On-Road Tire Repair Kit Poll

[edaddy]

I've used a Pep Boys style tire plugger at home (with jack, wheel removed, compressor, etc.) with great results in the past. I don't think this method would be very convenient to use if a flat happens while on the road though.

I'm thinking about assembling a kit in the attached photo. Register your opinion:

[MattG]

A DIY kit is a neat idea, though I think an electric air compressor is unnecessary for something like that. A simple footpump, as designed for bicycles or sporting goods, is MORE than adequate for a simple car tire and is what I use most often. It's more reliable than an electric compressor too (not to mention cheaper).

[TimMullen]

I always dislike the "polls" that are carefully worded to get the answer that is desired.

No, I don't intend to carry a tire repair kit. I don't have complete faith in the can in the boot. Yes, if I was to get a flat, I can have the car towed to home/shop and have the tire repaired. No, I don't have faith in tire plugs, especially "do it yourself" plugs. I will only have my tires repaired by patching from the inside. I might consider a plug as an "emergency" repair, but only if it was properly patched later on...

Then again, it's been over 20 years since the last time I got a flat on the road, and that was a side wall slice that couldn't have been repaired anyway. Any other "flat" has been a slow leak that is fixed by me jacking the car up on the driveway and taking the wheel/tire to the shop.

[LotusFamily]

You forgot the "No need for a kit, if my tire goes flat I will call a flat bed tow truck to come get her" option.

[lotus54]

I have one of the 'stop n go' tyre pluggers for my Ducati.
So far I have not had to use it, but I was on a ride with another person that got a flat (really nice 999R) and the plug kit worked great. He continued to ride the bike for many thousands of miles with no problems on the plug.

I have a cheapo 12v compressor from Harbour Freight ($10) and it works quite well.

If I manage to swing an Elise, I plan on bringing this setup along in the auto also.

Mark

[turbo2nr]

Where is the "AAA" option?
Or how about, " I own an elcosed trailer and a truck, and would fix it myself"
Or, "I race and have extra wheels that my wife would bring me."
I have used the DIY tire plugs forever. I have a set in every car, even one in my boat, for the trailer. They work just fine. I have even used two plugs in one hole. No big deal. The tire will not blow up, or deflate instantly if plug leaks. Never had one come out.

[evomind]

for most people most of the time, calling a truck etc from the side of the road is fine.
but last spring when i drove from chicago to vegas and back, my biggest fear was a flat tire somewhere in no mans land.....how long would i wait for a truck? where would it take me? would they have a flatbed? (doubt it)
how soon could i get a replacement tire? any tire?
so, for a few bucks, for some of us some of the time, a kit like this may be a good idea.

[LotusFamily]

Always remember if you hit car trouble you can call your friendly Sheriff's Dept. on 911 (cells will bounce off the nearest tower and be routed to the proper dept.) and we will send you help in some form or another. Most people dont seem to think about this as an option when they break down. ***Please advise if you are good looking and we may come faster ***

[Shiftlock]

Originally Posted by LotusFamily

Always remember if you hit car trouble you can call your friendly Sheriff's Dept. on 911 (cells will bounce off the nearest tower and be routed to the proper dept.) and we will send you help in some form or another. Most people dont seem to think about this as an option when they break down. ***Please advise if you are good looking and we may come faster ***

I thought 911 was reserved for real emergencies, and unless you're stuck in a hazardous spot, car trouble doesn't qualify. Am I wrong?

[TimMullen]

Originally Posted by Shiftlock

I thought 911 was reserved for real emergencies, and unless you're stuck in a hazardous spot, car trouble doesn't qualify. Am I wrong?

I've called 911 on my cell phone several times to report broken down cars near intersections, etc. When they answer and ask "What is your emergency?", I quickly say it's not an emergency, but I didn't know what number to call - then I tell them what it's about. They've never told me that I've done anything wrong, and aways thanked me for the information afterward. I also wouldn't be upset if they couldn't take the call, or I was preempted for another emeregency...