When you have a flat tire and need to fill it up quickly, Fix-A-Flat becomes a good solution. A Fix-A-Flat can doesn’t require much space, so you can store it in your vehicle`s back compartment. However, Fix-A-Flat is not developed for long journeys.
So, how long does Fix-A-Flat last in a tire?
Fix-A-Flat lasts for 2-3 days or 100 miles. Keep in mind that sealant was created to help you to get to the nearest tire service station or your garage to replace your repaired tire with a good one. If you drive with a sealed tire longer, you risk damaging your wheel.
If you want to know more about Fix-A-Flat, how to use it, pros and cons, keep reading our article for more detail!
What is Fix-A-Flat And How It Works?
Fix-A-Flat – is a special tire sealant with a small amount of air. When you attach the can to the tire and push the button, the air inside extrudes sealant into the tire. Inside of the tire latex emulsion foam stuffs up all leaks. Then a special chemical compound which is propellant, starts to expand inflating the tire.
With a Fix-A-Flat, your tire will be ready very soon, allowing you to get back on the road. The sealant is capable of fixing to 1/4 punctures without any tools and remains one of the fastest and affordable solutions for quick flat tire repair.
How To Use Fix-A-Flat?
Fix-A-Flat is a smart technology that allows you to repair your flat tire in some minutes. However, the sealant is not made up to remain inside of the tire for a long time. It only gives you an opportunity to get to the nearest tire service station either for tire repair or replacement if you don’t have a donut or a spare tire.
Fix-A-Flat is quite easy to use, you only have to follow these steps:
1. Inspect the tire for any foreign objects and delete them if possible.
2. Locate the leakage. If the puncture or hole is not larger than 1/4 inch, you can apply a sealant.
3. Rotate the wheel, so you could reach the tire valve.
4. Prepare your Fix-A-Flat can by shaking it for 2-3 minutes.
5. Open the cap and then connect the can`s nozzle to the tire`s valve stem.
6. Push the button on the can and wait some time (from 1 to 3 minutes) until sealant fills all the leaks and aborts flowing.
7. After it’s done, disconnect the can nozzle. Inspect your rim – it has to be lifted off the ground. Then get in your vehicle and drive it for 2 to 4 miles, so the pressure inside of the tire increases.
8. If needed, add some air to your tire according to the manufacturer specifications.
You may be wondering: how long does Fix-A-Flat last in a tire?
Most tire Fix-A-Flat sealants last for 2 to 3 days or 100 miles. Some people claim that Fix-A-Flat can survive years until the tire becomes flat again. However, it’s best not to try your luck and get your sealed tire serviced or replaced to be sure that you won’t get a flat tire again.
What are the Pros And Cons Of Using A Fixed-A-Flat?
We shall consider pros first
One of the undoubtful advantages of a Fix-A-Flat is the ease of process. Imagine a situation, when you have relatively quickly repair your flat tire but:
- the weather is cold and rainy or hot and dry
- you don’t have necessary tools with you such as a floor jack or wheel wrench
- neither donut spare nor full size wheel present in your trunk
In these cases Fix-A-Flat can comes in handy. It allows you to fix the flat tire in 5 minutes without any labor and doesn`t require you to be a car expert to perform this operation. Additionally, it takes a little space in your vehicle`s back compartment.
Fix-A-Flat is an affordable solution which saves your time and money, you don’t have to call for the tow service and wait until it arrives.
Now move on to the cons of Fix-A-Flat
First of all, Fix-A-Flat is an inflammable product which is pressurized meaning, that storing it on a high temperature is not safe. The temperature limit for Fix-A-Flat is up to 120 Fahrenheit. When it’s hot enough outside, the can with the sealant inside of the vehicle`s can easily explode.
Fix-A-Flat can even damage your wheels. After you have used a sealant and arrived at the tire station, ask your mechanic to clean out both the tire and rim. The thing is, that Fix-A-Flat comprises a chemical mixture that can lead your rims to imminent corrosion if it wasn’t deleted in time.
If your vehicle is equipped with TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensors, Fix-A-Flat sealant can even damage them, resulting in costly repair. In some of the cases, TPMS becomes irreparable, meaning that you may need to replace it with a new one which leads to additional spendings.
However, sometimes the TPMS sensor tiny hole which tracks the pressure, may occur just sealed. If so, you can try to revive it by giving it to a seasoned car mechanic who can carefully clean it out and place it back.
Looking for a Fix-A-Flat, don`t hesitate to read what is written on the can. Some car sealant manufacturers specify that their product is safe for TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) and contains non-flammable components.
What Can Affect How Long You Can Drive with Fix-A-Flat?
Puncture or hole size
Manufacturers of Fix-A-Flat mention that it seals holes and punctures which are no bigger than 1/4 inch. You can try to apply it on bigger holes and even manage to do it. However, there is a high possibility that after some time you will face flat tire again.
Condition of the sealant
Fix-A-Flat – is a chemical mixture that requires certain temperatures to remain in working condition. In winter, freezing temperatures change the properties of the sealant and make it ineffective. Even if you unfreeze Fix-A-Flat and fill your tire, it may refreeze inside of it and even lead to tire imbalance.
Foreign objects on the road
Pieces of glass, small rock and other road debris can significantly decrease your sealed tire lifespan and increase the possibility of having other leaks in addition to one you have fixed.
FAQs
Is Fix-A-Flat a long-lasting solution?
Well, it depends. Manufacturers of the sealant mention that it can last for 2-3 days or 100 miles. Some users say that Fix-A-Flat may preserve its function for years, preventing a flat tire occurrence. However, it is recommended after you have applied a Fix-A-Flat on your tire head on to the nearest service station or garage to fix your tire or to replace it with a new one.
Is Fix-A-Flat worth buying it?
Surely it does. One can of tire sealant in your vehicle’s trunk won’t be redundant. Fix-A-Flat is an affordable, fast and easy solution which comes in handy when you don’t have a spare tire with you.
Is it possible to inflate a tire after using Fix-a-Flat?
For sure. It is even recommended to add some air to the tire after you apply a sealant. If needed,check the manufacturer’s recommended pressure for your vehicle.
Can Fix-A-Flat harm tires?
Fix-A-Flat sealant won’t damage your tires if they are cleaned properly. Chemical components of the sealant may only corrode on your rim if you leave it for a long time.
What are the downsides of Fix-A-Flat?
The obvious drawbacks of Fix-A-Flat are only noticeable when you arrive at the tire service shop. Removal and cleaning of the tire from the sealant requires time and effort from the worker which may lead to additional expenses.
Still, Fix-A-Flat remains a saving solution in extreme situations when you don’t have wheel tools or a spare tire.
Do I need to remove foreign objects before applying Fix-A-Flat?
When possible, try to take out foreign objects from the tire before using Fix-A-Flat. It might seem reasonable to leave it in and let the sealant fill the area around the object, but due to the tire’s constant motion and the pressure being put to the puncture, sealant may not have its effect.
Is Fix-A-Flat applicable on any vehicle?
If you are the owner of a motorbike or chopper, you also can apply Fix-A-Flat. However, at the shop you have to pay attention to choose a sealant which is specially developed for your vehicle type.
To Sum Up
Fix-A-Flat is a handy equipment to have, especially if you don’t have a spare tire in your trunk. If a flat tire situation occurs, after filling sealant will last for 2-3 days or 100 miles.
Remember, that Fix-A-Flat is developed to get your tire temporarily repaired, so you could get to the closest tire service or your garage for a tire change.
