Punctures are the bane of drivers as they usually inconvenience motorists by wasting time and money.
Liquid tyre sealants, however, can aid motorists in managing punctures and resuming smooth rides before visiting a mechanic.
According to Joseph Ochieng’, a tyre expert based at Kirinyaga Road in Nairobi, liquid tyre sealants effectively stop punctures and are cost-effective.
“It costs Ksh300 to put the dawa in one tyre. To put it in all four tyres of a car, it takes around 30 minutes,” he noted.
In many garages in Nairobi, liquid tyre sealant is colloquially known as dawa because it acts fast to stop a tire from running flat.
The can comes with a hose attached to the tyre's nozzle. One then empties the gel inside the can into the tyre.
When a puncture happens, the escaping air forces the liquid into the hole, which seals the hole.
According to tyre experts, Oko Tyre Sealant, the benefits of liquid tyre sealant include:
Prevents flat tyres
Trye sealants reduce puncture risks and minimize vehicle downtime for tubed and tubeless tyres.
Saves costs
The sealing agent reduces costs incurred from puncture repair. It also aids one in seeking tow services or cheap repairs.
Ease of use
It’s easy to use and store. It also conditions and cools the tyre, extending tyre life by an average of 20 per cent.
Function
It works in all conditions, whether rough or smooth roads and works well in hot or cold weather conditions. It is also non-flammable and non-corrosive.
However, the sealant can lose effectiveness when a tyre has wide holes. Motorists are also advised to visit a service station after using liquid tyre sealants to ascertain whether the tyre needs to be repaired or replaced.
According to automobile experts, liquid tyre sealant should be replaced every two years for maximum efficiency.