A poor seal on the rim of a tire can be a source of irritation to drivers due to the performance of tires. When a tire is improperly sealed, it can take months to discover the leak. Sometimes, this problem can also occur after hitting a curb with your tire, which bends the rim, breaking the seal. In addition to lowering your gas mileage and compromising the safety of your vehicle, low tire pressure is caused by slow leaks. What you can do if you find yourself with a broken seal.
Step 1: Find the leak
Spray a soapy mixture of water on any areas that appear to be leaking, focusing on the area between the rim and the tire. It is always better to remove the tire from the vehicle (prior to spraying) and place it on the ground first. In most cases, you can detect a leak within a few days of seeing bubbles in the soap. A slow leak in a tire that has no bubbles around its rim may indicate that the tire has been damaged elsewhere.
Step 2: Detach the tire from the rim
Tires should be removed from rims. After that, you should clean your tire bead, making sure that no dirt, rust, or debris remains there. Set the tire aside after it has been thoroughly cleaned.
Step 3: Wash the rim
The rim can be cleaned by brushing it with a wire brush. Pay attention to the rusted or dirty areas of the tire where it has contacted the rim. After cleaning the rim, it is important to check for cracks in the rim. Whenever a crack occurs, the wheel must be replaced.
Step 4: Replace the tire on the rim
Apply a thin layer of bead sealer (available at automotive suppliers) around the rim. The sealer compound should be applied with the brush included in the package. Be sure to cover the entire area where the tire will come in contact with the rim. Next, apply a thin layer of bead sealant compound to the tire rim. Remount the tire on the rim once you’re done.
Step 5: Check the tire
Inflate the tire to maintain the desired pressure. Spray liberally with the soapy water mixture on the rim and tire to ensure they are sealed. A bent wheel rim may be the cause of the leak and needs to be repaired by a mechanic if it persists.
