Who used their Fix-A-Flat kit?

[Smart Enuf]

Originally Posted by ShoshTrvls

I'm a big fix-a-flat fan -- I won't tell you how many times I've used it, or how long I've gone on a fix-a-flat tire without getting the tire patched or replaced. I was actually curious why Smart chose to include what appears to be a Rube Goldberg-type contraption rather than just a simple can of fix-a-flat. Anyone know?

Aerosol fix-a-flat products generally use hydrocarbon propellants, which raises flammability/liability issues for smart, the car owner and the tire repair person (i.e., most people forget to inform the repair person that they used the aerosol product, which can under some circumstances lead to problems or even an explosion if there is a spark during the tire repair). Smart (or at least their lawyers) would probably be concerned about cans of the stuff exploding in cars sitting under a hot sun (no matter how unlikely that may be). Given the extreme number of disclaimers and legalese in smart's user manual, I wouldn't be surprised if self-protection was the key concern for smart.

For what it's worth, the aerosol products also contribute to smog formation (due to the hydrocarbons), so using the smart kit arguably is a more environmentally friendly way of temporarily repairing the tire.

[D-NICE]

I choose not to get flats anymore. I've had a few and frankly, I didn't really care for them. They were a big inconvenience. So I decided to give them up.
Flat free and proud!

[MichaelJ]

Originally Posted by ShoshTrvls

I was actually curious why Smart chose to include what appears to be a Rube Goldberg-type contraption rather than just a simple can of fix-a-flat. Anyone know?

In addition to the above, a can of fix-a-flat won't completely inflate your tire - the compressor will.

[Smart Enuf]

Originally Posted by D-NICE

I choose not to get flats anymore. I've had a few and frankly, I didn't really care for them. They were a big inconvenience. So I decided to give them up.
Flat free and proud!

smart mind over matter. ;)

[bigcritter]

I ran across a tire repair kit at the local military exchange, and I'm thinking it might not be a bad thing to have. It's just like they use at the tire stores, with the self-adhesive plugs, a reamer, and the tool to insert the plug. I don't know why this wouldn't work.........so long as you know where the LEAK is!! Perhaps a spray bottle of soapy water in the rear cargo area might not be a bad idea either. I guess I'm still 'kinda puzzled about all the worrying over not having a spare tire. Maybe I've just been really, really lucky compared to everyone else, but I've driving for 35 yrs. now, all over the U.S., Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, and Canada, and I've had maybe 1 flat tire, and that one happened while it was parked at work. I had a dynamic failure on my camper van a couple of years ago. So........maybe I'm missing something, but the odds of actually getting a flat tire these days seems to be really, really small! Now......back when I was young and couldn't afford anything but "MAY POPS", when I had to conserve my money for more important stuff, like BEER, it was a different story!

[sheureka]

I bought this - http://www.tirerepairkit.com/whichkit.htm - just in case. I live out in the middle of nowhere so for under $15 (with shipping) I thought it might be useful.

[SmartWing]

I haven't received my smart yet but I have used kits similar to these two on automotive and motorcycle tires. It's a good idea to carry a small box of tools that will help in removing nails, screws and small objects. These are only designed for smaller holes and temporary use until the tire can be permanently repaired or replaced. I also recommend keeping both kits in the smart. I'd use Fix-A-Flat as my last resort.


Famous Stop & Go Tubeless Repair Kit - Honda Goldwing Parts and Accessories

patchboy: Plug Kit with Chrome Handle Tools in Hard Plastic Case

[SuperGeek]

Fix-A-Flat is designed to be used short-term, i.e. 50 miles or less. Get to a shop, fix the flat the normal way, before the stuff becomes a permanent addition. It's flammable, so tell the shop what you've done. Plus, they could hate you if the goop gets on their tools and you haven't warned them.

I've also noticed when I once neglected to repair a tire properly and just kept Fix A Flat in there, it affected the balance of the tire... at highway speeds there was a noticeable vibration. Tire shop removed the goop or replaced the tire, I forget which, and the vibration was gone.

[SmartDigger]

Some tire places will say anything to sell a tire. My guy said it might make the tire wear out faster or oddly but it is safe to use.