No spare tire?

[jerick3265y]

I'm wondering how people plan to deal with the possibility of a flat. And with no jack supplied with the smart, buying another tire and wheel seems to address only part of the problem.

[angel]

I have AAA. Not like I'm going to change a tire myself anyways.

[Vlad92]

Maybe I'm just a big baby... but I'm going to call roadside assistance and let them deal with it! If it's a real emergency I'll use the kit provided.

[StevenM1TX]

No spare is probably one of my biggest issues with the car (of course I have almost no issues other than that). Since I'll almost exclusively be using it in the Austin metro area, I am willing to take the risk.

If I was using it in more remote areas or if it was my only car, it would be of even more concern. Guess I am old school. I can't imagine driving without at least being able to change a tire if needed normally. If you happen to be out in West Texas and tried waiting for service, it could be a very very long wait at some places.

[Xanthus]

I have this issue in 2 of my other cars as well. I think I will be keeping a "spare" in the garage if it happens relatively close to home, but they do have that fix a flat kit thing. That pared with a car battery operated compressor ought to handle most issues. Now for a Jack that fits I will have to look for something.

[BeSmart]

Originally Posted by Vlad92

Maybe I'm just a big baby... but I'm going to call roadside assistance and let them deal with it! If it's a real emergency I'll use the kit provided.

So they do provide a kit? What is in the kit? Some people do get a spare tire and put it behind the passenger seat. Not sure I would like to ride around with a loose tire ;). I've never used a patch and tire pump, other than with a bicycle. New experience. Seems like that would be easier than changing a tire??

[Xanthus]

There is a big kit thing that fits in the rear door compartment.

[StevenM1TX]

Originally Posted by BeSmart

Seems like that would be easier than changing a tire??

Changing a tire is about a 15 minute job, especially with small tires and only 3 lug nuts. It will probably take that long to get the compressor and "fix-a-flat" out, put the flat juice in the tire, and pump it up. And of course that is only a possible fix if the tire just has a small puncture in it and you were able to pull off the road before damaging the tire. All in all, I would prefer a spare, but space is certainly an issue with the smart.

[Belleveu1]

I hit the wrong button and I don't know where my reply went, but here it is again. I stopped by the local dealer yesterday and saw the flat repair kit. It consists of a plug in (battery) operated pump and a can of latex compound. the latex connects to the pump and is injected into the tire. After the latex sets up, the pump is no longer functional and is meant as a one time use pump. They didn't have the price, but it sounds expensive.

[smorris]

I've had one flat tire in the last 40 years while driving. I haven't carried a spare in my MG for several years (takes up too much room) and my scooters don't have spares. That doesn't stop me from travelling and enjoying them. I never think about it. I have zero concerns about the smart not having a spare. That leaves more space for my stuff!