NEVER Use Tire Sealant ~ Here's Why

Okay using tire sealant is better than being stuck with a flat tire. But Tire sealant is awful. The sealant makes a mess. The tire sealant can also damage TPMS sensors. All in all a tire plug kit and compressor is a much better option to make a quick tire repair.

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disclaimer:
The content of this video is available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the professional advice of a mechanic who has personally inspected your vehicle, nor does it create a relationship of any kind between the Humble Mechanic and you. Every situation may be different, and the Humble Mechanic does not make any warranties, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy, fitness, or applicability of the information or automotive parts portrayed in this video to any project and makes no guarantee of results. The Humble Mechanic and any sponsors of this video will not be liable for any damages related to personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind that may result from the use or reliance on this video and/or any automotive parts represented in this video. You are using the information and automotive parts portrayed in this video solely at your own risk.

[nwox]

On long trips, I carry a tire plug and rubber cement for emergencies.

[Lazer_-wmnv]

The "getting douched by tire sealent" part killed me

[benniestander]

I just carry a repair kit (the one with plugs) and compressor around. Much easier and no need for new tyres. Except for side wall damage

[xrt]

I don't have a spare tire either, and, I love it. For years, I have carried a little container with galvanizing plugs. About 90% of the time when I have a nail in a tire, I can make the repair with the tire still mounted to the car and the car on the ground. You do have the occasional moment when you can't find the nail and you have to take the tire off the car. No mess, no vibration, and a relatively quick repair that will last the life of the tire. I've been doing this repair for 45+ years.

[chevymontmarlo]

"Ah yes make sure you regularly milk your tires" is where my mind went to

[longshot]

Plugs are easy, glad someone taught me how to use em!

[sim]

Before there were decent tyre plugs, i used to carry with me big flat head screwes and a screwdriver, and the compressor ;) never had problems !

[Celician]

NOONE TELLS THE TIRE GUY "I used tire sealant". I should know, I used to work at Walmart Auto Care 😡

[michellemiller]

Thanks for that info, I honestly didn't know that! *IF* I have to use my sealant, I'll definitely let the techs know!

[RoughRaiders]

As a mechanic I can verify this is the most legit advice when it comes to tire sealant. Don't use it unless you absolutely have to use it. Be aware it may cause large vibration. Only use it temporarily and not as a permanent fix. And for the love of God when you eventually bring it to a mechanic, definitely tell them the tire has sealant in it.

[d.brownjr.]

Harbor freight has a great tire plug kit. It has everything. Just add the compressor you are set.

[ettinold]

My new Citroen came with something very odd...a full sized spare wheel.

[mmARman]

Every vehicle I own has a quality aluminum handled tire plug tool kit and a Ryobi 18V air compressor. It might take a while to pump a big truck tire up to 60 pounds with it, but those little, inexpensive Ryobi air pumps keep chugging along and can go over 100psi!

Having those tools with me has not only got me out of a few jams but also saved the day for a few friends. I got a woman back on the road when she had a flat picking her kid up from elementary school too. My daughter enjoyed helping plug her tire for her.

[AccountInactive]

Blackjack tire repair kit. Used on my van and my big rig for years. Worth every penny.

[_flyingspaghettimonster_]

When I was 18 I got a flat tire and filled it with a can of Fix-A-Flat. Every week it would start to lose pressure and I'd add another can. This continued for several months. When I brought it to the shop to get a new tire, they were shocked. The inside was completely solid.

[ILOVEBACONBOY]

Tire plug carrier ftw! It's a must have tool in your car with the air compressor.

[KO-pkdf]

I have been carrying a plug kit and small pump with me for over 40 years. Even when I have a spare.

[mndlessdrwer]

I was going to give the exact same advice, so I'll change it up instead and recommend that you always carry a tire patch kit in your car if you lack a spare tire. They're not great and you'll typically still have a small leak, but it's way less messy than liquid sealant. The tire techs will be much happier with your decision too.

[MtnBadger]

This is correct... I worked auto/tire centers for years. Fix-A-Flat is a stop gap measure to get you to a shop to get a new tire or have all that gloom removed, if possible and the tire repaired. It is *not* a "fix it and forget it" solution. Don't have a spare? Buy one! A donut is ok but if possible, buy a full sized spare with new tire that matches your other *good* tires and whenever you have your tires rotated, include the spare in the rotation! This adds overall life to your tires because one "gets a break" every time you do a rotation. 😀

[damian]

I’m surprised he didn’t mention how it messes up the tire pressure sensor too. That’s probably the most expensive repair for using that stuff.