Flat Tire--Now What?

[SIIK2NR]

Originally Posted by codymac

Tire plug kit.

I've patched many a tire with those kits. I swear by them.

[25psi_Elise_Killer]

I'm just curious, do the tire shops have a pain in the ass time cleaning out all that tire goo stuff?

[xtn]

Originally Posted by lpmnorth

Hi Guys,

Let's get back to the thread. If the fix-a-flat does not work and you are over 200 miles from home--now what?

I've spelled out the best solution (at least I think it's the best) a few times now.

Remove the fix-a-flat crap and throw it in the trash can. Carry instead one (1) plug kit including the plug tools, one (1) pair of dykes, and one (1) tiny emergency air compressor that can plug into your cig lighter.

You have expensive (well, relatively speaking) performance tires. If properly plugged they can get you home and soon be properly patched by a pro for continued use. If fix-a-flatted, even if it works and it gets you home, the tire is trashed.

xtn

[Audiophile]

Originally Posted by 25psi_Elise_Killer

I'm just curious, do the tire shops have a pain in the ass time cleaning out all that tire goo stuff?

In order to repair a tire, the tire sealant must be removed completely, its also only suppose to be a temporary repair and will more then likely throw the balance of the tire off. All manufacturers void all waranties on the tire when tire sealant is used on them, it attacks the liner of the tire and makes the structural integrety of the tire unknown. Tire sealant should be a the worst case scenario fix.

For 99% of common tire injuries XTN's approach is a much better idea. The compressor may be needed anyways to inflate the tire, even with tire sealant.

I've only had one flat that left me on the side of the road, and in that case I was only 2 miles from home, all the others I could limp home or went down in my driveway(the 7 others) the chances of getting a blow out flat far away from home is pretty slim. With technology being what it is today, it won't keep you down more then 3 days in the absolute worst situation(in the US).

[LARRY]

I caught a nail. Tire deflated.

I used the new, bigger fix-a-flat can that I had stored in my trunk.

Once I got to the tire store (Globe) they removed the tire, cleaned off the gunk quickly and patched the tire. NOT a pain in the ass.

So there you go...

It works!

(Lotus must of done a little testing with it before deciding that it would be the tire inflator for their cars.)

[codymac]

Originally Posted by SIIK2NR

I've patched many a tire with those kits. I swear by them.

Me too, unfortunately.

Originally Posted by 25psi_Elise_Killer

I'm just curious, do the tire shops have a pain in the ass time cleaning out all that tire goo stuff?

Yes - fast way to make your tire guy hate you. Always be sure to warn them too.

[wrh3]

This:
http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/...tkit/index.jsp


And a plug kit/tools (the above has tire goo, but I don't really like tire goo)

[jlstyle82]

Originally Posted by LARRY

Otherwise, call AAA and ask for a flatbed tow truck...they are the best way to tow the car without possibly dragging the rear end.

If your rear tire is totally flatted, they can't tow your car up to the bed without scrapping rear bottom.
When my UNLOWERED S2k got bad flat on the rear, even flat bed couldn't tow my car because it was scrapping rear bottom so bad and AAA guy didn't want to risk damaging my car and reliable for the repair.
So after that incident, I carry block of 2x10 studs in my trunk now.

[MyFutureSelfnMe]

All flatbed operators should be carrying wood blocks for cars that are too low.

The fix a flat was totally useless the one time I attempted to use it. There is this stuff called E6000 (like rubber cement, used to repair conveyor belts in factories so much stronger) that comes in a tube and is available from fabric stores. If I ever get another flat, I would prefer to try using that stuff to repair it - in conjunction with an air compressor that plugs into a cigarette lighter plug. I will be traveling across the desert in Mexico in the spring and I will *need* a reliable way to keep moving if I get a flat. Does this method sound reasonable to you guys, or do you think I should carry a spare?

[xtn]

Originally Posted by MyFutureSelfnMe

The fix a flat was totally useless the one time I attempted to use it. There is this stuff called E6000 (like rubber cement, used to repair conveyor belts in factories so much stronger) that comes in a tube and is available from fabric stores. If I ever get another flat, I would prefer to try using that stuff to repair it - in conjunction with an air compressor that plugs into a cigarette lighter plug. I will be traveling across the desert in Mexico in the spring and I will *need* a reliable way to keep moving if I get a flat. Does this method sound reasonable to you guys, or do you think I should carry a spare?

Uh... are you for some reason adverse to using the tried and true tire plug? You need to reinvent the wheel? Tire plugs are cheap and they do the job in a most excelent manner. Next best thing to a patch.

xtn

[edaddy]

I put together a kit that I carry all the time. Details and a survey on opinions for being ready for a flat are here.

[Notorious L.R.G.]

Originally Posted by xtn

I've spelled out the best solution (at least I think it's the best) a few times now.

Remove the fix-a-flat crap and throw it in the trash can. Carry instead one (1) plug kit including the plug tools, one (1) pair of dykes, and one (1) tiny emergency air compressor that can plug into your cig lighter.

xtn

What do you need the lesbians for?

(Seriously, is dykes British for cigars? Since fags are cigarettes?)

[YELOROCKET1]

as the late great Jimmy Durante would say, "everybody a comedian!!"

[xtn]

Originally Posted by Notorious L.R.G.

What do you need the lesbians for?

(Seriously, is dykes British for cigars? Since fags are cigarettes?)

They are also knows as Diagonal Cutting Pliers or Side Cutting Pliers.

xtn

[lpmnorth]

Well, here is the damage!

I called Wesco in Van Nuys today and I will have a replacement tire tomorrow. I guess they are not on back order if it is an emergency.

I like the idea of having a spare front and rear on hand at home. I could always rent a car--drive home and return to my poor Lotus. I may also consider carrying a bottle jack and some tools.

I will check to see if any of the local car places (Pep Boys, Discount Tires, etc.) carry any tire that would fit in an emergency.

Maybe Lotus could provide over-nite shipping of a tire and a wheel for a price.

Thanks for all your suggestions.
Keep them coming.


LPM

[Surferjer]

Damn, that tire is seriously dead.

[lpmnorth]

For $100 you can buy a Vanus tire from Pep Boys in 225-45 x 17. I'm not going to be the first one to buy a full set and try them out but, atleast it could get me home.

I'm sure if you are willing to stay longer at your destination there might be some more options, like over-nite shipping.

I just hope Pep Boys doesn't damage my wheel and where can I find a small jack the will fit under the Lotus?

See you on the road!

LPM

[necro]

Originally Posted by 25psi_Elise_Killer

Got that covered. I got these stickers at 3 locations on my car.

Hmmm... I wonder if Sweetdaddy could make one for lotus

[RegGuy]

Originally Posted by Audiophile

...98% of my driving is done with in a 1/2 mile of my home, ...

How?

[NMRJock]

Originally Posted by RegGuy

How?

If I were the photoshopping type I'd photoshop a house into the middle of a satellite photo of Infineon...