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The importance of independent testing from nationally or internationally recognized laboratories cannot be overemphasized. Because tire sealants are essentially unregulated by government agencies and are not required to meet specific safety and performance standards set forth by DOT, SAE, ASTM and others, it is important to verify a manufacturer's claims independently. Ultraseal International Inc. (USA) has been doing business with the United States Government and most of its national agencies (U.S. Postal Service, Forestry Service, Department of the Interior, Department of Immigration, etc. along with all branches of the military) for almost 40 years.
Early in the relationship, the government required that a set of standards be established, met and confirmed independently in order to continue and expand tire sealant usage throughout the various agencies. This was conducted under the oversight of the U.S. Postal System by nationally accredited laboratories, chemists and staff. This program came to be called the U.S. Postal Spec #V-06-94.
Over the years, many large private and institutional users have required additional tests and studies to verify Ultraseal's effectiveness. These were performed by such highly accredited organizations as Smithers Laboratories of Akron, OH, US Labs, and TUV in Europe, just to name a few. An all too common practice that is increasingly appearing on sealant manufacturer's sites is the posting of a summary or excerpt from a single short-term, limited scope test drawing conclusions that are unsupported on closer examination.
Not surprisingly, these are often prepared by a lab with an impressive sounding name, but little or no credibility in the tire industry. If you look at the methods and parameters considered in the postal specs, you'll find an in-depth long-term study of sealant performance, consistency and a close look at possible chemical effects on the tire and wheel. There is a direct correlation between a product's ability or inability to maintain a neutral ph over its intended life and the possibility of formation of rust or corrosion on a wheel. Short-term tests will not address this very important consideration. Verifiable tests will tell you what salesmen will not.
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