Any tire repose sealant that comes in a liquid format is termed liquid tire sealant. Some of the most common constituents of liquid sealants are latex, rubber, kevlar fiber, or aramid. Using special valves and sealant injectors, liquid tire sealants are introduced into the tires. They are also known as tubeless tire sealants. In a nutshell, liquid tire sealant is a liquid that is incorporated into the tubeless tires, and that automatically plugs any leakage or puncture into the tires. The natural latex used as a liquid tire sealant is introduced into the tire, dries within the tire, sealing the leakages when exposed to the atmospheric air. The liquid tire sealants are prepared by suspending particles in the latex body. The liquid tire sealant sticks into the tire and clogs the pore.
How Do Liquid Tire Sealants Work?
After injecting the sealant into the tire, it will form a protective layer and seal the puncture. The internal pressure will exert pressure on the tire and push the sealants toward the pore to clog it. The special particles in the liquid sealant will accumulate inside the tire and form a chemical bond with the rubber tire. This seals the pores through the formation of a solid rubber plug. The plug is formed across the depth of the hole to cover the entire puncture without leaving any gap. Liquid tire sealants are reliable, at least in the short run. This is at least better than traditional mechanical external plugs on the punctures.
Usually, the traditional method of sealing plugs includes any external mechanical plug, but the worst it does is by forcing the puncture to make it more pronounced. The chemical liquid tire sealant does not extend the existing puncture. Instead, it chemically forms a bond with the tire’s rubber and seals the puncture. The tire sealant plug repair is a more natural cure for the puncture. The chemical compound due to reaction between the tire’s rubber and the content of the sealant forms a chemical compound that closely mimics the rubber in its appearance and functions. Thus, the tire becomes as it is.
The liquid tire sealant will change its form when it is introduced into the tire. The carrier material for the liquid tire sealant is glycol. The glycol in the liquid sealant forms a chemical bond with the rubber. It does not remain in liquid form once it enters the tires. The science behind the sealant forming the plug is the expanding and contracting of the plug cavity due to the usual action movement of the tires. This repeated expansion and contraction of the tires leads to glycol squeezing that forms the plug. It also induces the mica and other thickeners used in the sealant to form a bond with the rubber, creating a solid plug at the puncture to make the tire functional. The remaining solution in the tire continues to form a protective layer in the tire. So, it will lead to instant seal coverage and continue saving the tire in the long run. When the liquid tire sealant seals the tire puncture, there is no air loss.
Important Fact to Know About Liquid Tire Sealants
Many users need to know what they are putting inside their tires. Also, they don’t know what distinguishes a highly effective liquid tire sealant from a non so reputed one. Certain factors like the sealants’ strength, quality, and longevity determine their quality. The best material for liquid tire sealants is Propylene Glycol. Several Ethylene and Latex variants are available but are only sometimes as good as the Propylene version. Ethylene is toxic to use. The synthetic fiber component should be either wool, ceramic, or Fibers like Kevlar. The fibers with higher density mean they will work better as sealants. Using sealants with poor grades of additives can be harmful to the tires. The synthetic fibers, when of poor grade, cost less but reduce the performance and quality of the tires.
The common question that most people face is -how long will the sealants last? Well, the sealants won’t last long. They are not a permanent solution to the problem. Using them over time can damage tire health and performance. Depending on the quality, they last for a few months to a few years. But they need to be more reliable. Even the best quality liquid sealants are unreliable. They can betray at any time. The best option is to use liquid tire sealants only during the emergency period and replace them any time you get the chance and at the earliest. Liquid tire sealants are a great emergency savior, but short-term. You must use them with caution not to use too much or damage any part. Keep in mind that tires repaired with sealants have a void company warranty.
