Fix-A-Flat Question (Flat tire repair)

[Wayne Gail]

I just used Penzoil's Fix-A-Flat (Tire repair/inflation in a can) for the first time and just had a few questions.

1. How long will the tire be "okay" for? Do I have to take it to a tire store immediately?

2. Before I used the product, there were bubbles near the tire/rim edge. I did the bubble test around the rim of the tire (where the hole was) after I filled it up with Fix-A-Flat and there were no bubbles. Does this mean everything is cool?


Any other tips you guys have had using this product would be great too.


Thanks!

[Copytech99]

It is possible the seal between the "bead" of the tire and the rim was giving you the bubbles, A hole in the side would NOT be good and would require replacement of the tire.

The tires with sealant are a real mess when disassembled. You should let the tech know it has sealant if you need to have it taken off the rim.

Time wise not sure, as long as it holds air it should be fine. They are saying now 7 years max for all tires.

[RightWingZionist]

I believe fix-a flats that uses that slime to fix holes in your tire will de-balance your tires.

[hondahappy86]

ok....i work for a tire store.....and from my point of view.....fix a flat is the worst possible thing to use....especially if you have tire pressure monitoring systems because it can gum up the sensor and those usually run between 150$- 600$ depending on what make and model......if your tires have a slow enough leak that fix a flat would cure....its best to just go to the tire store and pay the 23$ to have it fixed.....that way if it continues to leak then its their problem....and if its really bad then put on the spare and then take it to get fixed.....i cant tell you how many tires ive repaired that have had fix a flat in them.....it actually makes it more difficult to fix.....and the slime is a major NO unless you use it in your 4 wheeler or hard core off roader....it will throw off your ballance even just a lil......well i guess im just tryin to say.....leave it to the professionals

[CapriRacer]

The above are all good responses, but to answer your questions directly:

1) The sealant may not last long at all, so get the tire properly repaired as soon as possible - meaning today or within the next few days!

2) If the problem was the tire / rim interface, the sealant is not going to "fix" that - another reason to handle this ASAP.

But it's also possible the buubles you saw were just because the tire was low on pressure and proper pressure maintenance will prevent this.

One last thought: This stuff should be considered "Emergency use only!" Use it only if you absolutely have to.