Having gotten my first flat in several years the other day, I can offer you this:
The screw that caused the flat was too close to the sidewall to fix the tire. The good news is that the low tire pressure light works. The good news is that I was pulling the car out of the garage when I saw the light. Removed said tire, and drove it to the tire store in the other than smart car.
The bad news is that no one locally had a tire in the correct size. Even with 1 day delivery from tire rack,(should be here today) I've got a car in the garage with 3 wheels since Sunday. If it were my only car, I'd be screwed.
Not sure what any of that means to anyone, just putting it out there.
So how do you jack up the smart? Have you found a jack that works?
Having gotten my first flat in several years the other day, I can offer you this:
The screw that caused the flat was too close to the sidewall to fix the tire. The good news is that the low tire pressure light works. The good news is that I was pulling the car out of the garage when I saw the light. Removed said tire, and drove it to the tire store in the other than smart car.
The bad news is that no one locally had a tire in the correct size. Even with 1 day delivery from tire rack,(should be here today) I've got a car in the garage with 3 wheels since Sunday. If it were my only car, I'd be screwed.
Not sure what any of that means to anyone, just putting it out there.
I wonder what would have happened if you called smart roadside and if they carry tires?
This may make a case for coating the insides of the tires? There's some info on the product in one of the forums. Supposedly, the USPS uses it on their vehicles.
So how do you jack up the smart? Have you found a jack that works?
Trolley Jack on the De Dion tube.
There is a bunch of stuff that looks like a jacking point under there, that is simply plastic parts. Take your time before sticking a jack under there and just trying to lift it.
I have had a flat after running through a pot hole. Cut the sidewall badly - nothing in the tire kit would have helped. I have had nails in both rear wheels. The leak was so slow that I would lose one pound a day. After 4 days the TPMS would light up. I took the car back to the dealer each time and they fixed the leaks for free.
If I am out and too far from the dealer for repair, I carry a repair kit from Nealy's. They cost $11.95 or $15.95 depending upon the size kit you want. I have used them on a lawn tractor with much success. It is reported that the repair does not affect the balance and is a permanent repair. For long duration trips, in my Brabus, I carry two spare tires (no wheels) due to the size difference between front & rear. I also purchased the tire/wheel contract package when I bought the car which I believe is good for 4 years. That way all I have to do is get towed to the nearest tire dealer for a swap. The tires can function as "suitcases" which I stuff full of things. The tires are in carriers with handles.
Like most, it is the idea of no spare that is the shock. The reality is that I have only ever used a spare twice in my life (33 years, 1+ million miles on my cars) - I have had more than two flats, but due to circumstances, either took the tire in for repair, had AAA take the whole car in for repair, etc.
Now, not being one to poke a finger in the belly of fate (there's an image for you!), when I go on long trips, I do carry a spare. Of course, I also carry a trailer (which has its own spare). And when I do the Dragon event, I bring four spares (to help cover anyone that didn't bring a spare). However, last year, no one needed them (and that is a good thing!).
Keep you eye on tire condition (tread wear, inflation, etc.), and you should be good, for the most part. If you are going someplace that makes road-side assistance less than optimal, get a spare...
Unless you plan to drive the car with excessively old, rotting, worn tires, the lack of a spare is a blessing because you have less weight to carry and more usable space inside the car.
If you are planning on taking a long distance road trip, a full size spare is best. Even larger family sedans, minivans, suv's, cars, etc, MOST of those have donut tires with a limited speed and range anyway. If you're going to travel out of state or into the middle-of-nowhere then it's not a bad idea to carry a spare smart rim and tire with you.
Other than that, the compressor and liquid latex combination should do just fine getting you home or to a repair shop.
the tire repair kit is included with our 2006 diesel smart car never used it .we carry the car with a motor home on a trailer when going south of Canada and many people can not understand the fuel economy we get with it which is over 75 mpg on the Canadian gallon --4.5 litres-cheers Blake in Lake Cowichan BC Canada
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1999 Ford Expedition
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