And it won't work for every flat tire. If you have a gash in your sidewall, or you backed over the spikes in a rental car return lot, or sustained any serious damage, a can of Fix-A-Flat is not going to help you at all.
Unless, perhaps, you can stuff the can itself into the hole. And there are other limitations to keep in mind. The stuff freezes when it's below 32 degrees. So if you live where it gets cold, and you keep it in your trunk, you may have to cuddle the can to your bosom in the passenger compartment for an hour or two until it turns back into liquid.
Also, there's not much additional air in that can. ACS values your privacy. We use the information you provide to make your reading experience better, and we will never sell your data to third party members. Log in here. Already an ACS Member? Choose the membership that is right for you. Discount will be applied automatically at checkout.
Your account has been created successfully, and a confirmation email is on the way. You hear or feel a pop under your car while driving down the highway. You stop, get out, and inspect, only to see a tire is flat.
What now? The handy product is best known under the brand name Fix-A-Flat. For all its instant gratification, this product is remarkably simple. It uses a liquefied propellant to inflate the tire while a latex emulsion foams to plug the leak. Although a gas at room temperature, the propellant becomes a liquid when compressed into the can, explains Jiafu Fang, senior product development scientist for Shell Global Solutions, which has owned the Fix-A-Flat brand for close to a decade.
When released from the can, the propellant evaporates. The propellant in a oz can is able to expand and fill the whole tire. Currently, flat-fix product makers commonly use the nonflammable refrigerant hydrofluorocarbon HFC a, whose chemical name is 1,1,1-trifluoroethane, as a propellant.
The propellant carries with it a number of materials. The key ingredient is a polymer latex, a milky substance similar to the latex in paint. When fired out of the can, the latex foams and fills the tire, plugging holes wherever they may be.
Along with other materials in the mixture, a water-based carrier holds corrosion inhibitors, which prevent rust formation and other damage to the wheel. Flat tires are an inevitable part of owning a car. Changing a flat tire can be difficult and requires several different tools that you might not have handy.
It allows you to drive your car safely to the closest gas station where the tire can be filled and repaired properly. If your car is equipped with tire pressure warnings, please consult the manufacturer before you use an aerosol tire sealer like Fix-a-Flat.
Gather the correct materials - In order to use Fix-a-Flat, you will need to purchase one can of Fix-a-Flat. That way, you can decide whether Fix-a-Flat is the appropriate method for repairing your tire issue. Identify the damaged tire - The damaged tire will look visibly deflated compared to the other tires. Warning : Fix-a-Flat is not designed to repair completely flat tires.
It is also not designed to repair large tears or cracks in sidewall. It should only be used as a temporary solution until the tire can be replaced or a spare tire can be installed. If the tire is too damaged, get a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic to put on a spare tire instead. Look for the tear or hole in the tire - Sometimes, this spot will be obvious. Open the tire valve - Unscrew the cap of the tire valve and place it somewhere easy to find because you will need to put it back on after repairing the tire.
Make sure that it is secure. Learn What is Fix-a-Flat? What is Fix-a-Flat? How does Fix-a-Flat work? Can Fix-a-Flat ruin my tire?
Can Fix-a-Flat be used to treat punctures in quiet tires? Can Fix-a-Flat be used to treat punctures in run flat tires? Is Fix-a-Flat flammable? How long does Fix-a-Flat last? How do I safely dispose of an old, expired can of Fix-a-Flat? Will using Fix-a-Flat void my tire warranty? How much Fix-a-Flat should I use? What supplies should I have on hand when installing Fix-a-Flat?
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