Frequently Asked Questions

Who is MULTI-SEAL?...
MULTI-SEAL CORPORATION is the manufacturer of a multi-product line of preventative maintenance tire sealants. MULTI-SEAL products will significantly reduce air loss in most types of pneumatic tires. Typical causes for air loss include punctures, rubber porosity, pinholes in the wheel and imperfections in wheel rim/tire bead. When properly applied, MULTI-SEAL will permanently plug tread punctures up to 5/8” inch. Frequently, even larger punctures can be sealed.
What do you mean by a "line of sealants?"
MULTI-SEAL produces nine different tire sealant formulations. Each formula is designed to fit specific needs. The following table gives a brief outline of the products and applications: FORMULA APPLICATION EFFECTIVENESS COMMERCIAL Over the road trucks driven in excess of 45 mph All slow leakage, punctures up to 1/4” HEAVY DUTY Tractors, Loaders, Graders, Heavy Trucks used on/off-road All slow leakage, punctures up to 1/2” ARMOR-SEAL Above equipment used in more hazardous applications All slow leakage, punctures up to 5/8” HYDRO-SEAL Water-filled tires with or without calcium chloride or other anti-freeze All slow leakage, punctures up to 1/4” SPORTS-ATV ATV's (3 or 4 wheelers), golf carts, other thin walled tires All slow leakage, punctures up to 1/2” SPORTS-4X4 Light vehicles used in lower speed off-road applications, 3/4 & 1 ton trucks All slow leakage, punctures up to 1/4” GENERAL PURPOSE 3/4 - 1 Ton trucks used over-the-road and other utility equipment All slow leakage, punctures up to 1/4” LAWN & GARDEN Wheelbarrows, Lawn Tractors, Mowers, Other Utility Equipment All slow leakage, punctures up to 1/4”
How does MULTI-SEAL work?...
MULTI-SEAL is a high tech system of synthetic fibers and fillers in a carefully designed liquid suspension. When a puncture occurs, the escaping air carries MULTI-SEAL to the hole. The fibers cling to the side of the puncture and form a “filter” which entrap the fillers. A plug is formed which seals the leak instantly with almost no air loss. As the tire flexes under load, the fiber/filler mass compresses to form a dense and permanent plug. The process is the same whether or not the penetrating object stays in the tire. The process will repeat itself for each additional puncture. Air loss caused by tire porosity (porous construction), as well as loss between the bead and the rim will be sealed in a similar fashion. MULTI-SEAL will even seal pinhole leaks in rims!
Can MULTI-SEAL tire sealant help prevent blowouts?
Help? Yes. But most blowouts are caused by excessive heat build up in the tire and excessive heat buildup is almost always caused by under-inflation. Since most people do not intentionally underinflate their tires, it follows that under-inflation is usually caused by slow air loss from the tire. As mentioned above, MULTI-SEAL will stop slow leaks whether caused by punctures, tire porosity, bead/rim imperfections or pinholes in the rim.
Why should I use MULTI-SEAL tire sealant and how will I benefit?
MULTI-SEAL eliminates up to 95% of flats from common punctures, seals pinhole leaks and other slow leaks, maintains constant tire pressure for longer tread life and lower fuel consumption – all of which lower your expenses! MULTI-SEAL tire sealants will not separate at any speed. Separation reduces a sealant’s effectiveness. MULTI-SEAL also protects the steel belt and rims from rust and corrosion, again helping protect your equipment and bottom line.
What types of equipment can use MULTI-SEAL tire sealant?
MULTI-SEAL is routinely used for flat prevention in vehicles ranging from wheelbarrows to heavy earth moving and other construction equipment. We do not recommend that MULTI-SEAL be used in automobiles, vans and trucks under 3/4 ton.
Why don’t you recommend MULTI-SEAL tire sealant for automobiles, vans and light trucks?
Inside the tire, all MULTI-SEAL products remain liquid. Liquids do not throw a tire out of balance. Any liquid, however, will exaggerate an out-of-balance situation or other conditions that lead to tire bounce. Higher speeds aggravate this tendency. In heavy equipment, the weight of the vehicle coupled with low sensitivity suspension systems will suppress vibration. Automobiles, vans, light trucks and SUV’s are lightweight vehicles with highly sensitive suspension systems. Vibration can be an issue with these vehicles. We do not claim that MULTI-SEAL is a balancing aid. Nevertheless, anecdotal evidence suggests that MULTI-SEAL can reduce high frequency vibration often experienced in heavy trucks and motor-coaches.
How do you define “light trucks”?
We define “light trucks” as 1/2 ton and less. However, if these trucks are used, exclusively, off-road or at speeds below 45 mph, MULTI-SEAL can be used.
Can I use MULTI-SEAL in water-filled tires?
MULTI-SEAL CORPORATION is the only sealant manufacturer that offers a product that is designed for use in water-filled tires. It is aptly named “HYDRO-SEAL”. Sealants designed for air-filled tires will separate when diluted with water, thus making the sealant ineffective. Furthermore, sealants for pneumatic tires do not contain enough fibers to be truly effective in water. HYDRO-SEAL is designed to overcome these obstacles. Additionally, HYDRO-SEAL is designed to be fully compatible with anti-freeze. It does not matter if the antifreeze is ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or calcium chloride.
How much do I use?
Dosage rates are based on tire size, so different tire sizes require different amounts. Application guides are shipped with larger containers and mini-guides are printed on smaller packaging. For questions, call MULTI-SEAL at 1-800-577-3353.
Can I do it myself?
Yes. In fact, the entire MULTI-SEAL line of sealants is designed for “do it yourself” application. Quarts are available in squeeze bottles. Gallons are shipped with pumps that dispense one ounce per stroke. Larger volumes (5-gallon pails, 55 gallon drums and 275 gallon totes) are applied using various pumps available from MULTI-SEAL CORPORATION.
Are MULTI-SEAL tire sealant products water washable?
All MULTI-SEAL products are water based and completely water washable.
Is MULTI-SEAL tire sealant environmentally hazardous?
Most MULTI-SEAL products contain ethylene glycol. This makes them similar to automobile antifreeze, which is generally considered safe. However, environmental laws vary from state to state, so there is no single answer. Check the laws in your state. Generally speaking, even the largest tires would not contain enough MULTI-SEAL to be considered hazardous. For the more environmentally sensitive areas, we make “environmental” versions of our popular HEAVY DUTY, ARMOR SEAL and HYDRO-SEAL products. These products are made with propylene glycol. This is food grade antifreeze. Otherwise, they are identical to the standard versions of these sealants. For spills, we recommend cleanup using absorbent granules or similar material, followed by flushing with water. Material Safety Data Sheets are available for all MULTI-SEAL products.
Is exposure to MULTI-SEAL tire sealant hazardous to humans?
MULTI-SEAL is no more hazardous than ethylene glycol based automobile antifreeze. It is neither strongly acid nor strongly caustic and contains no VOC (volatile organic compounds). While ethylene glycol is generally considered safe to handle, you should exercise normal caution when handling it. Ingesting significant amounts could be harmful. We recommend the use of safety glasses or a face shield and gloves during installation and you should wash with soap and water after handling MULTI-SEAL. Material Safety Data Sheets are available for all MULTI-SEAL products. You should also be aware that ethylene glycol has a sweet odor and taste. Your pets can be attracted to the smell so you should keep unused sealant in a safe and secure place.
How long will MULTI-SEAL tire sealant last?
For the life of the tire. MULTI-SEAL is non-reactive. In other words, it will not react with the tire rubber and does not polymerize, vulcanize or cure. Additionally MULTI-SEAL will not separate. In fact, at our corporate headquarters, we have a sample of MULTI-SEAL that was removed from an over-the-road truck after the sealant had accumulated over 300,000 total miles --- the life of three tires on the same tube! It is still fully functional and could be used today!!!
Does MULTI-SEAL tire sealant have a “shelf life”?
When kept in its original container with the lid in place, MULTI-SEAL an indefinite life span. In fact, at company headquarters, we have samples of product that are 12 years old and are still fully functional! Unused MULTI-SEAL should be re-sealed in the original container for prolonged storage. This will avoid “skinning” of the product.
Is MULTI-SEAL tire sealant effective in both tubed and tubeless tires?
Yes, with reservations. To explain: Although MULTI-SEAL is designed to seal punctures in both types of tires, it is much more effective in tubeless tires. Typically, MULTI-SEAL is up to 90% effective in tubeless tires and up to 70% effective in tubed tires. The difference is due to movement between the tube and the tire. Because the tire is thicker, it will “pull” the seal out of the much thinner tube.
Will MULTI-SEAL tire sealant corrode or rust my wheels?
No! In fact, all MULTI-SEAL products contain “state of the art” rust and corrosion inhibitors. MULTI-SEAL will, in fact, condition both steel and aluminum wheels to resist rust and corrosion. A word of caution, however: In order for any rust or corrosion inhibitor to work, it must “touch” bare metal. If your wheels are already rusted, the build up of existing rust must be removed. Wire brush or sand it off prior to installing the MULTI-SEAL. Otherwise, rust protection will be compromised.
Can MULTI-SEAL tire sealant be safely used in aluminum wheels?
Yes. Our inhibitors, as mentioned above, will protect aluminum. However, the largest manufacturer of aluminum wheels used in the heavy trucking industry will not honor their warranty if any liquid is in the tire. Thus, we put a warning on most of our products.
Will MULTI-SEAL tire sealant corrode the steel belting in my tires?
No. MULTI-SEAL protects steel belting in three ways. First, the inhibitors mentioned above will protect the steel belting. Second, the plug formed by MULTI-SEAL will keep water from penetrating from the outside into the belting. Third, by keeping the tire inflated, a positive pressure is maintained in the tire. This also prevents water seepage from the outside.
Will MULTI-SEAL tire sealant damage the rubber or other materials used in the wheel/tire assembly?
No. MULTI-SEAL will not react with or harm tires in any way. In addition, when properly used, MULTI-SEAL will not void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Can MULTI-SEAL tire sealant be used to repair tire that has been punctured?
Yes. However, MULTI-SEAL will not inflate the tire. An air source must be available to inflate the tire after MULTI-SEAL is installed.
Is MULTI-SEAL tire sealant ever used to repair a flat tire?
Yes, occasionally. However, MULTI-SEAL is best used to prevent flats. Put MULTI-SEAL into tires as a preventative measure. No one can stop punctures, but you can stop most flats.
When I get a puncture, should I let the vehicle stand while the plug cures?
No. In fact the tire should be used at once. The more the vehicle is used, the better the plug will be. If you remove a puncturing object, we recommend that you immediately use the vehicle. Rotation of the tires is important in the sealing process. MULTI-SEAL does not “cure” (set up). The plug is mechanically formed. It is not a product of a chemical reaction. The plug is formed within seconds and the puncture is sealed with almost no air loss. With MULTI-SEAL you won’t even know you had a puncture.
Must you stir MULTI-SEAL tire sealant before installing?
No. MULTI-SEAL will not separate, so stirring is not needed.
Is it necessary to fully deflate the tire before installing MULTI-SEAL tire sealant?
That depends on the installation method. Smaller containers (pints, quarts and 1 gallon bottles) will require complete deflation. Larger containers use pumps which allow injection or installation in partially inflated tires.
Is a MULTI-SEAL tire sealant plug permanent?
Yes. It will not be necessary to patch over a MULTI-SEAL plug. In fact, most of the time you will not even know that a puncture has occurred.
Can tires containing MULTI-SEAL tire sealant be repaired?
Yes. If a tire is damaged beyond the ability of MULTI-SEAL to plug, the tire can be “patched” or “booted”. The repair technician simply needs to wipe the area around the hole clean and then wipe with a water soaked rag. The tire can then be repaired using normal methods. It is not necessary to remove the remaining MULTI-SEAL. You will probably need to add new MULTI-SEAL to replace material that was lost. Care should be exercised to avoid contamination of the sealant while the tire is broken down for repair.
Will MULTI-SEAL tire sealant freeze in cold weather?
That depends on your definition of cold weather. The freeze point of all MULTI-SEAL products (except Hydro-Seal) is well below –34 degrees F.
Is the amount of MULTI-SEAL tire sealant installed in the tire important?
Yes. Only a small amount of MULTI-SEAL is used to make the plug itself. However, we can’t forecast where a puncture will occur in the tire, nor do we know how many punctures will occur. Enough MULTI-SEAL must be added to cover the inside of the tire and to allow for multiple punctures. The recommended application rates have proven over the years to give good, yet inexpensive protection.
Is MULTI-SEAL tire sealant expensive?
Considering the fact that you are adding safety to each tire, extending tire life, protection for your wheels and minimizing downtime, the answer is a definite NO!