Does tyre sealant expire?

When stored in the original packaging, tyre sealant has a shelf-life of approximate four years starting from the date of the manufacturer. Note care must be taken when storing. For instance, it should be stored in a cool, dry place and away from children. The particular age of any sealant is determined by locating the date code of when the sealant was usually produced on the package labels.

Some newer sealant formations such as the RAC Replacement Sealant states they have no expiry date, so you may not find a date anywhere on the canister.

Does tyre sealant expire after two years?

This is a common question that we get. After an extended period, tyre sealant is likely to dry up as it changes from being in a liquid state to a solid states as it is affected by heat and pressure in the tyre.

It is recommended that for optimal performance of the sealant in the event of a tyre puncture to replace your tyre sealant every two years of service. Remember most tyres and tubes also require replacement at this time due to the normal tear and wear.

Note unless the tyre sealant has expired, it will remain in the liquid state for about two years after then it will start hardening off. It is usually comprised of rubber particles and fibers combined with other sealing agents.

How does fresh tyre sealants work?

The inside of the tube or the tyre requires sealant coating, especially around the tread area, thus sealing all the puncture within the tread area. For instance, in case of an air leak, all the sealant is carried to the puncture area by air escaping, thus closing the leaking area. The sealants liquid portion escapes together with the air leaving under high pressure while leaving behind binders and fibers, which in turn intertwines after building up, thus forming a flexible plug. The plug formed is responsible for sealing up the punctures, especially those occurring around the tread area.

To precisely determine the amount of the sealant you have to apply on your tyres or tubes, a sealant calculator can simplify your work, thus ensuring your sealant is in the correct quantity.

Different tyre sealant types expiry dates?

Different tyre sealants offer suit certain conditions and so are formulated according to the specific purposes they provide. In this next section we will compare the most common types of tyre sealants gives a quick overview of the tyre sealant you should use in case your tyres develop a puncture. The expiry date of each of the sealant is also determined by the formulation of the components used to make the sealant.

There are various types of tyre sealant varieties as highlighted below.

Emergency tyre sealant

Vehicles that are predominantly driven at high speeds would benefit from using an emergency sealant. These type of sealants can seals a small tyre puncture no mores than the size of a 5 pence coin. They work quickly and will allow a driver to continue their journey for a short duration to reach a safe place where they an get the vehicle back to the road as you repair the tyre, use a spare wheel or seek repair serveries to the nearby station. Note that emergency tyre sealants are for short term usage.

Aerosol Can Tyre sealant

The sealant is designed as a temporary repair for passenger vehicles tyre puncture while the vehicle gets off the road or to the nearest tyre repair shops. The formula is mainly designed for highway vehicles and especially those likely to experience an emergency flat tyre. It is a new sealant technology since the sealant is injected through a valve stem hence no need for removing the valve core. It is the among the safest tyre sealants thus the best alternative to air sources available among the other choices.

Summary

The tyre sealants play a significant role by ensuring your safety while on the road is not compromised. You want to retain better control of your car in case of a puncture, and this is possible when you use a sealant that is not expired or only more than two years in service. New or in date sealant will work quickly and efficiently once a puncture occurs to seal the puncture to prevent air loss. Consider replacing your tyre sealant today.

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