Tubeless sealant is what makes a tubeless tyre magic — it plugs punctures in seconds, often before you even notice. But it only works if you use the right amount and keep it fresh, and in India's heat that's easy to get wrong. Here's how to get the most from your sealant: how much to use, how often to refresh it, and the tricks that keep your tyres sealing reliably.
How tubeless sealant works
Liquid sealant sloshes around inside the tyre as you ride. When a thorn or shard makes a hole, the escaping air drags sealant into it, where it dries and forms a plug almost instantly. It's a brilliant system — but the sealant is a consumable. It slowly dries out, and once it does, the tyre can't self-seal anymore.
How much sealant should you use?
Use enough to coat the inside and still have a reserve sloshing around. As a rough guide:
| Tyre type | Sealant per tyre |
|---|---|
| Road (25–28 mm) | ~30–60 ml |
| Gravel (38–45 mm) | ~60–80 ml |
| MTB (2.2–2.5") | ~80–120 ml |
When in doubt, follow the dosage on your sealant bottle — wider, knobbier tyres need more.
How often to refresh it (especially in India)
Sealant dries faster in heat, so in much of India you should check it every 2–3 months rather than the 4–6 often quoted for cooler climates. A dried-out tyre looks fine until you puncture and nothing seals. Spin the wheel and listen for liquid sloshing; if you hear nothing, it's time to top up.
How to top up your sealant
- Deflate the tyre fully.
- Remove the valve core with a core tool (or break the bead at the bottom).
- Inject fresh sealant through the valve, or pour it in at the bead.
- Refit the core, inflate, and spin the wheel to spread the sealant.
- Bounce the wheel and rotate it so the sealant coats the whole inner surface.
Pro tips for reliable sealing
- Shake the bottle well before use — the sealing particles settle.
- Position the puncture down if a hole won't seal, so sealant pools at it, and re-inflate.
- Carry a plug kit for holes too big for sealant alone.
- Run sensible pressure. Too-high pressure blows sealant straight out of a cut — see our tyre pressure guide.
- For low-pressure trail riding, a rim insert protects the rim and keeps you rolling even after a burp.
Frequently asked questions
How long does tubeless sealant last inside a tyre?
Usually 2–6 months, but in hot Indian conditions it can dry out closer to 2–3 months. Check regularly rather than assuming.
Can I add new sealant on top of old?
Yes, you can top up, but if there's a lot of dried rubbery residue it's better to clean it out occasionally so it doesn't unbalance the tyre.
Why won't my puncture seal?
Either the sealant has dried out, the hole is too big, or your pressure is too high. Top up sealant, rotate the hole to the bottom, lower the pressure slightly, or use a plug.
Does sealant work in any tubeless tyre?
Yes, in any properly set-up tubeless or tubeless-ready tyre. It won't make a standard tubed tyre tubeless on its own.
The bottom line
Sealant is the heart of a tubeless setup — but only when it's the right amount and still wet. Dose it correctly for your tyre size, check it every couple of months in the heat, keep a plug kit handy, and your tubeless tyres will shrug off punctures ride after ride.