Spare tire or repair kit?

[jacobzcool1]

Are tire repair kits (plugs) things that actually work? That would fit in the car alot easier than an actual spare tire?

Where would the spare go and the items needed to actually even change the tire?

[SylenThunder]

Plugs typically strech the steel bands in the tire apart and can make it more prone to failure. the bottle of fix-a-flat that is included under the passenger floorboards should be sufficient for most situations. The only time I have ever needed a full spare was when I cracked a wheel, and I just call a freind to pick the full-size spare up from my house when that happends.

[Old smart]

Originally Posted by jacobzcool1

Are tire repair kits (plugs) things that actually work? That would fit in the car alot easier than an actual spare tire?

Where would the spare go and the items needed to actually even change the tire?

Are tire repair kits (plugs) things that actually work?

Yes they do. But they are never professionally considered as a final fix, though in reality they are often so. Best strategy is to do it, and at some reasonable time afterward have the tire re-plugged with an internal mushroom plug. That then is permanent.

Tire "goo" is never a permanent fix, and it involves a considerable expense to clean the goo out before the above noted mushroom plug can be installed.

Initially, a plug-job can do everything or more than a goo-job can. The goo job is very short-term before permanent rapair.

But, the plug-job may require a wheel removal to insert the plug where the goo job doesn't (though it does involve some immediant "distribution driving").

[jwight]

As posted elsewhere: Nealey Tire Repair Kit

[jacobzcool1]

O.o do you know if that nealey kit actually works? That is definitely something that would easily fit inside of the hatchback door!

Would it still be best for me to have a spare at my house in case i got stuck somewhere someone could run it out to me?

thanks!

[SuperGeek]

Nealey advertises that their rope-style are better than others and better than mushroom plugs. Setting aside commercial profit interests, does anyone have firsthand experience on rope vs plug or Nealy vs. the $5.99 Slime brand rope style patch kit I saw at Autozone?


I'm leaning towards Nealey because even though it's twice the cost, an extra six bucks (one time purchase, most likely) to cover my assets is worth it.

And I plan to get a spare for the just-in-case... all I need is to hit a sharp pothole or slice the sidewall and no patch will help.

[jwight]

More discussion: http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/for...r-smart-10061/

Other forum members have tried and recommend the Nealy kit.

[JPaul]

Way back, I use to have umbrella shaped plugs of various diameters. One had to...
first, enlarge the hole to a specific diameter with a mesh-like drill bit
second, cover an inserting tool with the umbrella
third, dip the contraption in a vulcanizing goo
fourth, insert in the hole and retract, for the umbrella to open inside, and adhere to the inner surface of the tire.
Similar to those anchors for dry walls.
It did work wonder (I was travelling from Europe to Nepal then... no gas stations to help!) and saved us lots of times. No idea if this is still available. But I suspect that the Nealy kit works somewhat the same way...

[jacobzcool1]

I think i saw that somewhere JPaul! but i can't remember where...it looked time consuming...well thanks you all! I think I am Reserving my Smart on Friday! Woot!

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by JPaul

Way back, I use to have umbrella shaped plugs of various diameters. One had to...
first, enlarge the hole to a specific diameter with a mesh-like drill bit
second, cover an inserting tool with the umbrella
third, dip the contraption in a vulcanizing goo
fourth, insert in the hole and retract, for the umbrella to open inside, and adhere to the inner surface of the tire.
Similar to those anchors for dry walls.
It did work wonder (I was travelling from Europe to Nepal then... no gas stations to help!) and saved us lots of times. No idea if this is still available. But I suspect that the Nealy kit works somewhat the same way...

Yes, JPaul the "mushroom" plugs are still available and work great! I have personally used both the mushroom plug and the Nealy and I can tell you they both work great (the Nealy works slightly different, but along the same lines, no glue needed) in my 40+ years of 2 wheel driving I have only had to use these kits 3 times; I can't remember the last time I had a flat on one of my cars