Dealing with a flat tire can be annoying, and it can put you in danger, depending on where the car is located. Some people choose to use Fix a Flat to get back on the road. How long does Fix a Flat last, and is Fix a Flat safe? In this guide, we answer - is Fix a Flat safe to use, and we examine how long it will last.
Fix a Flat comes in an aerosol can. Inside the can, there's a mixture of compressed air and liquid tire sealant. The Fix a Flat can is easy to use. Simply hook it up to the tire and push the button on the can.
The air inside will force the sealant out into the tire. When the formula gets inside, the latex emulsion foam helps to plug up the leaks. Plus, the air expands, so the tire gets inflated slightly.
You should consider the advantages and disadvantages before using this tire sealant.
Pros
Cons
Is Fix a Flat safe for tire sensors? Some sources claim that Fix a Flat is safe for TPMS, while others claim that it isn’t sensor safe. Fix a Flat might not be the best solution if you have TPMS sensors on the tires.
However, if you are left with no other choice, you might not be worried about whether Fix a Flat is sensor safe or not. Ensuring you aren’t stranded will be more important to you than determining if a Fix a Flat tire is sensor safe. You can replace the sensor when you have the tire fixed.
When Can You Safely Use Fix A Flat? (Slow Leaks & More Discussed)
In An Emergency
If you are sitting on the side of the road with a flat tire, you need to get moved quickly. This is when a can of sealant comes in handy. It should allow you to get off of the shoulder and down to the local tire shop for a repair.
When You Can’t Safely Change A Tire
Depending on where the tire goes flat, you might not be able to change it safely. Sealant offers a better alternative in these situations, allowing you to get back on the road and out of harm’s way.
Read Also - How Long Does It Take To Change A Flat Tire?
When A Tow Isn’t Available
Let's say the tire has a leak, and you call the tow truck. If it's going to be hours and you are stranded in the middle of the night, you don't want to just sit there. Instead, use a can of Fix a Flat to get home safely.
When You Don’t Have Enough Time
If you are late for work or need to be somewhere quickly, you might determine that using sealant and changing the tire later might be better. It also allows you the chance to change the tire in a more convenient location of your choosing.
How Long Does Fix A Flat Last? (Is It A Permanent Fix?)
How long does Fix a Flat last in a tire? Fix a Flat is only meant as a temporary solution. You shouldn’t drive more than 100 miles or three days on the tire, according to the company. However, determining how long Fix a Flat will last depends on several other factors.
Type of Tire Damage
How long does Fix a Flat last for? The level of damage that’s occurred is the first indication. It is only meant to plug a hole that’s up to ¼”. If the damage is larger than this, you may be able to get it sealed temporarily, but probably not for long.
As you examine the recommendations of Fix a Flat, how long does it last? You see, it's best for small punctures from nails and other road debris. It's not best to use it on sidewall damage or large punctures.
Current Weather & Road Conditions
How long can Fix a Flat last? The road conditions and weather also play a part. For example, if you are driving across uneven terrain or on a stone road, it could fail much sooner. Plus, as the temperature gets colder, the sealant loses effectiveness.
Amount of Sealant Required
Using just the right amount of sealant is critical to getting the maximum mileage. By applying too much, the internal tire structure can become damaged. On the other hand, without enough, the seal isn’t effective, allowing for the leak to continue.
How To Use Fix A Flat On Your Tires (Safely & Effectively)
Once you determine that Fix a Flat is safe to use in your situation, you want to follow these steps.
- 1Pull off in a safe location. Try to park away from heavy traffic and in a well-lit location at night.
- 2Use your tire pressure gauge to check the air. Knowing this allows you to determine if the Fix a Flat is going to provide enough PSI to keep you on the road or if you need to stop and inflate the tire.
- 3Connect your Fix a Flat can. There’s a hose that connects to the valve stem.
- 4Fill up the tire. You should hear air coming from the can and going into the tire.
- 5Check the PSI again. Drive slowly to a local gas station if you need more. Read through our article on how much air you should put in your tires here!
- 6Replace the valve stem cap.
- 7Drive slowly. It will take a minute for the settling of the contents to occur.
- 8Visit your local tire shop for repair or replacement as soon as you can. You don’t want to drive on the Fix a Flat tire longer than necessary.
Common Fix-A-Flat Questions
Does Fix-a-Flat ruin a tire?
It can cause permanent damage to both the rim and tire. Is Fix a Flat safe for TPMS? No, you might also need to replace the sensors at the tire shop.
Can you put air in a tire after using Fix-A-Flat?
Yes, you might still need to add some air to get it up to the appropriate PSI. Drive carefully to your local gas station to use the tire inflator until it reaches the recommended amount.
How many times can you use Fix-A-Flat?
You should use the entire contents of Fix a Flat on one tire. You don't want to use the can on multiple tires, and you should never apply more than one can to the affected tire.
Is it better to plug or patch a flat tire?
It’s fine to plug a small hole that’s not near the sidewall. However, the patch works better on larger holes or those that are close to the sidewall. They are also good when the hole is uneven.
Conclusion
How long will Fix a Flat last and is it worth it? If you can get up to 100 miles out of the tire, allowing you to drive safely to the tire shop, then it’s probably worth it. But, Fix a Flat isn’t TPMS safe, and you could permanently damage the tire or rim by using it, so you need to decide what's best in your situation.