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A flat tire is not just an inconvenience but it’s also dangerous.
If you get a flat while riding, you risk losing control of your bike.
Most of the time, you’ll be able to ride out of it and phone a friend or a tow truck, but if you’re in a hurry or on a deserted highway, tire sealants are a blessing.
What is flat tire sealant?
Tire sealant products are best for emergencies and allow you to perform a temporary fix quickly and easily.
You don’t even need much knowledge about punctured tires.
A can of sealant can refill your tire partially and cover the hole with goo until you can get it professionally repaired or replaced.
So for those of you who are new to sealants, we have looked into two of the most popular on the market to help narrow down the competition:
Fix-a-Flat Tire Sealant
Known by motorists and riders alike for its easy application, Fix a Flat belongs to the widely available category of pressurized can sealants.
Fortunately for pro-environment consumers, it is also non-toxic and free from aerosol.
Its ease of use reflects in its adaptability to any tire nozzle.
It is capable of sealing a puncture in just under three minutes of spraying the sealant.
You do not need any expertise for a quick roadside repair.
Furthermore, the air pressure inside the can also simultaneously fill up your tire, giving you about 33% more sealing power than other brands. It also has a 100-mile mileage for you to ride until you’re able to get the tire properly repaired or replaced.
If you’re leaning towards the Fix a Flat, you should know that it is only designed to seal small 2.4 mm punctures.
It does not work well under bumpy road conditions.
It also does not have a good reputation when it comes to the recyclable packaging, which is often prone to leaks.
Pros of Fix-a-Flat
- The tool-free application provides ease of use.
- Provides a 100-mile mileage to get you right where you need to be after a quick fix.
- Being a pressurized can sealant, it also inflates the tires while sealing the puncture.
- Recyclable can and non-toxic formula.
- TPMS safe.
- Easily available and cheap.
Cons of Fix-a-Flat
- Cannot seal bigger punctures and restricts movement on the road.
- The plastic packaging may leak formula, so one should be cautious when using it.
Slime Emergency Repair Tire Sealant
Slime is a water-based, non-toxic, and non-flammable sealant that is the perfect match for small highway vehicles.
Certain Slime products can also work for other off-highway tubeless tires.
Although it’s intended for temporary repairs, being a liquid sealant, the off-higway solution can be left in the tire for up to 2 years after application.
The Fibro-Seal Technology is sturdy enough to fix a 1/4 diameter hole and is fast-acting on all vehicles.
Some people might worry that the goo-like substance clogs the tire pressure monitoring sensor (TPMS), but both manufacturer and customer reviews prove otherwise.
While it is both portable and inexpensive, the sealant works best with a compressor to inflate your tire after application.
This drawback pushes most people to opt for a complete tire-repair kit instead.
Moreover, if the sealant is left in for too long, the adhesive substances can lead to corrosion and damage your tire ridges.
Pros of Slime Tire Sealant
- Fit for all sorts of vehicles including motorcycles, cars, jeeps, SUVs, as well as ATVs.
- Fibro-Seal technology yields quick results on all tire punctures as well as leaks.
- No toxic fumes due to water-based formula, which does not block your tire pressure sensor.
- Durability allows you to put off repairing the tire for up to two years when using the off-highway variant.
- Belongs to a much more versatile range of products for varying needs.
Cons of Slime
- Needs to be topped off with a compressor after the sealant is applied.
- Should be avoided if you frequently use the highway.
- May lead to corrosion.
Tire Sealant Feature Comparison
While both Slime and Fix a Flat are one and the same when it comes to TPMS safety, cost per can, and eco-friendliness, here are a few distinguishable qualities to help set them apart:
1. Liquid vs. Pressurized Can
Liquid sealants are poured through a tire’s valve, which might seem convenient but is actually a somewhat tedious process.
The leak-free bottle of Slime does not help out. Screwing the valve back on can be difficult. This solution also requires a separate compressor to inflate the tire.
For the same price, you can buy a pressurized can sealant like Fix a Flat, which has a nozzle to inflate the tire while a latex solution simultaneously covers the puncture.
2. Durability & Longevity
Fix a Flat is best advertised and recommended as an “emergency repair” sealant, meaning your tire will start to experience minor losses of pressure after 24 hours. It is best to first head towards a mechanic or repair shop after using this sealant.
For those wanting a more permanent solution that you could leave in there, Slime is the right option. It keeps your tires up and running for up to two years if one avoids highway driving. Though, you should still get them properly fixed or replaced as soon as possible.
3. Side-Effects
While additional cleaning expenses at the mechanic are unavoidable in the world of sealants, one can certainly reduce any damage done to the tires by picking out the right one.
The sealant in Fix-a-Flat is designed to prevent rust and corrosion to the rim and wheel.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about Slime, whose liquid consistency results in frequent corrosions if left in too long.
Some motorcyclists have even claimed that the valve system began leaking air adding onto chemical cleaning, sanding, and polishing expenses.
While some people are still not on board with tire sealants due to the included adhesives, extra cleaning needed, or limitations to their repairing ability, they do come in handy as alternatives to roadside repairs when you’re in a pinch.
Depending on your needs, Fix a Flat is perfect for emergencies when you need a few extra miles to your destination or the mechanic, whereas Slime is bound to last you long enough if you don’t plan on getting the puncture repaired immediately.
