Tubeless tyres are brilliant when they work — and frustrating when they don't. Burping, won't-seat, slow leaks, sealant that won't plug a hole: every problem has a fix. Here's how to diagnose and solve the most common tubeless tyre problems.
Problem: the tyre won't seat or hold air
Usually an airflow or seal issue. Remove the valve core for maximum airflow, use a burst from a compressor or tubeless inflator, add a little soapy water to the bead to help it slide, and make sure the rim tape is intact and covering the spoke holes. If the tape is wrinkled or damaged, re-tape the rim.
Problem: the tyre keeps losing air slowly
A slow leak points to a porous bead seal, a leaky valve, or pinholes in the tyre. Spin the wheel to spread sealant around the bead, check the valve core is tight, and top up sealant if it has dried out. Submerging the inflated tyre briefly reveals where the bubbles come from.
Problem: "burping" — air loss in corners
Burping is when the bead briefly unseats under hard cornering at low pressure, releasing a puff of air. Run slightly higher pressure, make sure the bead is fully seated, and for aggressive low-pressure riding fit a rim insert to keep the tyre on the rim.
Problem: a puncture won't 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 so sealant pools at it and re-inflate, lower the pressure slightly, or push in a tyre plug. For holes too large to plug, fit a tube to get home.
Problem: sealant dries out too fast
India's heat dries sealant quickly. Check it every 2–3 months and top up rather than waiting for a failure. See our tubeless sealant guide for dosages and refresh tips.
Frequently asked questions
Why won't my tubeless tyre seat?
Usually not enough airflow or a poor seal. Remove the valve core, use a compressor or inflator, soap the bead, and check the rim tape.
What causes a tubeless tyre to burp?
Cornering hard at too-low pressure briefly unseats the bead. Raise the pressure slightly or fit a rim insert.
Why does my tubeless tyre keep going flat slowly?
Dried-out sealant, a leaky valve, or porous bead seal. Top up sealant, tighten the valve core, and spin the wheel to coat the bead.
How do I fix a tubeless puncture that won't seal?
Rotate the hole down so sealant pools at it, lower pressure slightly, or insert a tyre plug. Fit a tube for very large holes.
The bottom line
Most tubeless problems trace back to sealant, seal, or pressure. Keep sealant fresh, ensure the bead and tape are sound, run sensible pressure, and carry a plug kit — and tubeless stays trouble-free. New to it? Start with our tubeless setup guide.