Spare Tire? Replacement tire fix kit?

[ryan112ryan]

So last night I found myself stranded on the side of the road, the tire kit didn't work one bit and it was cheaper to call AAA than 1800 Smart USA.

A few questions:

Spare Tire?

So I know the front and back are different, I want to stick with the recommended tire setup, how do I go about getting a spare? Please be very specific of which tire, which rim and where I can get it for the cheapest. I want something that can get me 30 miles or so regardless of it being the front or rear tire flat.

Replacement tire fix kit?

I hear that once you use the fix-a-flat stuff it ruins the air pump and that its really expensive to replace: is there a cheap source for this stuff? does it ruin the tire when you use it?

I hear allot of folks talking about the cheap green slime stuff, but have yet to hear how it works. Also I hear it ruins the tires, so you end up replacing them, even if they can be patched.

[jimbo2135]

I ran over a piece of metal that punctured my tire. The repair kit is only good for small punctures, so it didn't work. A replacement repair kit from smart runs around 100 bucks, so I got the slime kit. It fits in the rear door compartment, along with a jack kit I got from Smart Madness. I carry a front wheel now as a spare. it will work on the front or the back.

[ryan112ryan]

Originally Posted by jimbo2135

I ran over a piece of metal that punctured my tire. The repair kit is only good for small punctures, so it didn't work. A replacement repair kit from smart runs around 100 bucks, so I got the slime kit. It fits in the rear door compartment, along with a jack kit I got from Smart Madness. I carry a front wheel now as a spare. it will work on the front or the back.

you got this tire?

Continental ContiProContact
Front: 155/60R15

• Sidewall Style: Blackwall
  Serv. Desc: 74TLoad Index 74 = 827lbs (375kg) per tire
  Speed Rating "T" = 118mph (190kph)
  UTQG: Treadwear: 400
  Traction: AA
  Temperature: A
  400 AA A

have you actually tired either?

[jimbo2135]

I replaced the original wheels and tires, so I have one of the original fronts which I use for the spare. You can find one on here at times, or on ebay. If you post a thread saying you are looking for one, someone might offer an original wheel/tire for sale. Tire Rack has tire bags with a handle, and I use this as well.

[TomfromPA]

Original equipment steel rims for my pure were few dollars over a $100 from the dealer. TPMS and Perelli 190 Snow Controls from Tire Rack put total cost in the mid 200's per tire mounted and balanced.(don't ask the dealer what O.E. TPMS costs). I went for two fronts. Carry one as a spare most of the year, both on the rear for winter and carry one of the original Conti 3 season tires as a winter spare.

[ulflyer]

Ryan, I live near you if you want to buy a FRONT 9 spoke wheel and tire with 3500 mi on it. $100 and I can meet you half way from Salisbury. Email if interested: Clem@ptmc.net

[ExonicJay]

I have a 2" receiver hitch on my Smart and use it for carrying a spare tire.
I made a swing down arrangement to allow for access to the rear hatch door.
Works great!
More photos in the Exterior Modifications Gallery

[ulflyer]

I'm surprised someone hasn't made a spare tire holder for commercial sale. I'd love to have one that fits the tire up higher along with a lic plate bracket in the middle of the tire. Not sure thats even possible but it would look nice. How about it Smart Madness?

[ExonicJay]

I have had a lot of comments the Smart Continental is aesthetically to low.
I am working on a second prototype that will be higher.
The licence plate will have to be moved to the center of the tire or lower left or right on the Smart.
I will post pictures when completed.

[BARNEY O]

Originally Posted by ulflyer

I'm surprised someone hasn't made a spare tire holder for commercial sale. I'd love to have one that fits the tire up higher along with a lic plate bracket in the middle of the tire. Not sure thats even possible but it would look nice. How about it Smart Madness?

Biggest problem our company has run into with items like this has been product liability coverage.We generated several different quick attach products to fasten to a stainless steel bumper we allready produce.Our ins.carrier is fine with the bumper but not the attachments. It's not to say we can't secure the proper coverage but more importantly is the market big enough to justify the additional expense? Probably not yet.

Barney O.