As vehicle owners, we’ve all experienced a slow leak at some point. Thankfully, tire sealant for slow leak is a thing. However, it begs the question. How long does it last?
While most tire sealants do the job pretty well, you will find that certain tire sealants will outdo the others, as it’s not made by one company.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about tire sealant for slow leak, along with the top products in 2022. With that out of the way, let’s get sealing.
Can I Use Fix A Flat For A Slow Leak?
Having a flat tire or a tire leak can be a real pain in the neck, especially when it happens at odd places. You suddenly realize you don’t have a spare tire, and the tow truck services are either too far away or beyond the reach of your pockets. The next best thing may be to try using a quick tire sealant. But the question here is; can a tire sealant actually fix a slow leak?
To put it simply, yes. After all, the Fix-a-Flat Sealant’s sole purpose is to patch small punctures on a tire that causes it to leak. However, this isn’t a permanent fix as it only offers you a chance to drive long enough to the tire repair place for a more permanent fix.
Also, before you use the Fix-a-Flat, you should be conscious of some of its disadvantages. For example, seeing as the tire sealant is a chemical, it may release certain gasses into your tire that could be harmful.
User Experience:
- “Yes, you can. But fix a flat and similar products are only made for emergencies. A better alternative is to carry a portable compressor to reinflate a tire with a slow leak and go directly to a tire shop to have the leak repaired.” (Terry Bowden – https://www.quora.com/Can-you-use-fix-a-flat-on-a-tire-with-a-slow-leak)
- “Fix-a-Flat works well with a nail in the tire or a slow leak around a small section of the wheel’s rim. But it is just a temporary solution. You remove the cap from your tire valve.” (Ritwik Sunny – https://www.quora.com/Can-you-use-fix-a-flat-on-a-tire-with-a-slow-leak)
- “Only use fix a flat in an emergency! Once you use it and the liquid in your tire dries you will experience a horrible shake in your vehicle while driving down the road. This is because your wheel balance has been horribly thrown off by the Fix A Flat. Its a real pain for the tire guy to dismount your tire, clean all of the garbage out of your tire, and then re-mount/balance. If you have a slow leak, get it FIXED right the first time so you don’t waste your money.” (Derek Anderson – https://www.quora.com/Can-you-use-fix-a-flat-on-a-tire-with-a-slow-leak)
How Does Fix A Flat Work?
The science behind Fix-a-Flat is pretty straightforward. The Fix-a-Flat tire sealant consists of air and the liquid sealant. By hooking the can to your tire, the air in the can will force out the liquid sealant into your tire with the push of a button. After that, your job is done as a latex emulsion foam seals the leak while the propellant will inflate the tire by filling in with the gas required to get its rim off the ground.
Also, Fix-a-Flat uses a propellant that is gas at room temperature. However, it turns into a liquid when put in a can. Furthermore, when you press the button and force the liquid into the tire, it returns to its original gaseous state and then solidifies, allowing it to expand and fill the tire.
How Long Does Fix A Flat Last?
As we’ve already established, Fix-a-Flat isn’t a permanent fix because it’s more of an emergency repair tool. As to how long it lasts, it can last up to 3 days (72 hours) or the first 100 miles, provided you use it correctly.
In terms of storage, the Fix-a-Flat tire sealant will last on a shelf for about 2 years, thus providing support for emergencies. Also, Fix-a-Flat is easy to use, durable and affordable.
Best Tire Sealant For Slow Leak
Below we have provided you with the best tire sealants for slow leaks.
Fix-A-Flat Tire Seal Sealant
If ease of use, durability and effectiveness are a top priority for you, the Fix-a-Flat tire Sealant and car inflator offer all these and more. The Fix-a-Flat tire Sealant seals and inflates your tire in a matter of seconds. Also, we aren’t just talking about minor tire wounds; it also seals larger tread punctures without any hassle (up to 1/4-inch punctures). But that’s not all; the Fix-a-Flat Sealant is TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) safe and doesn’t require that you use any extra tools such as jacks.
Furthermore, with over 50 years of experience in the car tire inflation business, the Fix-a-Flat brand brings you a non-flammable, non-corrosive, non-toxic, eco-friendly formula. A seal using the Fix-a-Flat tire Sealant will last for 3 days which is ample time for a more permanent fix. Also, it is affordable and will clean easily using water. With the Fix-a-Flat Tire Sealant, your tire will be sealed, inflated and have its rim off the ground in no time.
Slime Tire Sealant
Repair? How about preventing and repairing all at once. Seems like a fair deal. That’s what the Slime Tire Sealant offers you. With the Slime Tubeless Tire Sealant, you are given the power to prevent and repair punctures on a tubeless tire up to a quarter-inch, thanks to its Fibro-Seal technology. You don’t have to worry about toxicity, corrosion, or environmental harm as its formula is non-flammable, non-corrosive, and eco-friendly.
Before you ask, no, it’s not messy and can be cleaned easily with water. The slime tire Sealant is non-aerosol and is compatible with Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). Overall, it’s easy to use, durable and lightweight.
FlatOut 25130 Tire Sealant
With the FlatOut 25130 tire Sealant, you increase your tire life, save money, save time and stay safe as it prevents up to 95 percent of flats. Thanks to its super-strong KEVLAR fibers, you can seal leak after leak up to 1/2-inch on the tread.
Furthermore, its unique formula is non-flammable, non-aerosol, non-corrosive, and can be washed out easily with plain water. It doesn’t leave a sticky mess because it contains no latex/adhesives. FlatOut 25130 Tire Sealant cannot be used for light-duty trucks/SUVs, passenger cars, and internal Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). However, it’s perfect for ATVs, UTVs/Side-by-Sides, Golf Carts, Dirt Bikes, Off-Road-Only Jeeps, and other heavy-duty vehicles.
FAQs
Is Fix-a-Flat A Permanent Fix?
Fix-a-Flat isn’t a permanent fix, and it only serves as an emergency fix meant to keep you on the road until you can get the tire fixed at the repair store. Also, there’s a limit to the size of leaks you can use the Fix-a-Flat to fix. For example, you cannot use it in the event of a tire blow-out.
Can You Put Air In A Tire After Using Fix-A-Flat?
The simple answer to this is, YES, you can. Recall that Fix-a-Flat will seal leaks up to 1/4-inch while filling it with enough air to get it off the ground. You are advised to use a tire inflator or drive to the nearest gas station for air, and that way, your tire can get the required amount of air pressure.
Does Fix-A-Flat Ruin Your Tire?
To put it simply, Fix-a-Flat can indeed ruin your tire in the long run. However, that’s understandable, seeing as it’s meant for emergency repairs. How can it ruin your tire, you ask? Fix-a-Flat enters your tire in liquid form; however, it hardens into stiff dry foam responsible for sealing. This foam can and most likely will get your rim messed up, making cleaning an arduous task. In fact, several tire repair stores do not offer to clean it.
Also, Fix-a-Flat can be corrosive because it is water-based. How? It makes use of R134A. So what’s the problem here? When water is mixed with R134A, the result is corrosive. Consequently, it can damage the paint, rubber, or aluminum.
Conclusion
Thanks to this article, you now know more than just how long a tire Sealant will last. Although these tire Sealants aren’t permanent, they come in handy during emergencies; thus, saving you the stress. You never know when you’re going to be stranded on the road. However, if you’ve read through this article, we trust that you’ll be prepared in the event of a slow leak.
Read more: Bead Leak In Tire: Symptoms & How To Fix
Read more: Satin Black vs. Matte Black vs. Gloss Black Wheels: What Are The Differences?
