If you don’t have tubeless tires, one could easily assume you enjoy making your vehicle prone to punctures.
This is because tubeless tires are more resistant to punctures compared to their tube counterparts, which is made possible by the tire sealants used in the manufacturing process. Many vehicle owners have asked plenty of questions regarding tubeless tires with one of them being “how long does tubeless sealant last?”
Under normal conditions, tire sealants are bound to last for about 3-6 months. Factors that could affect the longevity of your tire sealant include the following; Humidity and Temperature, number of punctures, the thickness of your tire casing, how often you drive or ride, and so on.
Humidity and temperature
Humidity and temperature play a huge part in how long your tubeless tire sealant would be effective. For instance, if you have the habit of storing your vehicle in a hot environment, you probably would need to refill your tubeless tire sealant more often than when you store your vehicle in a cooler environment.
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How often do you use your vehicle?
How often you drive or ride would also go a long way in determining how long your tire sealant would last. If you use your vehicle more often, it increases the chances of picking up a nail or a puncture in general which could have a detrimental kickback on your tire sealants.
The more punctures you have, the more your tubeless tire sealant conceals which leaves it depilated in the long run. That’s why experts have suggested you update your tubeless tire sealants at least every three months to be on the safe side.
How do you refresh tubeless tire sealants?
Sealants are the backbone on which tubeless tires rest, and if nothing is done to keep them up to date, tour tubeless tires would not be as effective as you would have liked.
Refreshing your tubeless tire(s) sealants help to keep it highly effective and resistant against the wiles of the road which are mostly punctures. The following steps outlined below will show you the best way how to refresh your tubeless tire sealant if you notice your tubeless tire sealant is weaning down.
There are several ways to refresh your tubeless tire sealant, but the most effective out there is the partial tire removal method. Many individuals may opt to use sealant injectors through the valve system to get the job done, but the success of this method has a lot to do with the tire sealant in question.
This is because some sealants tend to have suspended crystals that can clog the hose of the injector being used, thereby causing a whole mess, and since you can’t really tell which sealant has the crystal-like substances, I will be putting you through the safer method of partial tire removal.
Note that the steps outlined in this article are very much suited to mountain bikes or bikes in general.
Step 1
Remove the wheel from the bike
To get started, you will have to remove the affected wheel from the bike or motorcycle before unseating only one tire bead from the tire. This can normally be done without you removing the wheel, but to make it easier and cleaner for you I suggest you take off the wheel from the bike in question.
Step 2
Remove the old sealant
There has been a divided opinion on whether to remove the old sealant before applying the new one, or simply add the new one to the present sealant in the tubeless tire. While some prefer the latter, it has been highly recommended to remove the old sealant before putting fresh ones.
The reason is quite straightforward; putting new sealants with the old sealant will weaken the effectiveness of the old sealant as most of it is dried anyways.
To remove the old sealant, pour out any liquid remains in the tire and remove the dried chunk of sealant you are likely to find in the tire because they will only increase the weight of your tire. You might be tempted to wipe off the surface of the entire tire, but I strongly suggest you don’t carry out this step.
Step 3
Apply the sealant to your tubeless tire
There are many sealants out there you can trust due to how they handle the affairs of tubeless tires such as Maxima, orange seal, and WTB sealants. However orange seal will serve you well because it comes in a bottle that helps you measure the amount of sealant you have applied to your tubeless tire. Don’t just start pouring tire sealant into your tubeless tire without knowing the exact ounces to use. Pouring excess sealant into your tire can cause the sealant to leak out on its own.
Generally, MTB tires will require about 2-3 ounces of Monkey goo sealant to get the job done, but note that this may vary depending on the tire manufacturer. To be on the safe side, check the sealant recommendation written in the instruction before applying it.
Lightweight tires will require less sealant and bigger tires will require more sealant. However, when you are done with the adequate measurement required for your tire, ensure you add an extra splash because you are better off with more sealant in your tubeless tire than with less.
Step 4
Seat the removed tire bead
Sitting the tire bead shouldn’t be a problem for you especially if you have a floor pump to pump in the required PSI for your tubeless tire.
However, if both tire beads are removed from your tubeless tire, you may require the use of a compressor to adequately give it an air blast to properly seat the two loose beads. Adequate seating of the loose beads is required to put the sealant in place and prevent it from spilling unnecessarily.
Step 5
Set up your wheel and drive
You don’t have to waste any more time if you have properly set your tire pressure. Put back the wheel on the vehicle and mount it to whatever destination you have in mind. Kindly remember to always check the status of the sealant in your tubeless tires every 3-months so you can take the right step necessary.
How to make your tubeless tire last longer?
Consistently check the pressure on your tubeless tires
Always make it a point of duty to check the pressure (PSI) of your tubeless tire before setting out on your journey, and since the valve core is all that’s between you and a tire leakage, always endeavor to check the tightness of your valve core and act immediately you notice anything out of the ordinary.
Take caution when using a tire lever
Tubeless tires are very delicate because they are formed of a very unique triangular-shaped carbon compound that ensures the tire is properly attached to the rim. Whenever you are installing or removing a tubeless tire, always take great care when using tire levers.
This is because any damage caused to the bead during installation or removal will automatically prevent the tire from sealing properly against the rim. Experts have advised you to use your hands to fix a tubeless tire, and if you must use a tire lever you are advised to use a plastic lever.
Never run out of sealant
Always expect your tire sealant to dry up at any time even though there’s a timeframe for this to happen. Sealants in tubeless tires are bound to dry out which can leave you prone to punctures, and when this happens, you’ll have to apply a fresh sealant to your tire as explained in the course of writing this article. Without this, you’ll be literally riding on a thin sheet of ice with no immediate remedy.
FAQs
Do I need to remove the old tubeless sealant?
Yes, you will have to remove old tubeless sealants before applying new ones. As stated earlier, sealants will dry out after a while thereby leaving you with a chunk of dried sealants that can cause your wheel to be unbalanced and bumpy. Experts have advised you to clean out your tires at least once a year.
Does tubeless tire sealant dry out?
There are several tire sealants out there, each promising something new and different, however, one thing all these sealants have in common is their ability to dry out! Simply leave a sealant long enough in your tire and watch it turn some sort of large chunk in your tire.
Can you reuse tubeless sealants?
Yes, you can use the same product of tire sealant you used before, especially if it gave you good results. You don’t have to always change to a new brand anytime you want to apply a new sealant to your tire. As long as you follow all the steps required to refill the sealant correctly, you should be fine.
How long does tubeless sealant last – Conclusion
Sealants are extremely important in the working function of a tubeless tire. If you can get it right with the sealant, you are almost guaranteed to enjoy your tubeless tire to the fullest. Kindly let me know if you have any questions or recommendations in the comment section. Cheers.
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I am passionate about all things automotive and have a deep understanding of the topic. As a mechanic, I use my free time to share knowledge of everyday challenges that any car owner can experience – helping you make informed decisions about tires.