Is Ultraseal Strictly for Repairing a Damaged Tire?
No!
Ultraseal is designed as a preventative maintenance tire additive installed prior to a tire sustaining damage from puncturing objects or damage caused from being driven underinflated. Ultraseal can be installed into a punctured tire then re-aired and driven a short distance to allow the product to seek out and repair the damage. A tire that has sustained significant damage should be checked by a professional and discarded if necessary.
Can Ultraseal be used in all types of tires?
Generally, yes!
For over 40 years, Ultraseal has been utilized in virtually every conceivable type of pneumatic tire. Ultraseal-treated tires have traveled millions of miles ensuring safety and security for the vehicles of private individuals and major fleets around the world. Ultraseal makes a wide variety of products for all applications, however, the most aggressive grades, XHD and Extreme, are designed for use in commercial equipment and should not be used in high performance, low profile tires. Contact your local Ultraseal representative for additional information.
Can Ultraseal be used in tires with tubes?
Yes!
Ultraseal will seal punctures in tube tires, however, tubes are very unpredictable and susceptible to getting ripped as well as punctured. Because a tube can shift within the tire, nails and puncturing objects should be removed as soon as possible. Due to these characteristics, effective sealing capabilities are somewhat reduced.
Does Ultraseal form a secure and reliable repair?
Yes!
For over 40 years, Ultraseal has been utilized in virtually every conceivable type of pneumatic tire. Ultraseal-treated tires have traveled millions of miles ensuring safety and security for the vehicles of private individuals and major fleets around the world. Ultraseal makes a wide variety of products for all applications, however, the most aggressive grades, XHD and Extreme, are designed for use in commercial equipment and should not be used in high performance, low profile tires. Contact your local Ultraseal representative for additional information.
Will Ultraseal seal sidewall punctures?
No!
A tire’s sidewall is much thinner than the tread area. Even though there is some rubber recovery, it is insufficient to securely hold a repair. Ultraseal does not guarantee repairs in the crown or sidewall.
Will Ultraseal seal large punctures?
Yes!
Ultraseal’s Extreme Heavy Duty grade is designed specifically for use in large or slow-moving vehicles and equipment where protection from punctures up to 1/2″ (12mm) is required. Important: If a tire has sustained major damage to its structural integrity, regardless of the puncture size, Ultraseal will come to a safe, controlled stop. Ultraseal will not hide or mask a dangerous wound.
Is there a difference between Ultraseal and a patch?
Definitely, yes!
A patch is a repair that is performed after the tire has been punctured. A patch blocks air from leaking. Often, the driver is unaware of the puncture and continues driving until the tire is run flat causing potentially serious and unnoticed damage to the casing. Ultraseal is a preventative measure designed to seal punctures as they occur. The Ultraseal repair forms a fibrous plug that extends from the tire’s interior through to the outer surface.
Will Ultraseal dry out or ball up in the tire?
No!
Ultraseal is a long-term puncture and air maintenance solution rather than a temporary repair and is formulated to not separate, solidify or ball up. Because it utilizes a tire’s natural rubber recovery, it requires no Latex, adhesives or additives to dry out.
Will Ultraseal last as long as the tire?
Yes!
Ultraseal is designed to provide protection for the legal tread life of the tire. This is possible because Ultraseal’s Thixogel™ enables the formulation to withstand heat, sheer and stress caused by the rolling resistance and centrifugal force generated within a tire.
Will Ultraseal rust or corrode rims?
No!
Ultraseal contains an environmentally friendly, advanced proprietary rust and corrosion inhibiting system designed to continuously block their formation. Ultraseal cannot eliminate existing rust or corrosion, but will arrest and impede any additional progression.
Will Ultraseal attack or corrode steel belts?
No!
Ultraseal contains an environmentally friendly, advanced vapor phase rust inhibiting system specifically formulated to prevent rust and corrosion from forming. Additionally, the Ultraseal-formed repair blocks external moisture and contaminants from being drawn in and migrating through the tire’s inner structure.
Does Ultraseal evenly coat the interior of the tire?
Yes!
The ability to evenly coat the interior of the tire is a proprietary attribute directly linked to Ultraseal’s Thixogel™ which is the liquid carrier containing the fiber and chemical components that seal out porosity, block air migration and form puncture repairs. Thixogel™ holds these components in a uniform and consistent suspension so that they are present when needed. It additionally has the unique property of transitioning between a gel and less viscous liquid that is visco-elastic in nature and resists sheer caused by a tire’s rotation.
Does Ultraseal cause out-of-balance problems?
No!
Ultraseal will not create a balance problem when installed into well-maintained, properly balanced tires.
Is the amount of Ultraseal in a tire critical?
Yes!
Different vehicles, such as automobiles, commercial trucks and off-road equipment, require different puncture sealing and air maintenance quantities due to varying tire sizes and intended applications. It is important to closely adhere to the recommended amounts listed in the quantity charts that have been calculated in consideration of tire and vehicle manufactures’ specifications.
Does Ultraseal freeze in cold climates?
No!
Ultraseal will not freeze when used in a vehicle operating in cold climates. In extreme cold weather below –40ºC/F, Ultraseal will slightly thicken, but as the tire heats up from road friction, Ultraseal quickly returns to its normal viscosity. Ultraseal’s operating temperatures are -40ºC (-40ºF) to +149ºC (+300ºF). Ultraseal’s operating temperatures are -40ºC (-40ºF) to +149ºC (+300ºF).
Can Ultraseal hide or mask a dangerous puncture?
No!
It is virtually impossible for Ultraseal to hide or mask a dangerous wound. Nearly 40 years of worldwide usage and countless tests that have been performed have proven that Ultraseal will not seal a tire that has received a wound that would weaken the tire’s inner structure to a point that could be dangerous. The U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Command (TACOM) in conjunction with the U.S. Army Proving Grounds in Yuma, AZ. (YPG) tested Ultraseal and substantiated that Ultraseal “does not mask catastrophic failures”.
If a tire sustains a dangerous wound that damages or weakens the supporting inner structure, the surface rubber and tread are compromised and no longer have the ability to recover to their original molded form. Because Ultraseal relies on rubber recovery, it is not capable of securely sealing the site. Ultraseal will attempt to slow the escaping air, assisting the driver to come to a safe, controlled stop. Additionally, because Ultraseal contains no adhesives, it is incapable of sealing a cracked wheel. In each case, air and sealant will be observable slowly leaking from the damaged area.
Is Ultraseal compatible with all tire components?
Yes!
Ultraseal’s formulation is fully compatible with all components in any tire. Ultraseal has been tested by independent laboratories fresh (new) and even after 40,000 miles, tests results prove Ultraseal exceeds all compatibility requirements.
Can tires treated with Ultraseal be retreaded?
Yes!
Ultraseal is compatible with all retreading methods. Independent testing has proven that Ultraseal will retard aging in tires. Ultraseal-treated tires exhibit greater rubber resilience when compared to untreated control tires. Ultraseal increases the casing’s ability to support additional retreading cycles. This increased retreadability provides a lower cost per mile. Casing soundness and retreadability is certified by your professional retread company.
Does Ultraseal extend tire life and retard dry rot?
Yes!
Independent laboratory tests have proven that Ultraseal will retard aging within the inner structure of a tire. Independent testing has also proven that Ultraseal will reduce heat and eliminate migrating air that is directly related to increased tire and casing life.
Can Ultraseal maintain correct air pressure?
Yes!
Independent laboratory testing has proven that Ultraseal has the ability to eliminate porosity and air migration. One of the world’s largest retread company’s headquarters tested Ultraseal for air retention and positive sealing capabilities. It was reported that Ultraseal was the only tire sealant that they had tested which provided 100% air retention. Although Ultraseal will maintain correct air pressure, we recommend that visual inspection be performed on a per trip basis and complete tire examinations and air pressure inspections be performed at scheduled PMs.
Will Ultraseal void tire warranties?
No!
Ultraseal International, Inc. has documents from all major tire manufacturers stating that Ultraseal does not void their warranties. In over 40 years of business there has never been a report of Ultraseal causing a new tire warranty rejection or a retread casing rejection. Ultraseal’s chemical composition is completely compatible with all tire components.
Is Ultraseal compatible with TPMS?
In 2007 the Federal Government mandated that all new passenger cars sold in the US be equipped with Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). Since that time, thousands of these tires have been successfully treated with Ultraseal Tirelife Extender/Sealer.
We have continually tested and monitored Ultraseal-treated, TPMS-equipped vehicles to confirm and verify compatibility. Data collected over the past 10 years indicates there is a minimum likelihood of Ultraseal causing system failures or damaging wheel sensors. The number of reports of TPMS warning lights being triggered is surprisingly low (less than 10 during this period). Of those, the majority were corrected by simply adding air to the tire. There have been no claims that Ultraseal caused failures resulting in sensor replacements.
If sealant were to partially block the sensor port it couldtemporarily restrict air passage causing inaccurate pressure readings, possibly triggering a TPMS warning light. Ultraseal is water-dispersible and can be easily cleaned from the sensor with a damp cloth causing no permanent effects.
Are there circumstances where I should NOT use Ultraseal?
Ultraseal Tirelife Extender/Sealer will provide its many benefits to the vast majority of tube and tubeless tires, however, there are a few applications or tire conditions where installation is not recommended.
Ultraseal Tirelife Extender/Sealer is not recommended for:
- Extreme high performance vehicles (sports cars, roadsters).
- Low profile tires (45, 40, 35 series and lower).
- Passenger vehicles (including sport utilities) fitted with oversized rims and tires. In many cases these void vehicle manufacturers’ warrantees and contribute to harsh or nervous ride capable of damaging suspension components prematurely.
- 4) Heavy equipment tires containing water or calcium chloride.
- Any tire or vehicle with previously known vibration issues that is to be operated at highway speed.
- Automobiles or light trucks fitted with tires with mismatched brands, sizes or running tires that were purchased used. Often these tires have undetected defects or casing damage that can induce unacceptable vibrations once treated with Ultraseal.
- Any tire with badly worn tread, characterized by cupped, scalloped or saw-toothed distortions. This is a general indicator for shocks, struts, steering and/or suspension components in need of repair or replacement.
CAUTION: If you intend to treat a tire that you suspect has been run flat, there is a high degree of probability that it has sustained damage. While Ultraseal can often slow the rate of air loss, it cannot correct damage sustained to the tire’s belts, cords and structure.
Contact Us
Ultraseal International Inc.
1100 Wilcox Ave
Los Angeles, California,
USA 90038
PROUDLY MADE IN USA
Retread Tire Association
Tire Industry Association
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