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Most car owners will find themselves by the side of the road with a tire failure at some point due to a screw, nail, or other sharp objects. These punctures often lead to a loss of air, which can make driving unsafe and/or impossible. If you don’t have access to a spare tire and you’re stranded on the side of the road due to a flat tire, there is a solution that doesn’t involve calling a tow truck for help.
Tire sealants are a great way to quickly repair a slow-leaking tire, and they can also be used for preventative measures. You can easily store this product in the trunk or other area of your vehicle for emergencies. The best tire sealants are affordable and easy to use, but they’re not all created equally. We did the research and found some of the best options, so you’ll be prepared the next time the unexpected occurs.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Slime Emergency Tire Repair Sealant
- Best Value: Fix-A-Flat Tire Sealant and Car/SUV Tire Inflator
- Best Preventative Formula: TireJect Tire Sealant Kit
- Best for Motorcycles: Ride-On Motorcycle Tire Balancer & Sealant
- Best Wheel Protection: Berryman Products Seal R Tire Sealing Compound
- Best Kit: Slime Smart Spair Emergency Tire Repair Kit
- Best Short-Term Solution: STP Car Tire Fix Sealant and Tire Inflator
Our Methodology
I took several factors into consideration when choosing the best tire sealants. First, I focused on well-known brands that have a reputation for producing high-quality products. I also looked at the effectiveness of each item. Using user testimonials as a reference, I compared how each sealant performed in real-world conditions in order to determine how well they functioned overall.
I included products that are both solutions to a puncture and I made sure to pick products that can be used on a variety of different tires, from passenger cars to larger pickup trucks. I also included items in a wide range of prices to suit a variety of budgets. For more information on our methodology, go here.
Best a Tire Sealant Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Slime Emergency Tire Repair Sealant
Best Value
Fix-A-Flat Tire Sealant and Car/SUV Tire Inflator
Honorable Mention
TireJect Tire Sealant Kit
Best for Motorcycles
Ride-On Motorcycle Tire Balancer u0026 Sealant
Best Wheel Protection
Berryman Products Seal R Tire Sealing Compound
Best Kit
Slime Smart Spair Emergency Tire Repair Kit
Best Short-Term Solution
STP Car Tire Fix Sealant and Tire Inflator
Our Verdict
Slime Emergency Tire Repair Sealant is well-known in the industry and can repair screw or nail punctures up to 1/4-inch long. It can be used on cars, trucks, SUVs, ATVs, RVs, and more. It includes a valve core removal tool to make the process easier. For a slightly more budget-friendly option, consider the equally effective Fix-A-Flat Tire Sealant and Car/SUV Tire Inflator.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Tire Sealant
Types
Aerosol Tire Sealant
Aerosol tire sealant is one of only two types. A single-use product, aerosol sealant is for emergency repairs that will allow you to drive short distances on a punctured tire. It comes in a bottle that sprays, allowing a simple application to fill holes in the tire with great accuracy. When you spray the product into the valve, the punctured tire will inflate. The formula coats the inside of the tire to plug any leaks or holes.
Gel Tire Sealant
The second type of sealant for a punctured tire comes in the form of a thick gel. Using the gel option can be a bit more difficult than the aerosol tire sealant, as it is harder to put in place. Plus, it can be messier due to its slimy substance. To use the gel sealant, you will usually need tools or equipment to make sure the tire is properly sealed and no longer leaking air.
Tire Sealant Pricing
Many tire sealants are very affordable and cost between $10 and $20. These products are often at least 16 ounces in size and work as promised. They are no-frills, but they get the job done. If you spend upwards of $60, you will often find much larger sealant containers or those that are part of a kit, which can include items such as tire inflators. If you have room in your vehicle for a kit, it may be worth storing one in your trunk due to the added features, such as accessories for inflatable and carrying bags.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Tire sealants are for temporary use and not a permanent solution. The tire sealant’s purpose is to get you to the nearest gas station, automotive shop, or dealership to fix the tire. Depending on the amount of damage to the tire, you may need to get a brand-new tire put on the vehicle.
Tubeless tire sealant should last an average of two-six months. However, the life span depends on several factors, such as temperature, humidity, driving frequency, tire casing thickness, and the number of punctures.
This depends on the type of tire sealant and the brand. Each product should state how long they last, but generally they can last up to two years before needing to replace the tires.
A: This varies on the size of the tire you are trying to fill the puncture in. A lawn mower tire is smaller and therefore doesn’t need that much product. However, a Jeep tire is larger and will typically need an entire bottle of tire sealant.
A: You inject the tire sealant through the valve or tire nozzle. After completing that step, you then fill the tire with air until it is at the required amount.