Flat Tire Fix

[MaryG]

Had my first flat tire yesterday. Ran over a long bolt. We decided not to use the tire fix that comes with the Smart. Instead, bought a tire plug kit, then got a compressor to pump up the tire. This worked perfectly. We then took it to Discount Tires (in Harlingen, TX) where they tried to use the wrong size socket to take off the tire. Long story short, they agreed to replace the three lug bolts damaged, and not charge us for the fix.

We made up our own emergency kit: a $30 compressor (from Pep Boys), new, unopened tire plug kit, and the two tools with it, a 15 mm socket, and a good flash light. This fits nicely in the storage compartment in the tailgate.

By the way, we have TWO SMARTS. We live in NY in the summer (have a yellow and black) and Texas in the winter (a 2009 blue/silver). Do we love SMARTS????? We sure do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jimvw57]

I thought there was a compressor in the tire repair ki, Ive never had the floor up yet so I don't know for sure. Just thought I was told there is one in there.

[jetfuel]

...yes there's one, but can't recall if it will work without the bottle of slime in the system...

jetfuel

[MaryG]

I don't know about that. We'll take a look tomorrow. Can't remember whether there was anything in the manual about one..................

[Macaw]

Originally Posted by jetfuel

...yes there's one, but can't recall if it will work without the bottle of slime in the system...

jetfuel

Works fine without the slime....

[Rmichael1]

Picked up a screw and used a can of fix a flat then took it to Round Rock smart and got a new tire no charge, since I purchased the tire protection plan. All I need is one more screw and the plan has paid for itself. Since my place of employment has begun a 2-4 year multi-million dollar reconstruction phase it might really pay off in nails and screws! hee hee.

[NeWave]

I just got a front spare from tire rack, a jack, and a lug wrench. tada. There's my tire kit. Flats follow my cars around it seems...

[JPaul]

Originally Posted by Macaw

Works fine without the slime....

Works fine without the goo for me too.
Used the kit to correct the tires' pressure several times. But I didn't trust the kit's gauge, so I got a separate gauge to double check... and it happens to be pretty accurate.

[Kermit]

I had an issue the other day where it it would of been in my favor to have 15mm socket in the car. I normally carry one but happened to take it out of my car for the repaint.

NEW kit I keep in my car now:
Slime flat kit (got on clearance for $1.97, normally $20 and has compressor and slime in kit - called a "Smart Kit" )
Ratchet w/15mm socket to tighten any lugnuts should they be loose for some reason

I do keep other tools but they aren't for the wheels.

[mrc59]

Well, I've had her for a week, and I picked up a huge staple in the tread. Nice. I tried a tire repair, and it leaked like a sieve. So, off to Pep Boys for a pro patch. Question: what's the proper wheel torque?