Can Tubeless Tire Go Flat?

Tubeless tires are quietly but speedily taking the place of tire tubes in the market due to their durability and overall comfort when driving. However, because they are tubeless and because punctures are more frequent with tube-laced tires; many car owners have always asked the question “can tubeless tires go flat?

Yes, a tubeless tire can go flat, but due to how they were designed you may not get to know until several days after a puncture occurs.

Tubeless tires are designed with a sealant that becomes exposed when a puncture occurs, and when it does, it immediately acts as a stop-gap mechanism to prevent air from leaking out. As a result, it might take days for you to discover any issues with your tire.

The only exception to this is when the puncture occurs on the sidewall of the tire and such cases might require you to visit an auto repair shop or better still get a new tire altogether.Â

How to fix a tubeless tire puncture

I am so sorry if I spoilt your profound belief in tubeless tires, well, just like everything else they are bound to fail at some point. However, let me make it up to you by explaining in detail the best way you can fix your punctured tubeless tire. Tubeless tires are quite easy to fix and compared to their tube counterpart you should be done in a matter of minutes especially if you have changed a tire before. Let me work you through the procedures.

Materials needed

The most important tool you will need in your quest is a full and functional tire repair kit like this one. A full and functional repair kit should have the following;

A functional insertion needle(eye-split) is to be used to place the repair strip.
At least one spiral probe is to be used to wipe the punctured area of the tubeless tire.
A pack or packs of tubeless tire repair strips.

If your kit contains the items listed above, you are good to go. Aside from the repair kit, you would also need a knife to reduce the length of the strip as well as a set of pliers which will be used to remove the nail or screw from the affected area (thatâ€™s if the puncture was caused by a nail or a screw). You would also need a tire pump to get air into your tire once you are done.Â

The following steps listed below should get your tire up and running in no time at all

Step 1

Ensure your car is packed in a secure area

Punctures are more likely to happen when you are driving than when you arenâ€™t, and the moment you notice a puncture on your tubeless tire, endeavor to move your car to the shoulder (side) of the road to avoid obstructing traffic.

This step will also save you from harm’s way, however, if you feel it’s something you can manage â€“ probably you are close to the house â€“ ensure you donâ€™t have kids or pets running around in your garage will you get your tubeless tire(s) fixed.

Step 2

Be sure of the tire you need to fix

The front wheels are usually easier to fix than the rare wheels for the following reasons; you wouldn’t be required to remove the front tire(s) in the front wheels because you only need to turn the steering of your vehicle and then locate the point of damage. However, the back wheel tires would need to be completely removed in other to do the job correctly.

Step 3

Jack up your vehicle using a bottle jack and a jack stand

In the case of a back wheel puncture, you would need to locate the jack point areas in your vehicle ( donâ€™t just place your jack anywhere as this could damage your vehicle) and if you are not sure, refer to your vehicle manual.

Once located, ensure the ground where your jack will be placed is strong and level. In the case of a muddy surface, you will need to place a plank on the surface before placing your bottle jack.

Jack up your vehicle to the required height then place your jack stand in the right area before gently releasing the valve. Remove the affected tire and get ready to fix the problem.

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Step 4

Locate the exact spot of the puncture

As soon as you remove the tubeless tire from the wheel, locate the point of the puncture. This should be easy especially if the nail or screw gets stuck in the tire.

However, if this is not the case, you will have to place your tire on a body of water soapy water and watch out for bubbles as you run it across. On sighting the bubbles, make the affected area and get your tool kit ready to plug the hole.

Step 5

Get your tire repair kit ready

Before you begin to work on the affected tire, organize your tire kit and get everything ready as it helps to improve your overall focus and precision. Using your eye insertion needle, place a repair strip in the space provided in the needle.

Ensure both sides on the thread are equal when placed in the insertion needle. You can now remove the screw or nail from the point of puncture.

Step 6

Plug the hole

Using your spiral probe tool in your tire kit, put it in the punctured hole to smoothen it. To adequately do this, you will have to spin and insert the tool into the hole repeatedly until you are satisfied, and you know you are satisfied when the said hole is a bit expanded.

Use the rubber cement tube in the kit and gently place a little amount of the substance on the spiral probe tool you just used, then ensure you gradually place the spiral probe in the hole and ensure it is duly covered.

Gradually remove the spiral probe tool and put a small amount of the strip through the eye insertion tool into the hole. Ensure you twist it randomly in all directions for it to get a good grip before removing it.

The moment you remove the insertion tool, you will be left with a very clean plugged hole. If you properly follow the steps, the repair strip will firmly remain in the hole thereby blocking the leakage that was once present.

Remember to cut off the excess repair strip using your knife, but if you feel it is too much work for you, you can just leave it that way; it is bound to go flat afterward but it’s always better if you cut it.

Experts have warned car owners not to use a strip that’s above three years old. The reason is that the rubber strip used to repair a punctured tire becomes very hard, thereby making it impossible to place it in the punctured hole.

Step 7

Testing your work

To test the work you just completed place the repaired spot in a pool of water, if you see bubbles in the water then you didn’t do a thorough job and will have to start all over again. However, the absence of bubbles means you have done well.

In the absence of a bowl of soapy water, you can simply pour water over the repaired area and carefully watch out for bubbles. Get a tire pump of your choice and ensure you pump the tire to the required PSI stated by your vehicle manufacturer to prevent a blowout from occurring.

FAQs

Why did my tubeless tire go flat?

Your tubeless tire went flat because of a previous puncture you didnâ€™t notice earlier. Tubeless tires rarely get punctured, but when they do, we hardly notice them due to the presence of sealant in the construction process. To prevent this from happening, you may want to check your tires every time you return from a long trip or any trip at all.

How long do tubeless tires stay inflated??

Tubeless tires do not lose all their air except if you leave the car idle for months, but in actuality, it would lose a meaningful amount of air in a 4-day timeframe.

How often should you add sealant to tubeless tires?

Sealant helps in the entire makeup of a tubeless tire, and as such, you should add sealants to your tubeless tire every 4-12 months. However, areas having low humidity would mean you have to add sealants more frequently than normally stipulated. Ensure you properly shake the sealant before you apply them to your tubeless tires.

Will tubeless tires deflate without sealants?

A real tubeless tire will hold air without a sealant; however, the sealant helps to ensure the tire in question is airtight. Sealant helps to give tubeless tires stronger beads and also reduces the chances of experiencing a blow-off to the barest minimum.