Are you looking for a way to enhance your tires’ performance? The good news is you don’t have to invest thousands of dollars in the highest quality tires and constantly replace them. All you have to do is fill them with foam.
Filling tires with foam helps them become incredibly sturdy and resistant to punctures. You can get years of use from a foam-filled tire.
What does this process look like? Below, you can read our guide on how to fill tires with foam efficiently and safely.
Short Answer
Pneumatic (operated by gas under pressure) tires will most benefit from the foam-filling process. This technique works best with smaller tires, like those on lawnmowers or other types of farm equipment. It also works well with bicycles, children’s scooters, and other small, manually-powered vehicles.
So, if you’re one of the 50 million Americans who cycle regularly, you could benefit from learning this technique.
When learning how to fill tires with foam, you can do so via an insulating foam sealant, such as Great Stuff. Puncture holes in your tire and use one or two cans of foam to fill it up. Repeat the process as necessary with all of your equipment’s tires.
Check our guide: How Much Sealant Per Tire
Step-by-Step Instructions
Filling tires with foam can be incredibly helpful if your wheels become flat consistently due to exposure to nails or small leaks in the inner tubing.
Study our step-by-step guide on how to fill tires with foam before you attempt the process yourself:
Step 1: Find and Purchase a Brand of Rigid Foam That you Like
Visit your local hardware store and browse the selection of rigid foams. You can ask a store employee for assistance or read the labels to find a brand that resonates with you. We recommend the brand Great Stuff, as it’s one of the most popular and widely accepted ones in the industry.
Alternatively, you can shop online. Once you find a brand you like, purchase at least two cans per tire.
Step 2: Raise All Your Tires off the Ground
With your cans in tow, you can now begin the process. Raise all your wheels off the ground via one of two methods:
- Lift your vehicle off the ground (i.e., place your bike on its hanging storage rack)
- Turn your vehicle upside (i.e., place your scooter handle-bars-down)
Alternatively, you can remove the tires from your equipment altogether and have the freedom to roll them around as you fill them up.
Step 3: Puncture Your Tire in Several Places
Use a power drill to puncture your wheel’s rubber in several places. Create four to five holes, and be careful not to puncture the other side. Enter from one side and stop before you hit the other.
Step 4: Spray the Foam Into all of the Holes
Attach a plastic extension to the can and start filling the holes with the spray. Roll the tire as you do so to allow the substance to disperse more easily.
Keep going into the foam leaks out of all the holes. Repeat this process with all your tires and allow them to sit for 24 hours.
After the waiting period, you’ll notice that the foam will protrude out. Wipe off the excess substance and feel your tires to test their rigidity. Put them back on your equipment and give your vehicle a test ride, starting at a slow speed.
Feel free to check out our guide: How To Seal Tire Bead
Some Words of Caution
You don’t have to be a DIY expert to try this technique, but you should go into it with these precautions in mind:
Wear Safety Equipment
All foam cans are always under pressure, so you should use them with caution. We recommend wearing safety goggles in case any of the foam shoots back at you as you’re spraying it into the holes.
You should also wear gloves, as all foam sprays are incredibly sticky. You’ll have a hard time getting the substance off your skin, so prevent a messy cleanup process by wearing gloves.
Consider checking: How To Seal A Tire On A Rim
Only Try This Technique on Small Tires
Don’t attempt this technique with a car. Only try it with smaller vehicles, like farm equipment and recreational toys. If you attempt it with a car, you and your passengers will experience a bumpy, rugged ride and risk a blowout due to uneven foam distribution.
The Bottom Line
Filling tires with foam is a simple process to learn. You should have a successful experience as long as you follow the proper safety precautions and only apply this technique to the appropriate equipment. Try it for yourself today and notice the difference that foam makes in your vehicle’s performance!
If you find this blog helpful, feel free to look through the other guides:
How Do You Plug A Tire
How To Repair Tire
How To Fix A Tire Rim Leak
How To Use Rubber Cement On Tire
How Do You Patch A Tire
How Do Tires Get Dry Rot
How To Fix Dry Rotted Tires
How Much Is It To Repair A Tire
How To Fix Flat Spots On Tires
How Much Does It Cost To Patch A Tire
How Close To The Sidewall Can You Patch A Tire
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