What Is Tyre Sealant and How to Use It for Emergency Repairs

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 by Chesca D
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Chesca D is a Content & Editorial Coordinator at Tyres.co.uk and is responsible for researching, coordinating, and producing accurate, up-to-date tyre guidance for our Knowledge Hub..
Each article is created using manufacturer specifications, recognised industry standards, and current UK regulations, and is reviewed internally to ensure clarity and technical accuracy. Content is updated regularly to reflect changes in tyre laws, safety guidance, and product specifications.
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Tyre sealant is a quick and effective temporary fix for punctured tyres, designed to help drivers get safely to a garage without needing an immediate tyre change. In this guide, we explain how tyre sealant works, when to use it, and why it’s an essential emergency tool for any driver who doesn’t carry a spare tyre.

If you’re someone whose vehicle doesn’t hold a spare tyre, then this is an article for you. 

For those who don’t carry around a spare tyre, having an alternative fix for or way to handle a punctured tyre is crucial. Tyre sealant is an emergency product which allows drivers to quickly and easily seal a crack or hole in the tyre – delivering enough support to get to a garage or mechanic for a proper tyre change.

Let’s take a closer look at how it works and whether it’s something you need for your vehicle. 

How Does Tyre Sealant Work?

Tyre sealant is a special formula which is pumped into the tyre via the same valve that you use to add pressure to the tyre.

Once inside the tyre, the sealant fixes itself to the inside of the tyre wall and seals cracks, holes, or punctures up to 6mm wide, so that the tyre can remain on the road until it reaches a garage or can be properly repaired or replaced.

The sealant is then flushed and washed out of the tyre before it is repaired, ensuring that it doesn’t clog up the inside of the tyre or impair the professionals’ ability to properly seal the damage.

Can You Use Tyre Sealant Yourself?

The benefit of tyre sealant is that it is a DIY approach to tyre repair, that vehicle owners can invest in and carry around specifically for when they need it. 

With the sealant boasting a valve which connects to the air valve on the tyre, the sealant can be activated using a pressure pump with ease – pushing the sealant into the tyre for an efficient and effective DIY repair.

Once the sealant is in place, the tyre pressure pump can be used directly to add lost air back into the tyre, getting you back on the road in no time. 

Needless to say, tyre sealant is a good thing to have in your car for when you need it.

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Important Things to Remember

Due to the DIY and temporary nature of tyre sealant, it’s crucial that any tyre which is repaired this way isn’t driven excessively fast or over extended periods.

If you have to repair a tyre using sealant, you should complete your journey at a speed of under 50mph and should not leave it too long to get the tyre fixed professionally.  

In addition to this, you may find that your tyre cannot be effectively or safely repaired – which is when you’ll need to look at replacing the tyre instead. At Tyres.co.uk, we boast a wide range of replacement tyres for all vehicles and budgets – working with customers to ensure that they can get back on the road and enjoy smooth, safe driving in as little time as possible. 

Head to our individual product and tyre brand pages to find out more.

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