tire inflator question

donnyonee · 10-18-2009, 02:23 PM

anyone, can the stock tire inflator be used without the goop to blow up water toys? ive never even looked at it and was wondering. thanks

jefferios · 10-18-2009, 02:28 PM

I think it can, but I'd be afraid of the motor failing on it. I don't think its meant/designed for long term use.

I used to have a similar pump in a emergency car kit, when I used it for an air mattress it started to smoke after a few minutes!

NeWave · 10-18-2009, 02:40 PM

I have a mini "air compressor" type pump, sounds exactly like the smart's supplied inflator also with a pressure guage. Does it's job well. It's not meant to be used for more than a few minutes at a time, 10 max I believe. It get's pretty hot. Good for topping off in a jiff though. The inflator valve is standard tire valve size, dunno how that'd work with the inflatables...

John_H · 10-18-2009, 05:24 PM

I topped off my tires with the smart's inflator before heading from Portland to SF for the Lombard shoot last year. It works fine, no goop needed if you're just adding air.

donnyonee · 10-18-2009, 06:00 PM

thanks, thats what i needed.
actually i bought 2 folding bikes to take camping with me and my ensamble (?) . i got a yellow citizen and a pink citizen for the wife. the compressor would be for the bike tires if needed.

Jeff C. · 10-20-2009, 10:05 AM

I just bought an inexpensive tire inflation air compressor to be used to top off the tires .I am anticipating that as the temperature drops as winter advances the TPMS might be causing the warning light to come on.On the few occassions that it HAS come on already I find that I react by being more jittery about adding the air as soon as possible than what the situation probably actually calls for.As a peace of mind strategy I figured that the $15 that Wally-World wanted for the air compressor was entirely worth it.I actually bought a can of Fix-a-flat also to be used as a get you to the tire shop measure after a puncture.I have never operated a car before that has the TPMS feature.The can of Fix-a-flat claims that it doesnt throw off the TPMS.I would think that if it is thought to be a rational solution to finding your tire punctured that it would be a prefferable approach to using the goop that comes with the Smart.Any comments?

AdamAtSCD · 10-20-2009, 10:31 AM

op: yes it can be used without the goop.

jeff: do know that your smart came equipped with those items? If your just replacing/upgrading them then I understand but they should be there. The air pump and fix a flat should be under your passenger side dash in a plastic case.

If you can just inflate your tire enough to get to a tire shop they might be able to repair the tire but if you put the fix a flat/goop stuff you will need to replace your tire. So yes using the air to get your car to a service station would be the best.

OR if you have the tire and wheel warrenty then just pull over and give smart usa a call and they will send a flat bed to take you to a service station where they will give you a new tire for free.

karen103a · 10-20-2009, 04:37 PM

The baby compressor works fine. All of our tires were down around 8 pounds, and the baby compressor inflated them nicely. Screws on and gives you the current pressure, you just toggle it on and off until the needle's where you want it. Beautiful.

donnyonee · 10-20-2009, 05:39 PM

thanks adam.

ive done a few plugs on tubeless tire and alway have had good luck. i have a plug kit and a can of sealant in the car besides the smart stuff, compressor and goop. also a aluminum sciorrs (sp?) jack and sm breaker bar with a socket for the car and another for the trailer. and a couple hand tools. be prepared.

and in my camp stuff i keep the bike patch kit and tire bars. bikes will be delivered friday. im looking forward to them, their a early xmas present. and lights and baskets are coming too. this will be a real hoot!