effectiveness.

Sealant Leaking Through Tyre Sidewall?

Tyres are porous, meaning that it’s not uncommon to see tyre sealant ‘weeping’ through the sides of tyre sidewalls. This is nothing to worry about, but do make a mental note to top up sealant more regualrly if this is the case. Also keep the sealant wiped off the tyre sidewall, ensuring that it does not collect debris and dust.

Sealant Escapes When Inflating Tyre?

Place the valve at the top of the tyre when inflating Vs the bottom and this should solve the issue!