Dealing with a flat tire can be stressful, especially if you’re not sure whether you can repair the tire or need to use a temporary spare. That’s why self-sealing tires are gaining popularity! Self-sealing tires can drastically reduce the chances of having another flat tire by giving you some wiggle room if your tread gets damaged.

In this guide, we’ll cover the pros and cons of self-sealing tires, top self-sealing tire brands, and maintenance FAQs.

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What is a self-sealing tire?

A self-sealing tire has a thick, rubbery polymer liquid that lines the inside of the tire. The lining is sticky, which allows the tire to immediately seal any puncture in the tire tread that’s 5 mm or less (about 1/4 of an inch). This prevents air from escaping, so you can continue to drive without losing control of the vehicle or noticing a decrease in tire pressure. If the tire loses air, the sidewall stays on the rim and can still support the vehicle.

A self-sealing tire is not a permanent repair and will need to be repaired or replaced.

Top Self-Sealing Tire Brands

Continental ContiSeal

The ContiSeal guarantees that 80% of all punctures will be repaired. It uses a proprietary inner sealant that allows small punctures in the tire tread to seal automatically. Continental tires have applied ContiSeal technology to several tire options, making them versatile and cost-effective picks.

Goodyear DuraSeal

Goodyear DuraSeal uses a gel-like rubber compound to tackle tread punctures up to 5 mm in diameter. The brand made headlines for DuraSeal’s ability to handle multiple punctures, and they’ve included the technology in their commercial tire lines to increase road efficiency.

Michelin SelfSeal

Michelin SelfSeal uses a natural rubber sealant, which they claim is more environmentally friendly than their competitors. The sealant can handle a 6 mm puncture. And the 2020 Explorer was the first car to come with Michelin SelfSeal tires.

Pirelli Seal Inside

Pirelli Seal Inside maintains that your vehicle will keep going without losing air pressure 85% of the time after a puncture. The sealant is covered with a thin layer of nylon, which protects the sealant from grime.

Hankook’s SEALGUARD

Hankook’s SEALGUARD technology is a popular option for drivers with the Ventus S1 noble 2 pattern. They’re continuing to offer additional options as the technology grows.

Pros & Cons of Self-Sealing Tires

Self-sealing tires offer several advantages with few drawbacks. And you can find self-sealing technology as an add-on to several of your favorite tire brands. If you have the budget, consider investing in a self-sealing tire to protect yourself from flats.

Self-sealing tire pros: 

  • No special rims or hardware are required, and they can be easily installed.

  • You don’t have to buy all four at once. They can be mixed and matched with conventional tires.

  • Self-sealing tires buy you time to properly repair your tire. You don’t have to change your tire under dangerous conditions.

Self-sealing tire cons:

  • Self-sealing tires are more expensive than conventional all-season tires.

  • The sealant can only handle punctures on the center of the tire tread, not the side walls. This is consistent with tire repair guidelines.

  • Punctures will only seal if under the allowable radius (about 5 mm).

How Long Can You Drive on Self-Sealing Tires?

When undamaged, self-sealing tires have similar life spans to conventional tires. Once damaged and sealed, you can drive about 50 miles on a self-sealing tire before it needs to be fully repaired or replaced.

Can You Repair a Self-Sealing Tire?

If the puncture site is within the tire’s repairable zone (center of the tread), you can repair a self-sealing tire using a modified patch and plug repair technique. You’ll need to scrape the sealant away from the puncture zone to properly apply the repair.

If you’re unsure, take your car to your local mechanic or tire outlet to service your tire.

Self-Sealing Tires vs Run-Flat Tires

Self-sealing tires and run-flat tires rely on the same basic concept: using a tire insert to support the tire in case of tire damage. However, they are different in key ways when punctured. 

  • Self-sealing tires use a sealant in the tire lining to stop air loss and prevent flats.

  • Run-flat tires have physical supports to reinforce the tire sidewall, so you can continue to operate your vehicle as the tire loses air.

Are Self-Sealing Tires Worth It?

While conventional tires make up the majority of the market, self-sealing tires are still a popular choice for drivers who want peace of mind. A self-seal tire can instantly address tread punctures, allowing you to continue as normal until you can properly repair it. This is great for drivers who prefer not to repair or change their tires on the side of the road or in other stressful situations.

For more information on self-sealing tires and other tire types, reach out to Hooper’s team of tire experts!