Hutchinson Protect Air Max Puncture Prevention Liquid User Manual

1. Introduction

The Hutchinson Protect Air Max is a specialized liquid designed for puncture prevention and tubeless tire conversion in bicycles. This product is formulated without latex and ammonia, preventing corrosion of rims. It contains a unique aramid pulp that seals punctures up to 3mm in diameter. The liquid remains active inside the tire for up to two years.

Image 1: Front view of the Hutchinson Protect Air Max 120 ml bottle.

2. Safety Information

Please read and understand all safety instructions before using this product.

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Do not ingest. In case of ingestion, rinse mouth with water and seek medical advice immediately.
• Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water for several minutes and seek medical advice.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Image 2: Back of the bottle showing safety warnings in multiple languages.

3. Product Overview

Hutchinson Protect Air Max is a non-latex, ammonia-free sealant designed for bicycle tires. Its key features include:

• Puncture Prevention: Seals punctures up to 3mm in diameter using a unique aramid pulp.
• Tubeless Conversion: Essential for converting standard tubeless-ready MTB tires to a tubeless system.
• Non-Corrosive Formula: Ammonia-free and latex-free composition prevents rim corrosion.
• Long-Lasting: Stays active in the tire for up to 2 years without drying out.
• Easy Application: Features a special one-way valve for direct injection through the tire valve, eliminating the need to remove valve cores or pour into tires before mounting.

4. Setup and Installation

Follow these steps for proper installation of Hutchinson Protect Air Max into your bicycle tires.

1. Prepare the Tire: Ensure your tire is properly mounted on the rim. If converting to tubeless, ensure the tire is tubeless-ready and the rim tape is correctly installed. Deflate the tire completely.
2. Determine Quantity:
   • For Road/Route tires: Approximately 30 ml (1.02 fl oz) per tire.
   • For MTB/VTT tires: Approximately 60 ml (2.05 fl oz) per tire.
   The 120 ml bottle is sufficient for 2 MTB tubeless conversions or 4 road tires.
3. Connect the Bottle: Remove the valve cap. The Protect Air Max bottle features a special one-way valve designed to connect directly to your tire's valve stem without needing to remove the valve core. Press the bottle firmly onto the valve stem.
4. Inject the Liquid: Invert the wheel so the valve is at the bottom. Squeeze the bottle to inject the recommended amount of liquid into the tire. The one-way valve prevents backflow.
5. Seal and Rotate: Once the liquid is injected, remove the bottle and replace the valve cap. Rotate the wheel several times to distribute the sealant evenly inside the tire.
6. Inflate the Tire: Inflate the tire to your desired pressure. For tubeless setups, you may need a compressor or CO2 inflator to seat the beads initially.
7. Check for Leaks: Inspect the tire for any visible leaks, especially around the bead and valve stem. If minor leaks occur, rotate the wheel to allow the sealant to work.

Image 3: Back of the bottle illustrating the six-step installation process.

5. Operating Instructions

Once installed, Hutchinson Protect Air Max actively protects your tires:

• When a puncture occurs, the internal air pressure forces the liquid sealant into the hole.
• The aramid pulp within the liquid quickly coagulates and forms a durable seal, preventing air loss.
• For optimal performance, continue riding immediately after a puncture to allow the sealant to spread and fully seal the opening.

6. Maintenance

To ensure continuous puncture protection:

• Check Sealant Level: Although Protect Air Max is designed not to dry out for up to two years, it is advisable to periodically check the sealant level, especially if you frequently experience punctures or if the tire has been stored for an extended period.
• Replenish: If the sealant level appears low, or after approximately two years, replenish the liquid following the installation steps outlined in Section 4.
• Tire Inspection: Regularly inspect your tires for embedded debris. While the sealant handles small punctures, larger cuts or objects should be removed, and the tire inspected for damage.

7. Troubleshooting

Here are solutions to common issues:

• Puncture Not Sealing:
  • Ensure sufficient sealant is present in the tire.
  • Rotate the wheel vigorously to help distribute the sealant to the puncture site.
  • If the puncture is larger than 3mm, the sealant may not be able to seal it completely. A tire plug or patch may be required.
• Tire Losing Air Slowly:
  • Check for small, unsealed punctures or porous tire sidewalls.
  • Ensure the tire beads are fully seated on the rim.
  • Verify the valve stem is tight and not leaking.
  • Add more sealant if the existing amount is low.
• Difficulty Seating Tubeless Tire Beads:
  • Use a high-volume pump or an air compressor.
  • Apply soapy water to the tire beads and rim for lubrication.
  • Ensure the valve core is removed during initial inflation to allow maximum airflow, then reinstall it before adding sealant.

8. Specifications

9. Contact and Support

For further assistance or inquiries regarding the Hutchinson Protect Air Max, please refer to the official Hutchinson website or contact their customer support.

• Official Website: www.hutchinsontires.com
• Road Tubeless Information: www.roadtubeless.com