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You hear or feel a pop under your car while driving down the highway. You stop, get out, and inspect, only to see a tire is flat. What now? The handy product is best known under the brand name Fix-A-Flat. For all its instant gratification, this product is remarkably simple.
It uses a liquefied propellant to inflate the tire while a latex emulsion foams to plug the leak. Although a gas at room temperature, the propellant becomes a liquid when compressed into the can, explains Jiafu Fang, senior product development scientist for Shell Global Solutions, which has owned the Fix-A-Flat brand for close to a decade. When released from the can, the propellant evaporates.
The propellant in a oz can is able to expand and fill the whole tire. Currently, flat-fix product makers commonly use the nonflammable refrigerant hydrofluorocarbon HFC a, whose chemical name is 1,1,1-trifluoroethane, as a propellant. The propellant carries with it a number of materials. The key ingredient is a polymer latex, a milky substance similar to the latex in paint.
When fired out of the can, the latex foams and fills the tire, plugging holes wherever they may be. Along with other materials in the mixture, a water-based carrier holds corrosion inhibitors, which prevent rust formation and other damage to the wheel. Consumers can find similar inflators and sealants specially made for bicycle, motorcycle, and heavy-duty tires. Fix-A-Flat and similar products have sold under different names since at least the s.
Shell bought Pennzoil in , but it put Fix-A-Flat and other car care businesses up for sale earlier this year. While it has owned the brand, Shell has made some changes.
For example, Snap initially used dimethyl ether as its propellant, but the organic compound raised safety concerns because of its high flammability, Fang says. Other flat-fix product makers previously used propellants such as propane and butane, which are similarly flammable.
Shell and other companies switched to HFCa to reduce such safety concerns. Pending environmental regulations on climate-changing chemicals will soon force scientists developing tire inflators and sealants to further alter their products. Companies must find a replacement chemical with a lower global-warming potential GWP. CO 2 , the iconic global-warming gas, has a GWP of 1.
Luckily for him—but perhaps not surprisingly—he was carrying some cans of Fix-A-Flat and was able to drive away. Contact the reporter. Submit a Letter to the Editor for publication.
Engage with us on Twitter. The power is now in your nitrile gloved hands Sign up for a free account to increase your articles. Or go unlimited with ACS membership. Chemistry matters. Join us to get the news you need. Don't miss out. Renew your membership, and continue to enjoy these benefits. Not Now. About this item. Quick-connect air hose that readily inflates all standard tires. Specifications Net weight: 16 Ounces. Warranty: 90 Day Limited Warranty. To obtain a copy of the manufacturer's or supplier's warranty for this item prior to purchasing the item, please call Target Guest Services at TCIN : UPC : The non-inflammable formula with the easy-connect air hose readily inflates and repairs all standard sized tires for a non-stop, smooth ride.
Especially designed for effective use with all kinds of vehicles including sedans, sports cars and trailers, this handy tool makes sure that you are good to go under all circumstances. Report incorrect product info. Shipping details Estimated ship dimensions: 9. Return details This item must be returned to any Target store. This item must be returned within 90 days of the in-store purchase, ship date or online order pickup. See return policy for details. See the return policy for complete information.
More to consider. Featured products. Show more From the manufacturer Loading, please wait Show more. Write a review. Verified purchases. It worked! Resa - 5 months ago , Verified purchaser. It kept tire inflated days after air was placed in. Did you? Helpful Not helpful Report review. Would use again 5 out of 5 stars.
Meg - 6 months ago , Verified purchaser. Easy 5 out of 5 stars. Leffler - 1 year ago , Verified purchaser.
No pressure , or defective expired material inside. Fix a flat - 3 years ago. This is awesome! I had a new tire that my wife hit a curb with. The tire guy fixed but said it won't hold because of the location.
He was right, a day later it was flat. I bought a can of fix a flat as a last resort. It sealed the leak and has held so far. I recommend this product. Judy raymond - 3 years ago , Verified purchaser.
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