small lightweight jack
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 986
Likes: 4
From: Galaxy Traveler
I have about 5 plugs in my camaro tires but the whole reason of a "proper" patch is it retains the speed rating where a plug does not, you should not have a problem with the plug if you are not driving at crazy speeds. But if you are going to be racing or anything else that involves high performance driving you are going to want to use a patch not a plug cause you dont want a problem with a tire at 120+.
NHTSA says: <--- click for more info
The proper repair of a punctured tire requires a plug for the hole and a patch for the area inside the tire that surrounds the puncture hole. Punctures through the tread can be repaired if they are not too large, but punctures to the sidewall should not be repaired. Tires must be removed from the rim to be properly inspected before being plugged and patched.
Tire Repair
The proper repair of a punctured tire requires a plug for the hole and a patch for the area inside the tire that surrounds the puncture hole. Punctures through the tread can be repaired if they are not too large, but punctures to the sidewall should not be repaired. Tires must be removed from the rim to be properly inspected before being plugged and patched.
Here's a couple of pics of the Mustang jack I put in mine. A larger eye bolt would fit better but the one I used is large enough to hold the jack in place while I turn the jack handle. I put it where the puck would go instead of carrying pucks.
Last edited by Han Solo; Oct 5, 2010 at 06:29 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 931
Likes: 35
From: Rowlett, Texas
I have a question about these jacks.
I have exactly 5 inches clearance to the jacking point on my stock-height car, sitting in the garage with the tires fully inflated.
If I had a flat on my non-run-flat tire, about how far would the car drop due to the flat? Would I still have enough room to get the jack under there out-in-the-field so to speak? I've got the temp puncture kit, flashlight, pump, blanket, gloves, etc; but a jack to get it up where I could work on it enough to get it home would add some peace of mind. Anyone had a realworld experience?
DG
I have exactly 5 inches clearance to the jacking point on my stock-height car, sitting in the garage with the tires fully inflated.
If I had a flat on my non-run-flat tire, about how far would the car drop due to the flat? Would I still have enough room to get the jack under there out-in-the-field so to speak? I've got the temp puncture kit, flashlight, pump, blanket, gloves, etc; but a jack to get it up where I could work on it enough to get it home would add some peace of mind. Anyone had a realworld experience?
DG
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,245
Likes: 25
From: Blue Ridge Georgia
Wrench, height is a problem. I've had that thought, all I know is that I used the slime stuff and aired up the tire and then it went flat again. I stopped and aired it up 2 more times and still destroyed the tire. If it happens again some how I'm going to plug it and carry a jack.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,518
Likes: 37
I don't think that that fix a flat is good for the tire at all. Got to think it throws the balance way off. Probably can't get it all out; not sure about that maybe it can all be cleaned out?? Most likely ruins the tire anyway.
With a plug I'd be comfortable continuing my trip and fixing later, with that spray goo need to fix or get a new tire right away.
Got to go with a plug if you can no doubt about it.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,360
Likes: 1,128
From: Dyer, IN
Man...I didn't think of all that. You're right, using a plug is the only way to go.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,518
Likes: 37
Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 642
Likes: 3
From: Calhoun, GA / USA GA
I have real world experience in my departed 02 Z06. Hit a large screw and punctured rear tire at speed. Stopped & plugged it beside interstate. Good sized hole = Took 3 plugs, but did it & then used my portable compressor to air it up. Stopped often to check tire pressure. NEVER did leak!
I've carried a plug kit + small scissors jack + small air compressor in every Vette I've owned. Will be the same on my 2010 Z06. Far superior to ruining the tire via continuing to drive without air pressure at slow speeds.
I've carried a plug kit + small scissors jack + small air compressor in every Vette I've owned. Will be the same on my 2010 Z06. Far superior to ruining the tire via continuing to drive without air pressure at slow speeds.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 931
Likes: 35
From: Rowlett, Texas
More scenarios. I agree with the plug method also.
I assume the jack is just used to get the wheel off the ground enough to facilitate getting to the puncture and getting it plugged?
No one is considering removing the wheel on the roadside and plugging it, I assume? So, how much does raising the car a few inches help in getting the job done? In looking at mine, a front flat should be okay, just turn the wheel and roll it to the puncture.
But, the RR is ALWAYS the one with the flat; I think you might be able to position the puncture to the rear, and reach it that way without a jack? Is there room above the tire to do the plug?
Does the jack just make it easier, or is it just about necessary for the job?
Ha, I think I'll let the air out of my RR and see if there's room to do a plug.
Been driving non-run-flats for 6 years, but always have that nagging concern - especially one night when a pressure sensor failed on the way to a nice restaurant. The prospect of trying to plug a tire in a suit was not pleasant - even with a nice OU blanket to trample on.
DG
I assume the jack is just used to get the wheel off the ground enough to facilitate getting to the puncture and getting it plugged?
No one is considering removing the wheel on the roadside and plugging it, I assume? So, how much does raising the car a few inches help in getting the job done? In looking at mine, a front flat should be okay, just turn the wheel and roll it to the puncture.
But, the RR is ALWAYS the one with the flat; I think you might be able to position the puncture to the rear, and reach it that way without a jack? Is there room above the tire to do the plug?
Does the jack just make it easier, or is it just about necessary for the job?
Ha, I think I'll let the air out of my RR and see if there's room to do a plug.
Been driving non-run-flats for 6 years, but always have that nagging concern - especially one night when a pressure sensor failed on the way to a nice restaurant. The prospect of trying to plug a tire in a suit was not pleasant - even with a nice OU blanket to trample on.
DG
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 3
From: Yorktown Virginia
More scenarios. I agree with the plug method also.
I assume the jack is just used to get the wheel off the ground enough to facilitate getting to the puncture and getting it plugged?
No one is considering removing the wheel on the roadside and plugging it, I assume? So, how much does raising the car a few inches help in getting the job done? In looking at mine, a front flat should be okay, just turn the wheel and roll it to the puncture.
But, the RR is ALWAYS the one with the flat; I think you might be able to position the puncture to the rear, and reach it that way without a jack? Is there room above the tire to do the plug?
Does the jack just make it easier, or is it just about necessary for the job?
Ha, I think I'll let the air out of my RR and see if there's room to do a plug.
Been driving non-run-flats for 6 years, but always have that nagging concern - especially one night when a pressure sensor failed on the way to a nice restaurant. The prospect of trying to plug a tire in a suit was not pleasant - even with a nice OU blanket to trample on.
DG
I assume the jack is just used to get the wheel off the ground enough to facilitate getting to the puncture and getting it plugged?
No one is considering removing the wheel on the roadside and plugging it, I assume? So, how much does raising the car a few inches help in getting the job done? In looking at mine, a front flat should be okay, just turn the wheel and roll it to the puncture.
But, the RR is ALWAYS the one with the flat; I think you might be able to position the puncture to the rear, and reach it that way without a jack? Is there room above the tire to do the plug?
Does the jack just make it easier, or is it just about necessary for the job?
Ha, I think I'll let the air out of my RR and see if there's room to do a plug.
Been driving non-run-flats for 6 years, but always have that nagging concern - especially one night when a pressure sensor failed on the way to a nice restaurant. The prospect of trying to plug a tire in a suit was not pleasant - even with a nice OU blanket to trample on.
DG
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 807
Likes: 21
From: Los Altos CA
Compact Jack
This subject has come up before and a very compact jack, made by VW, was suggested. I have attached a couple of pictures - one when all folded up and another the way it looks when it will be used. It is very simple, weights less than 4 lbs and is about 12" in the longest dimension. I got mine at a salvage yard for about $20. I get the jack plus a compressor and pucks for the lifting points all in the small compartment at the right rear of my vert and have room to spare..
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
just checked in on my post and saw all the repiles, boy did i open up a can of worms! great stuff and a lot of help and good advice. i have the run flats so it shouldn't drop much with a flat. i'm still looking but haven't decided on a jack yet but do intend to carry one. i think its a good idea.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 3
From: Yorktown Virginia
I would guess that even with out run flats your car should not even drop 2.5 inches being that is about the width of the sidewall. so 5-2.5 is 2.5 which is pretty low but I would guess you should have at least 3 inches even with no air in a non run flat tire.
