Is It Safe to Inflate Your Tyre After Applying Tyre Foam?

20 May 2025

Tyre foam sealants can get you back on the road in an emergency, but what happens afterwards? Many drivers wonder: can you put air in a tyre after foam has been injected, and are there any special considerations? In this blog, we’ll explain how tyre foam works, whether you can top up with air (regular or nitrogen), and clarify terms like what is a pressure bar so you can keep your tyres at the correct pressure. Setyres offer fully fitted, high performance tyres at competitive prices which can be fitted at your local Setyres branch. 

How Tyre Foam Sealants Work 

Tyre foam sealants (often labelled “tyre foam” or “tyre sealant”) are liquids that coat the inside of your tyre. When you puncture your tyre, the foam can be injected through the valve and quickly fills small holes and solidifies around the puncture, temporarily restoring air pressure. This hack is ideal for getting you home or to the nearest garage, but it’s not a permanent fix. 

When Is Temporary Tyre Repair Possible? 

• When you’ve picked up a nail or screw in the tread area, but the tyre still holds some air. 

• When you’re stranded away from home or a repair shop. 

• The puncture is under 6 mm in diameter and located on the central tread, not the sidewall. 

Anything larger, or any damage to the sidewall, demands a professional replacement rather than a DIY patch. 

Can You Safely Inflate Your Tyre After Applying Tyre Foam? 

Yes. Once the foam sealant has done its job, you should inflate your tyre back to the recommended level. However, keep these points in mind: 

• Clean Out Excess Foam: Before inflating, have a professional remove as much leftover sealant as possible. Residual foam can clog valves or damage tyre-pressure sensors. 

• Check Your Valve and Rim: Foam can sometimes block the valve stem. Make sure it’s clear so you can get an accurate inflation reading. 

• Measure with a Reliable Gauge: Always use a calibrated tyre gauge. Tyre pressure is measured in a metric unit of pressure called a pressure bar, or the imperial unit known as psi (pound-force per square inch). A bar is equivalent to approximately 14.5 psi. Refer to your car’s log book or a label inside the driver’s car door for the recommended level of pressure for your vehicle’s tyres. 

Can I Put Air in Nitrogen-Filled Tyres? 

You might also be driving on nitrogen-filled tyres, which many motorists choose for more stable pressure. The good news is that you can top up nitrogen-filled tyres with regular air in an emergency.  

Just bear in mind: 

• Mixed Gas Composition: Adding regular air dilutes the nitrogen percentage, which can slightly reduce the stability benefits of pure nitrogen. 

• Maintain Correct Pressure Bars: Whether you use nitrogen or air, aim for the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. If you’re topping up after using a foam sealant, inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended level. 

Can You Put Air in Tyres After Driving? 

Friction between the road surface and the tyre will heat the tyre’s surface, causing a rise in pressure as the air expands. If you need to inflate your car tyres after a long drive, you can but check the pressure again when the tyres have cooled down as a warm tyre will give a different reading. The following steps will ensure your tyres are correctly inflated: 

If you ask, can you put air in tyres after driving, the answer is yes but follow these tips: 

1. Wait for the Tyres to Cool: For the most accurate reading, let your car sit for at least 30 minutes. 

1. Re-check the Pressure Bar: Use a tyre gauge to bring your tyres back to the correct bar pressure recommended in your owner’s manual. 

1. Don’t Over-Inflate: Remember that hot tyres will read slightly higher. If you inflate your car tyres when they are warm, they maybe over-pressured when they cool. 

Why Choose Setyres for Tyre Services? 

While emergency foam sealants serve a purpose, they’re only a temporary measure.  

At Setyres, our team will: 

• Remove Excess Foam and Clean Your Tyre Interiors: Eliminating sealant residue so you can refill safely. 

• Check and Replace Valves: Make sure no foam blockages remain. 

• Set Precise Pressure Bars: Using calibrated equipment to give you an accurate reading in bar or psi. 

• Offer Nitrogen Top-Ups: If you prefer nitrogen-filled tyres, we can restore the correct gas mix for optimal performance. 

Visit your nearest Setyres centre or book an appointment online at www.setyres.com to get your tyres professionally serviced after any foam application. Trust Setyres to get you back on the road.