Your guide to tyre puncture sealant kits
Many modern car manufacturers no longer sell vehicles with spare tyres. Instead, tyre puncture sealant kits are much more common. These kits provide a temporary fix for punctures, giving drivers enough time to reach a garage.
If tyre repair kits are new to you, then read on. In this article, we’ll explore what they are and how they work, along with their benefits and limitations too.
What are tyre puncture sealant kits?
Tyre puncture sealant kits are also known as tyre puncture repair kits. They are a temporary way to provide emergency puncture repair until you can reach a garage or a safe place.
These kits are now provided by many modern car manufacturers at the purchasing stage and have become a common alternative to carrying a spare tyre.
Where are they stored in a car?
The location of a tyre puncture sealant kit will depend on the make and model of your car. Typically they are found in the car boot, potentially under the flooring but check with your manufacturer to pinpoint the precise location or if your vehicle comes with one in the first place! Always check the expiration date on the sealant before using too as it may not be fit for purpose.
How do tyre puncture sealant kits work?
Tyre puncture sealant kits are usually comprised of two items:
- A tyre sealant: Adhesive gel or spray to seal the puncture
- A compressor: To inject the sealant
The compressor will inject the sealant into the tyre valve, filling the tyre from the inside and once it’s solidified, sealing the puncture. This allows you to drive to safety and take your next steps to resolving the puncture permanently. Usually, this will mean tyre replacement at a trusted garage or autocentre.
What are the benefits of tyre puncture sealant kits?
There are important benefits to tyre sealant kits that have made them a common alternative to spare tyres. This includes:
- They are not heavy like spare tyres, making them a lightweight and space-saving alternative that improves fuel efficiency.
- Kits are also easier to use than spare tyres, as the latter needs other equipment, such as jacks, to fit them.
- Tyre puncture sealant kits are cost effective to replace
What are the constraints of tyre puncture sealant kits?
As useful as tyre puncture kits are, they also come with some drawbacks including:
- There is a mileage constraint to using sealants – you will not be able to drive indefinitely on a tyre repaired in this way. General advice is to drive a maximum of 50 miles on a sealed tyre; ideally to an autocentre for a permanent fix
- Tyre sealant spray should not be used on run flat tyres as they are already designed to carry motorists for a short distance on a puncture
- They come with an expiry date which means it might be no good in your time of need
Sometimes a tyre puncture sealant solution is necessary given the manufacturer’s lack of boot space and storage. For others, the decision is based upon cost. Either way, it’s always wise to be prepared for how to handle a flat on your vehicle.
Enjoy easy and convenient tyre solutions with Mr Tyre, the leading chain of autocentres for Central England. We offer a huge range of tyres, including space saver spares and brand new tyre replacements, plus puncture repair services. Get in touch or pay us a visit today.
