Is It Safe To Use Tubes In Tubeless Tyres?

Tubeless tyres are built differently from tube-type ones, however many people cross-breed these two different things. Is it safe to do so? We will try to uncover this practice in the below article. 

• There are more disadvantages of using a tube inside a tubeless tyre, than advantages.
• If you install a tube inside a tubeless tyre, air losses from tyres become more frequent, which can result in loss of stability while driving.
• The tubeless tyres do not come with specially designed inner surfaces like in a tube-type tyre, so using tubes inside tubeless tyres can result in more frequent punctures.
• Using a tube inside a tubeless tyre adds an unnecessary layer inside the tyre, which increases the thickness of the tyre and results in premature wearing.
• Using a tube inside a tubeless tyre also reduces the tyre’s speed rating.

Many people have the tendency to do experiments by combining two similar-looking different things. When it comes to tyres, choosing between tube and tubeless has been a long debate since the latter came into existence. But, here we are focusing on a specific question that people often ask that can we put tubes in a tubeless tyre? Is it a safe or a dangerous move? The below pointers from a technical perspective will help solve this query.

Sudden loss of air pressure – Installing a tube in a tubeless tyre could be potentially harmful as there is a chance of losing pressure due to improper seating of the tube or in case a tyre is punctured. This phenomenon could result in loss of vehicle control and lead to a deadly accident if the vehicle is at high speed.

When a puncture happens in a tubeless tyre, the penetrating object is generally grasped by the inner liner or the inbuilt tube, hence, the air loss gradually occurs. However, in case of a tyre puncture when there is a tube inside a tubeless tyre, once the object penetrates the tube, the air loss will be in quick time. In this state, the air rapidly escapes through the valve hole located between the tyre beads and the wheel, with an additional tube no longer providing an airtight seal.

Risk of puncture – The tyres that are specifically designed for tubes consist of a smooth inner surface, while it's not the case with tubeless tyres. If a tube is placed inside a tubeless tyre, consequently, the tube can rub abrasively due to the roughness of the tyre and cause a puncture.

Also Read: Best Tubeless Car Tyres

Unnecessary layer – Tubeless tyres are altogether a different type than their tubed counterparts, as the former consist of an airtight inner liner. So, if anyone is putting a tube inside a tubeless tyre, he is adding an extra non-essential layer within the tyre assembly. This increased thickness could generate additional heat inside, and as a result, it can cause premature tyre failure.

Reduction in speed rating – For any reason, if someone fits a tube inside a tubeless tyre then doing so will reduce the speed rating of the given tyre. For instance, if a tubeless tyre is W-rated and ideal for up to 270 kmph, after fitting the tube it could become H-rated, which has a maximum speed limit of 210 kmph.

Also Read: Best Tubeless Bike Tyres

A temporary substitute – It's not like people don’t use a tube in a tubeless tyre. Several put tubes inside a tubeless tyre and many haven't faced any adverse effects. Those who use this technique, usually do this temporarily. Like in case of a lot of punctures or the tubeless tyre has a big hole and the user don’t want to just throw it away. They try to turn a seemingly useless tyre (even the tread is good enough) into a tubed tyre until it is completely worn out. Generally, this is a common practice or say advice given by desi mechanics across the country.

But again everything has to be seen from a safety perspective irrespective of the favourable outcome. In short, the adverse effects of putting a tube inside a tubeless tyre far outweigh the positives of adopting a standard technical approach. We must always consult a professional mechanic before performing such makeshifts to save money.  Looking for new tyres? Find dealers near you