FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

How long has OKO Group manufactured an OKO Tyre sealant?
OKO have been tyre sealant suppliers for over 38 years.
Can I use OKO in a TPMS-equipped vehicle?
Tyre sealant runs around the inside of the tyre tread. Thus in most instances it should not come into contact with an internal TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) valve sensor when in use. However, when fitting OKO you may cause the sensor to be coated and thus affect its performance: in this case you may need to remove and clean the sensor. OKO recommends that you consult your vehicle manufacturer to check whether their internal TPMS system is sealant-friendly before fitting anti-puncture sealant – and external TPMS systems that measure the tyre from outside are of course always OKO-compatible.
Does the use of OKO Tyre Sealant make a Tyre warranty void?
There is no legal reason under EU or USA law that should allow a Tyre manufacturer to say that their warranties are void due to the use of OKO Tyre Sealant, whether Off Road or On Road OKO. We hold copies of statements from major commercial tyre manufacturers stating that the fitting of tyre sealant does not void their warranties. Since the inception of OKO, there has been no report that OKO has caused a new tyre warranty rejection or a retread casing rejection. All OKO formulations are harmless to tyres and rubber and are compatible with rubber tyre components. It is possible that on rare occasions a retail tyre distributor may take a negative stance against OKO. This is likely to be due to a historic and cultural tradition of being “anti-sealant” or ignorance of the modern technological information provided by The OKO Group.
Does OKO extend effective tyre life by helping to maintain correct air pressures?
By using OKO, it is possible to combat porosity which is a natural process of air migration through the tyre casing. By eliminating the possibility of driving on under­inflated tyres, it is likely that tyres will remain in effective service for longer periods. OKO will also tend to cool the tyre, and retard dry rot and casing degradation. These effects help to lengthen the life of the tubeless tyre casing. In a 5-month test in matched MAN trucks, an OKO fitted tractor unit had 20% less tyre wear than a non-OKO tractor across all tyres. In another test with temperature-monitored tyres on a heavy-duty forestry truck, the OKO-equipped tyres were on average 11.5% cooler than the matching non-OKO tyres.
Will using OKO prevent the retreading of the tyres?
No. OKO Puncture Free is compatible with retreading methods, both cold and hot cures. OKO does not have adverse effects on tyre casings or metal tyre cords. It is recommended that tyre casings are cleaned and dried prior to collection by the Retreading company or before delivery to them. OKO is retread-friendly, easy to clean with water and does not mask the punctures and holes sealed. It should be simple for “NDT” machines to find all the punctures sealed by OKO. OKO sealants have been formulated to be compatible with compounds used within a tyre. The R & D of OKO has been carried out in collaboration with “TARRC”, a leading Tyre & Rubber Research Institution (formerly M.R.P.R.A., a research institution owned jointly by The Malaysian & British Governments). OKO does not pose any hazards or flammability issues for the Retreading companies either.
Are OKO-fitted tyres likely to replace 'run flat' tyres?
Unlikely. The widest choice should be available to consumers. As long as truthful and full knowledge is freely available, the consumer can make a proper choice. “Run Flat” tyres are supplied by Tyre Manufacturers and may be considered useful for specific users who are willing to pay more for that particular tyre knowing it may only function correctly once. OKO provides a permanent seal product that has a capability of sealing many holes on different occasions.
Are there any special maintenance requirements for tyres fitted with OKO?
No. As with any other tyres, drivers should check them regularly for cuts, penetration damage, and a loss of air pressure. Checks should be made at least twice a month, whether it is an Off Road tyre or any type of On Road tyre.
Are there any additional environmental impacts when disposing of tyres fitted with OKO, compared to tyres without OKO?
No. Tyres with OKO can be disposed of via conventional recycling. OKO Group can recommend the methods required if there is a significant amount of OKO to disperse.
Why are there so many different types of OKO? Should care be taken when choosing which grade?
The OKO Group makes several different formulations. These are designed and engineered especially for certain vehicle types. Any user of OKO will be able to choose using this site; or by examining the clear description on the labels of the different size bottles and drums.
Can OKO be used in tyres with inner tubes as well as tubeless tyres?
Yes. OKO will seal holes in the outer casing and in the inner tubes as well. In certain situations, there are reservations. Inner tubes are problematical. They can be unreliable and the wall thickness inconsistent. The inner tube can move inside the tyre. Inner tubes tend to rip when a puncturing object remains.
OKO will function and seal holes without or with inner tubes: but if the wheels and tyres permit it, the best combination for most Off & On Road users is to use a Tubeless tyre with OKO applied. This is the less expensive and better performing option for puncture free driving. One major reservation: if On Road OKO RTG is to be applied to the tyres of a Heavy truck, then apply it to tubeless tyres only.
Is the amount of OKO applied to any particular tyre size critical?
Yes. The amounts to be applied for any given tyre size are shown on the labels and the OKO application charts.
Are there any special requirements to be considered in terms of health & safety?
Not especially, but common sense needs to be used. Avoid contact with the eyes; avoid prolonged skin contact with the sticky viscous layer inside the tyre; and do not drink the product. OKO can be removed from the skin with soaps and industrial hand cleaners. If OKO gets in the eyes, wash with copious amounts of clean water.
Why does the OKO product not block and seal a valve stem as if it were a hole when the tyre is deflated?
When a tyre is deflated on purpose for any reason (by an individual), it is virtually guaranteed that the vehicle is standing still. When the tyre is motionless the OKO remains in place, coating the inside tread area of the tyre. It does not travel towards the valve stem. Insufficient air pressure and the lack of movement is enough to ensure the OKO remains in its correct place.
Will OKO swill inside the tyre and affect the valve stem causing a misreading of the tyre air pressure?
No. When applying the OKO product, some residue may remain inside the valve stem. This residue should be cleared by using an air-line as per the instructions. OKO tyre sealant coats the inside of the tyre. It will not travel back up the valve stem. Normally, conditions inside the tyre mean that no air is forced back through the valve stem out to the outside environment.
Will OKO stain my clothes?
If OKO splashes on clothes, it should be wiped off immediately, preferably with a wet cloth. If some OKO residue remains, wash the clothing that evening or during the same day. Avoid leaving the clothes for a long time with the OKO in a dry state. Contact with clothing should be avoided where possible.
What are 'ballasted' pneumatic tyres?
Tyres filled with water. Some rear Tractor tyres are ballasted by farmers to weigh down the vehicle. Or some pack rear tyres with weights or sand. Part-ballasting the tyre with OKO and using axle weights as needed is preferable (for the vehicle and the land) to using water or sand inside tyres. At least the puncture problem would be eliminated too. (OKO cannot function inside a tyre that has been filled with water).
Within what range of temperatures does OKO operate?
Depending on the formulation (determined by the climate of the country concerned) – 50 degrees C. to above + 45 degrees C. Both OKO OFF Road and On Road grades have been used in vehicles in hot Desert conditions and in the northern Russian winter. OKO RTG was tested in fast moving truck tyres over a 500 mile course starting at 6,000 feet above sea level and driving down to sea level. The trucks repeated the journey until 110,000 Km (68,750 miles) had been driven. Punctures suffered early during this test remained sealed throughout. The holes remained blocked by the permanent OKO seal. After 110,000 km, the product remained effective, sealing further punctures. OKO RTG remained inside the tyre in liquid form, positioned as designed, effectively coating and protecting the inner tread area of the tyres. The inclusion of a special ingredient within the formulation kept the tyres cooler than normal.
Does OKO cause wheel imbalance?
OKO will not cause wheel imbalance if the product is dosed correctly. Any temptation to apply more than the recommended dose must be strictly resisted. When applying On Road OKO to a Motorcycle or Car, the instructions should be strictly adhered to. Only the recommended quantity should be inserted. Having applied the OKO, these vehicles should be driven carefully and slowly for a distance of 10 to 16 km. – (approx. 6 to 10 miles).
During this initial “run in” distance, OKO will line the inner tread area of the tyre. Once this inner coat has been formed, there should be no wheel imbalance. Any minor quantity acting as a reservoir by swirling around the tyre is not sufficient to cause wheel vibration. It is recommended that wheels of vehicles of 5 tonnes or lower are balanced prior to fitting OKO. In some cases, where initial wheel vibration is experienced at certain speeds, the vehicle must be driven slowly until vibration disappears. OKO Off Road should NOT be fitted to fast moving On Road vehicles or driven at a speed regularly exceeding 80 km/h (50 mph).
Does OKO cause problems if it is necessary to make a vulcanised repair?
This is likely to be an extremely rare event. Due to the strength of the OKO seal, in normal conditions, it is unlikely that a conventional vulcanised repair is required. If necessary, OKO can be removed from the inside of the tyre by washing it out. The best method is by using a hose. The tyre can be dried. Then, a vulcanised repair can be applied, if necessary.
Up to what size puncture will OKO Puncture Free seal?
The OKO seal size varies with the type and grade of OKO used. See the specific product pages for details.
Does OKO degrade, dry out or separate?
No. OKO remains in suspension. It remains ready to stop punctures, always.
How often does OKO need to be replaced inside a tyre?
Not at all. OKO is designed in normal use to last the legal life of a tyre. In high-mileage on-road truck tyres it normally lasts for 62,000 miles + / 100,000 km + and the dosage may then need to be topped up: it depends on the conditions, whether new or remould tyres are used and how the vehicle is driven.
To what pressure does OKO seal?
OKO has sealed a Quad tyre at 2.5 PSI (0.15 bar). It has sealed a Truck tyre at 145 p.s.i. (10.0 bar). There is little practical limit on the high side.
How many holes will OKO seal using one application?
OKO is designed to seal many holes. It is the true “Multi-sealing” tyre puncture sealant. A small amount of OKO is used to seal a single hole in the tyre casing. Most of the tyre sealant remains and carries on working.
What should a driver do if a tyre is inspected and a nail is seen in the tread area?
According to UK Forensic studies, a nail can penetrate a tyre and on average will remain there for between 60 and 180 miles (96 to 290 km). The nail is likely to eject itself after this period. If OKO is inside the tyre, the vehicle is motionless, and the nail is noticed to be in the tread area: i. The driver should pull the nail;AND,ii. Drive immediately; this will cause OKO to make a new seal. If the nail is unnoticed and ejects itself, as the vehicle is in motion, OKO will make a new seal.
Can a number of punctures weaken the Tyre structures?
Tyre structures are likely to be weakened by sidewall and “Run Flat” damage. Using OKO will eliminate many if not all of the risks associated with “Run Flat damage” but OKO will not seal sidewall holes.
How strong is the OKO seal that blocks the holes and punctures?
OKO Group regards the seal to be a permanent seal due to its strength. When subjected to a “strength test” at the Gerotek Test Facility, OKO was compared to a “Repair plug” and a “vulcanised repair”. In this case, it was shown that the OKO permanent seal was 1.6 times stronger than a vulcanised repair and 7 times stronger than a “repair plug”. (The tyre industry states that a “Traditional repair” – defined as a vulcanised repair – is permanent. Therefore, the seal made by OKO On Road & Off Road, that is so much stronger, should be regarded by users and consumers as “more permanent still”).
What type of damage can OKO seal and repair?
OKO will seal holes caused by nails, screws, glass, stones and sharp objects.
Does it contain any harmful ingredients?
The OKO Group uses its best endeavours to formulate products which are as environmentally friendly and as safe to use, store and dispose of as possible. All OKO formulations are audited by “Chemtox” (www.chemtox-trotters.com). No OKO product is classified as harmful, flammable or combustible, even under the latest 2015 worldwide chemical regulations. All are regarded as non-hazardous. They are all permitted for airline hold transport. MSDS sheets are available on request.
When the OKO liquid is inside the tyre, does it react with the air inside the tyre and go hard?
No. OKO remains liquid inside the tyre. It will seal a hole under pressure and then dry instantly, but it will not react with the air inside the tyre and turn hard.
To what speed is OKO On-Road Puncture Free speed-rated?
OKO On Road products have been tested at various speeds in a variety of vehicles. Controlled tests have averaged between 100 & 120 mph (160 to 192 km/h). OKO has been tested satisfactorily in Motorcycles at speeds in excess of 185 mph (300 km/h) on Race Tracks. OKO On Road is designed for use on the highway to a maximum of 130 km/h or any lower legal speed set by the authorities. DO NOT EXCEED YOUR LEGAL VEHICLE SPEED LIMIT.
Will OKO corrode the wheels, rust wheel rims or steel belts?
No. There are special corrosion inhibitors in the OKO formulation that inhibit corrosion in steel & alloy rims. They will prevent the product from causing oxidation in brass valve stems. If any residue of OKO is touching the inner rim, it can be washed off when a tyre is changed. It is advisable NOT to use any tyre sealant with chrome-plated wheels as they are susceptible to chemical effects. (Check with your supplier: polished alloys may look like chrome, and they are OKO-compatible). OKO uses inhibitors unique in the tyre sealant industry. These inhibitors are entirely friendly to the environment.
Does OKO puncture sealant affect the tyre life or the performance?
Performance ­ OKO does not affect tyre structures or rubber adversely. In many cases the tyre life will be extended as OKO can cool the tyre. OKO will also reduce the possibility of tyre life being shortened due to “Run-flat” damage.
Is OKO safe and legal to install in my tyres?
Yes, it is both a safe and a legal form of puncture prevention.
Can OKO be installed in any tyre?
OKO can be applied to almost any Pneumatic tyre (see limited exceptions on the relevant Products page).