Tubeless systems are fantastic—until the sealant dries up or clogs your valve! Knowing how to check and refresh your sealant is key to ensuring your tires are always ready to seal a puncture on the fly.
Why Tubeless Sealant Needs Regular Attention
Tubeless sealant is a liquid latex-based solution that coats the inside of your tire. It automatically plugs small holes the instant they happen. However, it is a liquid, and it degrades over time:
- It Dries Out: Over time (especially in warmer weather or if your bike sits still), the liquid evaporates, leaving behind only rubber 'boogers' that can't effectively seal a puncture.
- It Clogs Valves: If left too long, sealant can dry up inside your valve core, making it impossible to add air.
- It Needs To Be Topped Up: The sealant works by fixing micro-leaks, meaning its volume is slowly depleted even if you don't notice a major flat.
Your Tubeless Maintenance Checklist:
- The Sealant Shake Test (The "Slosh Test"):
- Action: Disconnect the wheel from the bike and hold it horizontally. Place your ear close to the tire and shake the wheel gently side to side.
- What to Listen For: You should clearly hear liquid sloshing around inside the tire. If you hear nothing, or a faint, dry rattling sound, your sealant is dry and needs a top-up.
- Frequency: This is a good test to perform every 2–3 months
- Topping Up the Sealant:
- Action: If your sealant is dry, you need to inject fresh liquid.
- Tools Needed: A tubeless valve core removal tool, sealant, and an injector (or measuring cup).
- How: Remove the valve core, inject the recommended amount of fresh sealant (usually 60-90ml per tire, check the manufacturer's directions), and replace the valve core tightly.
- Clean Your Valve Cores:
- Action: If you struggle to get air into your tire, the valve core may be clogged with dried sealant. Use your valve core tool to remove it and soak it in isopropyl alcohol or gently clean it with a cotton swab and a paperclip.
- Why: A clean valve core ensures you can easily inflate your tires to the correct pressure.
- Tire Pressure Check:
- Action: Tubeless tires naturally lose air pressure slightly faster than tubes. Check your pressure before every ride to maintain optimal performance.
Tubeless is a fantastic technology, but it's not a set-it-and-forget-it solution! A quick check and refresh every few months ensures you have reliable, puncture-sealing protection on every single ride.
Need to refresh your supply? Check out our range of tubeless sealants, valve cores, and tools:
Happy Cycling,
The RUK-BIKES Team
P.S. What's your preferred brand of tubeless sealant? Share your recommendation with the ruk-bikes.com community!
