a self - healing tire containing an inner tube is obtained by a method comprising coating either the surface of the tube or the inner surface of a tire casing with a tacky , non - flowing sealant material . prior to insertion of the inner tube , the surface of the sealant or the opposing surface of the tube or casing or both are coated with a anti - tack material , such as a plasticizer for the sealant . the anti - tack material renders the sealant non - tacky for a period of time long enough for insertion and inflation of the tube . however , the anti - tack material allows the sealant surface to become tacky again thereby adhering the tube to the casing and providing for sealing of the tube when it is punctured .