Tyre sealant kits provide a quick and easy solution for temporary puncture repairs. The sealant is applied through the tyre valve and can seal small punctures, helping you continue your journey safely.
Many modern cars are no longer supplied with a spare wheel, instead offering a tyre repair kit as standard.
Tyre sealant is an adhesive gel that fills the inside of a tyre to temporarily seal a puncture. To use it, a small compressor is often required to push the sealant into the tyre through the valve. This allows the driver to continue driving for a limited distance until a professional repair or replacement can be carried out.
A standard tyre sealant bottle can seal punctures up to around 6mm in size.
Modern sealants are designed to be non-toxic and biodegradable, and they will not usually damage your wheels. They are safe for use with tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) and can provide enough durability to drive to a safe location or repair centre.
Universal repair kits include both the sealant and a portable compressor.
The compressor is powered by a 12v connection (such as a cigarette lighter socket) and allows correct inflation while injecting the sealant. These kits are compact and easy to store in your boot, making them a practical alternative to carrying a spare wheel.
Tyre sealant is a temporary emergency repair solution. It is not a substitute for a professional repair or a tyre replacement. The sealant helps you drive to safety but should not be relied on as a permanent fix.
Most tyre sealants allow driving for approximately 100–125 miles after application. However, this depends on factors such as:
It’s always recommended to have the tyre professionally inspected and repaired or replaced as soon as possible after using a sealant.
Run-flat tyres are designed with reinforced sidewalls, allowing you to drive for a limited distance even when punctured. Tyre sealant is generally not required for run-flat tyres, as they already provide temporary mobility until you reach a garage.