Tyre sealants are an fast and easy alternative to spare wheels. Even cars with the best tyres are subject to punctures, and many modern car manufacturers have opted to provide tyre sealant kits instead of a spare wheel as they save space and are just as effective.
Tyre sealant is an adhesive gel that is used with a compressor which might be supplied with your vehicle. If it isn’t then don’t worry, as you can easily get a compressor separately or as part of a kit. The sealant is injected into the tyre through the valve using the compressor. It is then spread through the tyre until it eventually reaches the puncture where it will seal the hole. Once it has cured you can then fill up the tyre to the desired pressure using a tyre inflator.
This might sound like the ideal solution to flat tyres, but do bear in mind that tyre sealant provides a temporary solution not a permanent one. It’s purpose is to allow you to get off the hard shoulder and to the nearest garage with minimal inconvenience – or without having to use a jack. This applies to all types of wheels, including summer tyres and winter tyres. In addition to this it is important to remember that tyre sealant can only deal with punctures that are around 6mm, so if your tyre has a larger hole then you’re better off calling roadside assistance.
The best tyre sealants at a glance:
The best tyre sealant: AirMan ResQ Emergency Tyre Repair Kit – buy on Amazon
Editor’s pick: AirMan Tyre Sealant – buy on Amazon
Best comprehensive tyre sealant kit: Slime Flat Tyre Puncture Emergency Kit, Includes Sealant and Tyre Inflator Pump – buy on Amazon
The main purpose for tyre sealants to replace the dependable spare tyre is to save weight, and as a bonus it means you get more room in your car’s boot. If this sounds like something you’d like then take a look at some of the best tyre sealants we’ve gathered together below.
The best tyre sealants
Best tyre sealant with repair kit
This all-in-one system is easy to use and effective. You simply connect the compressor to the sealant and the sealant to the tyre. The sealant is then pumped into your tyre, and when you're ready to go you can simply disconnect and be on your way. It is safe for TPMS and can be used for punctures up to 6mm.
Pros
- A popular piece of kit used by manufacturers
- The compact size makes it ideal for any car
- Non-toxic keeps it eco-conscious
Cons
- Not ideal if you have wheels bigger than 20 inches
- Analogue pressure gauge
| Max puncture size | 6mm |
| Max driving distance | 125 miles |
| Tyre pressure monitoring system | Safe |
Editor's pick
The sealant is non-toxic and water-based and can be rinsed out to allow for a proper puncture repair. The volume of sealant here is 450ml - enough for wheels up to 20". It can be used with any standard tyre compressor, covers a hole up to 6mm, and you can drive 125 miles before having to visit a tyre repair specialist.
Pros
- Good value for money
- The same sealant as you'll find in the AirMan kit
- Really easy to swap over
Cons
- If you don't have a kit, it won't be for you
- The same caveat applies about wheels over 20"
| Max puncture size | 6mm |
| Max driving distance | 125 miles |
| Tyre pressure monitoring system | Safe |
Best comprehensive tyre sealant kit
Like the AirMan gel, this can also be removed in order to undertake a permanent puncture repair, but Slime advises it needs to be removed within three days.
Pros
- Incredibly easy to set up
- Includes a selection of useful features, including a deflation mode
- Dual use compressor means it can be used for general inflation
Cons
- There's a three-day limit if you want to save the tyre
- The plastic quality could be better
| Max puncture size | Not disclosed |
| Max driving distance | 100 miles |
| Tyre pressure monitoring system | Safe |
Best for light non-highway vehicles
It will cover punctures up to 6mm and comes in a healthy 946ml bottle - which is twice the size of some of the other sealants on this list. So, if you have a caravan or trailer with a puncture, this is the sealant you'll need.
Pros
- Comes in a big bottle
- Ideal for small all-terrain or trailer vehicles
- Lasts up to two years
Cons
- Won't suit cars
- You'll need a tyre inflator to complete the process
| Max puncture size | 6mm |
| Max driving distance | Not disclosed |
| Tyre pressure monitoring system | Not for use |
Best universial tyre sealant
This tyre sealant is effective for punctures up to 6mm, and can be driven on for up to 125 miles. It is safe to use with Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems and you don't even need to remove the valve and it comes with a 'valve through technology'. Like the AirMan sealant, it is non-toxic and can be used with most tyre inflators.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Incredibly effective
- Valve through technology should make things easier
Cons
- Not ideal if you don't own a kit
- Tyres over 22 inches will require another solution
| Max Puncture size | 6mm |
| Max driving distance | 125 miles |
| Tyre pressure monitoring system | Safe |
Best value tyre sealant
Like Ring, Slime is also an established and trusted brand in this space, so you can expect a quality product that is highly effective. It uses Fibro-Seal technology to patch punctures up to 6mm, and can be driven on for up to 3 days or up to 100 miles. It is also TPMS safe.
Pros
- Very effective sealant
- Non-toxic
- Comes from a trusted brand
Cons
- Driving range is shorter than others
- Valve core tool and installation hose may be confusing to some
| Max puncture size | 6mm |
| Max driving distance | 100 miles |
| Tyre pressure monitoring system | Safe |
Best tyre sealant for agricultural vehicles
It can deal with any hole up to 10mm, but you have to insert it before a puncture happens. The sealant will only act once a hole has been created. Think of it really as a preventative measure.
Pros
- Ideal for tractors
- Easy to use
- Proactive rather than reactive
Cons
- Only for use on a few specified vehicles
- Valve extraction tool may need to be purchased seperately
| Max puncture size | 12mm |
| Max driving distance | N/A |
| Tyre pressure monitoring system | Not for use |
FAQs
Are tyre sealants a permanent fix?
Tyre sealants are a temporary solution and should not be used as a permanent fix. Most tyre sealants limit how many miles you can drive on them. it is designed to get you off the roadside and to a garage where a more permanent repair can be performed. It’s recommended to have the tyre inspected and properly repaired by a professional as soon as possible after using a sealant.
Can tyre sealants be used on all types of tyres?
Every tyre is different, and while tyre sealants are great for use with standard cars, motorcycles, and bicycle tyres, it is important to check the product specifications to ensure compatibility, especially for high-performance, run-flat, or large vehicle tyres like those on trucks or commercial vehicles.
How long do tyre sealants last?
This can vary depending on the product and conditions. Some sealants can last for several months, while others may only be effective for a shorter period. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific details on the product’s effectiveness duration.
Is using a tyre sealant considered legal and safe in the UK?
Using tyre sealants is legal and generally considered safe in the UK, provided they are used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. However, it’s important to remember that they are a temporary solution and that the tyre should be inspected and repaired by a professional as soon as possible.
How do I apply tyre sealant to my tyres?
To apply tyre sealant, follow these steps:
- Ensure the car is stationary and in a safe place.
- Remove the tyre valve cap.
- Attach the sealant bottle or tube nozzle to the valve. Some will screw into the valve.
- Squeeze the appropriate amount of sealant into the tyre (check the product instructions for the correct quantity). Some sealants will come with a trigger which you can press.
- Inflate the tyre to the recommended pressure.
- Replace the valve cap.
- Drive the vehicle for a few kilometres to distribute the sealant evenly inside the tyre. It is important to remain with the speed recommended in the product instructions.
- Check the tyre pressure, and go to the nearest garage for a permanent repair if it is safe to do so.
Can I still use a tyre sealant if I have a TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)?
Yes, some tyre sealants are compatible with TPMS. However, it’s crucial to select a sealant specifically designed to be safe for TPMS sensors. Check the product label to ensure it is suitable for use with TPMS-equipped tyres.
Will using a tyre sealant affect my vehicle insurance?
Using a tyre sealant should not affect your vehicle insurance as long as it is used correctly and the tyre is repaired or replaced promptly. You should check with your insurance if you’re concerned.
Further information
The maximum distance one can drive on a repaired tyre is a guideline. There are factors that vary this, so it pays to drive as little distance as possible on the repaired tyre. Even if you have the best tyre inflator at your disposal, you should only use these things to get yourself to a garage. For example, a puncture that is positioned in the middle tread will be easier to seal and stronger than one on the sidewall. And naturally, larger punctures are a bit harder to seal and will not last as long as smaller ones.
Tyre sealants do have expiry dates. It certainly pays not to use a sealant that has gone beyond its expiry date because it will be less likely to properly plug a puncture effectively. Some manufacturers will even advise that some tyre sealants have to be rinsed and removed after a certain amount of time. This is to allow for a professional repair by the specialist. You can think of it as patching up a wound before visiting a hospital for full medical attention. It will also help (if the product allows) to monitor your tyres using a good tyre pressure monitor after you’ve used the sealant. This will ensure the trip to the garage is a safe one.
How we choose
All of these tyre sealants have been hand-selected by our team of experts who have spent hours investigating and researching tyre sealants to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we’d never recommend a product we don’t believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about.
Naveed Hussain is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He enjoys anything with four wheels, and is always planning his next road trip.
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