Adhesives and Sealants

A Permanent Or Impermanent Bond

When it comes to attaching one surface to another, a lot depends on the type of adhesive you use. It's important to consider the materials that need to be bonded, the required strength of the bond, and the method of application. Adhesives are normally ranked into two categories: reactive and non-reactive. This indicates whether the adhesive needs to undergo a chemical reaction to harden. Some of the main types of non-reactive adhesives are:

• Drying
• Pressure-sensitive
• Anaerobic
• Multi-Part
• One-Part

Drying adhesives require a mix of polymers and solvents. As the solvent evaporates, the adhesive hardens. Types of drying adhesives include contact adhesives like white glue and rubber cement. Depending on the application material, these can create a semi-permanent or permanent bond. Pressure-sensitive adhesives require pressure to create a semi-permanent bond that can be removed and reused. Think of the sticky sides of duct tape, masking tape or even stickers and sticky notes.

Anerobic adhesives, like Loctite threadlocker, are used on threaded metal surfaces like bolts and screws to prevent loosening, with varying degrees of permanency. Multi-part adhesives, like polyurethanes and epoxies, use multiple ingredients that mix and harden when their polymers chemically react. One-part adhesives use an external light or heat source to cure and harden, and can be found in a variety of fields from aerospace to medical to telecommunications.

Inside or outside the auto garage, NAPA AUTO PARTS carries a wide range of adhesives for any application imaginable, from trusted brands like NAPA, Loctite, 3M, Permatex, JB Weld and more. Whether it's mirror adhesive to fix a rearview mirror, window channel adhesive for the car doors, or concrete crack filler for the shop floor, we have the NAPA Know How for any sticky job.

All Sealed Up

A water-tight or air-tight seal is crucial for the performance of multiple vehicle systems, from the manifold to the muffler and the windows to the tires. NAPA AUTO PARTS makes it easy to select the right sealants for any automotive replacement part job. The electrical components of the vehicle, like the battery and various wires, should be sealed with electrical sealers such as battery no-corrode gel and liquid electrical tape.

Have you noticed coolant leaking from your Honda Accord lately? Leaky head gaskets can be a tremendous pain, and a full replacement can be expensive and time-consuming. A good semi-permanent option for smaller leaks is a head gasket sealer. Several brands are simply pour-and-go, meaning you only need to pour the sealer into the radiator for it to work. Valve cover gaskets are often made of rubber or cork that become brittle over time, which can lead to cracks that allow leaking. Many mechanics choose to seal the gasket to the valve cover using products like gasket sealant.

No More Flats

Flat tires are the number one roadside breakdown, so every vehicle's emergency kit should include supplies to fix a flat tire. Stop struggling with a jack and small donut tire, or waiting for roadside assistance. For those physically unable to change a flat tire, those who don't know how to change a flat, frequent drivers, new drivers and many more, a Flat Tire Repair Kit is the best way to stay safe in a flat tire emergency.

One of the simplest and fastest ways to solve a flat tire emergency is with a Slime Flat Tire Repair Kit. With just the push of a button, Slime's Flat Tire Repair Kit injects a combination of tire repair sealant and air into your tire to plug up the puncture and fully inflate your tire. After the sealant is installed and the vehicle has reached safety, be sure to permanently repair or replace the punctured tire within 100 miles or 3 days, so that the sealant does not cause balance issues with your remaining tires.

Highway vehicles are not the only tires that can benefit from repair sealant. Slime also offers non-highway sealants that prevent and repair flat tires in your ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, trailers, bicycles, lawnmowers, wheelbarrows and tractors for up to two years! As your tire rotates, Slime sealant coats the inside, instantly plugging up any holes and stopping slow leaks. In your non-highway vehicles, put Slime in before you head out for some offroading fun to prevent flats before they occur.

Shop NAPA AUTO PARTS quickly and safely using our Curbside Pickup service. Add your items to your online shopping cart, and select Curbside Pickup at checkout. You will be notified by email when your order is ready. Once you pull up outside the NAPA AUTO PARTS store, an associate will bring your order to your vehicle, confirm your ID, and get you back on the road in no time!