How to Maintain Tubeless Bike Tires: Complete Guide for Road, Gravel, MTB, and Commuters
Tubeless tires have transformed cycling, offering lower rolling resistance, fewer flats, and improved traction. Whether you're a road racer, gravel grinder, weekend mountain biker, cyclocross competitor, or daily commuter, tubeless technology can enhance your ride. But to keep them working their magic, tubeless setups need regular care.
In this expanded guide, we’ll walk you through comprehensive tubeless tire maintenance for various disciplines, sharing expert tips and top product recommendations tailored to different types of riders.
Why Tubeless Tires Need Regular Maintenance
Tubeless tires seal themselves using liquid sealant, eliminating pinch flats and plugging small punctures. However, this system isn't set-it-and-forget-it. Over time, sealant dries out, rim tape can lift, and valves clog. Routine checks help prevent air leaks, poor performance, and roadside surprises.
How Do I Maintain My Tubeless Tires?
1. Check Tire Pressure (Pre-Ride/Weekly)
Tubeless tires naturally lose air faster than tubes. Checking tire pressure is a must-do before every ride, especially for road and gravel cyclists where optimal PSI has a big impact on ride quality.
General Guidelines:
Road: 70-100 PSI depending on tire width and rider weight
Gravel/CX: 30-50 PSI depending on terrain and conditions
Mountain: 18-28 PSI for trail/enduro, even lower for fat bikes
Commuter: 40-60 PSI depending on tire size
Product Pick: Topeak SmartGauge D2X – precise, works on both Presta and Schrader valves.
Related Blog: How to Choose Tubeless Tire Pressure
2. Monitor and Top Off Sealant (Monthly)
Sealant effectiveness diminishes over time due to drying or coating the inside of the tire. Each month, check your sealant level and add more if needed.
How Much to Use:
Road: 1.5–2 oz.
Gravel/CX: 2–4 oz.
Mountain: 4–6 oz.
Commuter: 2–3 oz.
Tip: Use a sealant injector to avoid mess and ensure precise application.
Top Sealants:
Stan's NoTubes Sealant: Excellent for all disciplines, quick-sealing.
Orange Seal Endurance: Long-lasting, ideal for commuters and dry climates.
Muc-Off No Puncture Hassle: Bright-colored and effective for CX and MTB.
3. Inspect Tires and Rim Tape (Quarterly)
Remove wheels and inspect the tire for cuts, embedded objects, and wear. Check rim tape for any gaps, lifting, or tears that could cause slow leaks.
Tip: Lightly run your hand along the inside and outside of the tire. Use caution—some debris may be sharp.
Product Picks:
Park Tool TL-1.2 Tire Levers: Durable and gentle on tubeless setups.
Muc-Off Tubeless Rim Tape: Comes in multiple widths with strong adhesion.
4. Deep Clean & Refresh Setup (Seasonally)
If sealant is gunked up or you’re getting repeated leaks, it’s time for a deep clean. Remove the tire, clean out old sealant, inspect or replace rim tape, and reinstall with fresh sealant.
Good Times to Do This:
Transitioning between race seasons (CX, MTB)
After a tough winter or wet commuting season
When upgrading tires or rims
Tools for the Job:
Finish Line Super Bike Wash: Effective for rims and tires.
MilKit Tubeless Valve Kit: Makes sealant checks and refills tidy.
5. Clean or Replace Valve Cores (Quarterly)
Sealant can clog valve cores, making inflation difficult. Use a valve core remover tool to extract, clean, or replace them.
Product Pick: Park Tool VC-1 Valve Core Tool – must-have for any tubeless toolkit.
6. Plug Punctures on the Go (As Needed)
Despite the self-sealing power of tubeless tires, larger cuts may require a plug to seal fully.
Tip: Carry a plug kit if you ride remote trails, gravel roads, or long commutes.
Product Picks:
KOM Cycling Tire Repair Tool: Compact, fast, and reliable.
Specific Tips by Rider Type
Road Cyclists
Monitor pressure frequently; small changes affect performance.
Choose fast-rolling sealant with low residue (e.g., Stan’s or Orange Seal).
Use CO2 only in emergencies—it can degrade sealant.
Gravel & Cyclocross Riders
Keep sealant fresh to avoid clogs on muddy or dusty courses.
Tune PSI for grip vs. speed based on course.
Clean valve cores more frequently due to environmental exposure.
Mountain Bikers
Go lower in pressure for better traction.
Add extra sealant if riding rocky terrain.
Use more robust rim tape and frequent inspections after hard descents.
Commuters
Prioritize long-lasting sealant like Orange Seal Endurance.
Inspect tires for embedded glass or debris weekly.
Keep a mini pump and tube on hand for peace of mind.
Best Tubeless Maintenance Kits
1. Peaty's Holeshot Tubeless Conversion Kit
Includes everything a rider needs for a fully optimized tubeless setup
Great all-in-one option, especially for eco-conscious commuters and racers
2. Muc-Off Ultimate Tubeless Setup Kit
Great for beginners or full rebuilds
High-quality tools and tape
Advanced Maintenance Tips
- Rotate Tires: Swap front and rear tires mid-season to even out wear.
Weigh Tires Post-Cleaning: Helps track sealant buildup over time.
Avoid Mixing Sealants: Chemical incompatibility can lead to clogging.
Label Maintenance Dates: Track when you last added sealant or replaced tape.
Warm Up Tires in Winter: Inflate indoors for better bead seating.
When to Replace Tubeless Tires
No tire lasts forever. Key signs that it’s time to replace:
Visible cuts or abrasions in sidewalls
Flat spots or lack of tread
Frequent loss of air despite clean setup
Mileage Guidelines:
Road: 2,000–3,000 miles
Gravel/CX: 1,000–2,000 miles
MTB: 500–1,000 miles
Commuter: Varies by terrain; inspect regularly
Final Thoughts
Tubeless tires give riders more control, better ride feel, and fewer flats—but they need a bit of TLC. With regular pressure checks, sealant top-offs, and rim inspections, you can enjoy smooth, worry-free rides whether you're on asphalt, gravel, dirt, or city streets. Keep a few essential tools on hand and create a seasonal maintenance routine tailored to your riding style.
Stay ahead of issues and your tubeless system will reward you with unmatched reliability, comfort, and performance every time you ride.
🚴 Ready to Ride Trouble-Free?
Tubeless tires are a game-changer— if you take care of them . Stock up on the best tools, sealants, and accessories from trusted brands and keep your bike dialed in all year long.
👉 Shop our recommended tubeless maintenance gear and get expert support from real riders!