Last updated on April 13th, 2026 at 12:18 am
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You can make RC tires air filled by sealing the vent holes in the rim or tire, then gluing the tire on as usual. The goal is to trap a little air inside, not to inflate the tire like a full-size car tire.
That setup gives you a different feel than a standard foam-filled tire, but it also comes with trade-offs. Once the tire is sealed, changing the air level later is much harder, and too much air can push the tire off the rim when you land jumps or hit rough ground.
If you want a simple way to try it, the process is straightforward: seal the holes, mount the tire, glue the bead, and keep the pressure modest. For a quick refresher on the parts involved, our RC tire basics guide covers the tire and wheel setup.
What You Need
Before you start, gather the parts and a couple of simple sealing materials. If you are still deciding whether to replace the tire or work with what you have, the tire replacement guide on why and how to change your RC car tires is worth a look.
- RC tires and rims with vent holes, if your setup has them
- Electrical tape for the easiest removable seal
- Super glue or hot glue for a more permanent seal
- RC tire glue for mounting the bead
- Clean cloth for dust and oil
- Scissors or hobby knife for trimming tape if needed
| Seal method | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical tape | Quick, reversible setup | Easiest to remove later if you change your mind |
| Super glue | More permanent seal | Harder to undo if you want to change the tire later |
| Hot glue | Quick hold around small holes | Also more permanent than tape |
Step-by-Step Process
- Inspect the rim and tire. Look for vent holes in the wheel and any holes in the tire itself. You want to seal every place air can escape.
- Clean the sealing area. Wipe away dirt, dust, and oil so the tape or glue sticks properly.
- Seal the vent holes. The easiest method is to wrap electrical tape around the rim a couple of times. That covers the holes without making the wheel difficult to undo later.
- Use a more permanent seal if you want one. Super glue or hot glue can close the holes too, but those options are harder to remove if you decide to go back to foam-style setup later.
- Glue the tire like normal. Once the holes are sealed, mount the tire and glue the bead just as you would with any other RC tire.
- Let everything cure fully. Do not rush this part. A weak bond can leak air or let the tire separate when the car lands hard.
- Test the feel before hard use. The tire should still have some give. It should not feel rock hard or fully inflated.
If you want the simplest path, tape on the rim and normal tire glue is usually the easiest way to get started. If you later want to change the setup again, tape is far easier to undo than glue.
Common Mistakes
- Overinflating the tire. Air-filled RC tires should not be packed tight like a real car tire.
- Leaving one hole open. A missed vent hole will slowly leak and ruin the setup.
- Using a permanent seal too early. Super glue and hot glue work, but they are a hassle to remove.
- Skipping the cleaning step. Tape and glue stick much better to a clean surface.
- Expecting the tire to behave like foam. Air-filled tires can feel different and are less forgiving if you need frequent pressure changes.
Off-Road And Rock Crawling
Air-filled RC tires can work off-road, but you do not want them fully inflated. On rough ground, mud, deep sand, or loose dirt, a little softer tire usually grips better and keeps the car more controllable.
For rock crawling, the same idea matters even more. Lower pressure lets the tire stay soft and pliable so it can conform to rocks and ledges instead of bouncing over them. Once the tire is sealed, though, changing that pressure is not quick or convenient.
If you drive mostly off-road, think in terms of a little air and a little flex, not a rigid tire. That keeps the tire seated on the rim and helps it survive jumps, hard corners, and rough landings.
Troubleshooting Flat Spots And Leaks
If your RC tires develop flat spots from storage, the fix is usually simple: drive the vehicle for 30 to 45 minutes. As the tires heat up, the flat spots should disappear.
If the tire still leaks, check the rim seal first. Then look for any vent holes you missed in the tire itself. A wheel issue can also look like a tire problem, so it helps to understand RC wheel basics if the seal still does not hold.
When a tire keeps going soft, the problem is usually a gap at the bead, an open hole, or a damaged rim. If the wheel itself is the weak point, the page on tire setup and maintenance can help you sort out the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can RC tires really be air filled?
Yes. The basic method is to seal the vent holes in the rim or tire and then glue the tire on normally so the air stays trapped inside.
Should RC tires be fully inflated?
No. Fully inflating them can make the tire too stiff and can cause it to come off the rim when you jump or run rough terrain.
What is the easiest way to seal RC tire holes?
Electrical tape is the easiest option because it is quick to apply and easy to remove later if you change your mind.
How do you fix flat spots on RC tires?
Drive the RC vehicle for about 30 to 45 minutes. The heat from running the car usually helps the flat spots disappear.
Are air-filled RC tires good for rock crawling?
They can be, as long as you do not put too much air in them. Softer tires conform better to rocks and improve traction.
Conclusion
To make RC tires air filled, seal the holes in the rim or tire, then glue the tire on as normal. Electrical tape is the easiest seal, while super glue and hot glue are more permanent.
Just keep the pressure modest. RC tires are not meant to be full like a full-size vehicle tire, and too much air can make them pop off the rim. For most hobbyists, a little trapped air is enough to change the feel without causing extra trouble.