When you really need a tire!!!

[sberger]

Smarty was on the side of the highway last week on three legs. Had a flat on the rear, so pulled over to put in a plug, from the plug kit of which I carry in the car. Much better than that slime. Bad news, it was a cut in the tire. Almost 4 PM and called a friend to give me a hand, and he got there very quickly, but we went to three tire places prior to 5 PM and none had a tire to fit. Finally did get the last place to put a patch on the inside of the tire, just good enough to get me home.
Moral of the story is to know your area tire people and know who does and does not have your size tires available. I finally ordered tires from Tire Rack, and got them on today. Just a warning, have a spare tire somewhere in the garage, just in case of a real emergency. Most places do not stock our size tires!!!!!

[SubSlr88]

I think I'd opt for a pair of 185x60's on the rear if I couldn't find a 175 right away. They can be found most everywhere pretty reasonably. If you want to go a bit bigger, the 195x60 should be available in several flavors at most tire shops.
I keep a spare front rim/tire in the garage, just in case. . .

[canon1753]

185/60s... found anywhere.... I just remember a long time ago that only Goodyear made that size for Neons with 15 inch wheels. Time changes.

[Kermit]

Get lots of your friends and family to buy Smarts and then get an extra for yourself. If something like that happens again, borrow the one off your spare car or the family and friends.

I should pick up a spare though........just in case.

[Mike T]

I carry a 115/70-15 emergency spare at all times, in a Bag Lady bag. It fits in behind the fully extended driver's seat....of my 450 model.

I got it after my first flat in 2005. Of course, I've not had one since!

[unicycle]

I think the obvious solution, which Bee almost hit on, is to carry a spare smart. That way, if one breaks down, you just pull out the other and drive away. There should be plenty of room in a large wallet, purse, or back pocket.

I wouldn't be surprised if I got a spare smart in a few years. Eventually Cheewawa is going to go the way of all dogs. She's already got 42K miles.

[jefferios]

Wow, 42K miles that is incredible.

[rfernatt]

Another advantage to switching to 195/50s all the way around - greater availability of a spare.

[Woody14619]

This is the main reason I put my snow tires on rims. Worst case I can go home, grab the snow tire and plug that one in place until I can repair the normal one. (Or the other way round in winter.)

[ssppxyz]

Originally Posted by Mike T

I carry a 115/70-15 emergency spare at all times, in a Bag Lady bag. It fits in behind the fully extended driver's seat....of my 450 model.

I got it after my first flat in 2005. Of course, I've not had one since!

Which size is closer to stock?

115/70-15 or 125/70-15 ?

(with both being "donut" spares)