HOSE-FREE tyres: Correct use of sealant

1. may I inflate a wheel equipped with latex milk with CO²?

There is no general answer to this, it depends on the product. The sealing milk from Schwalbe, Joe's or Zefal, for example, is not approved for CO². Schwalbe explains that the breakdown of the fluid is greatly accelerated by CO².

2. the milk dries up over time. How often should I top up and how much?

Depending on the manufacturer and type Sealant (sealants) are very different. However, the most common latex-based sealants do not tend to dry out during use, but rather to decompose into latex components, water and antifreeze. Some of the latex sticks to the inside of the tyre and/or forms so-called latex balls/latex corals. It therefore makes more sense to change the sealing fluid than to top it up. By removing the residual fluid and latex residue, the weight of the tyre can be brought back to almost the original level. You can check whether a sealant is still functional by pricking the running surface with a fine needle. If air and water-like fluid is leaking, the sealant must be replaced.

3. does the tyre become heavier when refilled?

The tyre becomes heavier by the amount of latex that sticks to the carcass. In addition, the weight increases by the small amount of moisture that is absorbed by the carcass. In most cases, not much latex sticks to the carcass, which is why the weight of the tyre only increases slightly. When renewing the sealant, latex residues can be removed from the tyre by rubbing with the ball of your hand or with a cloth with a reasonable amount of effort.

4. can I continue to use the liquid sealant in the new tyre when changing it?

In principle, you can continue to use the liquid sealant in the new tyre. However, as losses occur when changing tyres, you should top up with 10-20 millilitres of sealant of the same brand. It is not possible to mix sealants from different manufacturers due to the different ingredients.