Tire Pump Recommendations
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,338
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
I went to Wally World and bought the cheapest 12 volt battery one they had which was one made by Slime. I deflated a tire and inflated it with the pump. Worked. You might also want to consider a low scissor's jack. I went to the local Salvage Yard and picked up a Chrysler PT Cruiser OEM (2001-09) scissor jack with the bag. Fits under the car You might also consider making or buy hockey pucks used for lifting plus purchasing a tire plug kit. Thankfully never had to use them.
Last edited by rrwirsi; May 12, 2022 at 12:00 PM. Reason: clarified info
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 135
From: Maryland
Back around 2003, when I got rid of the run-flats, I picked up an Interdynamics Truck Air compressor. Supposedly has higher flow (you don't really care about the pressure). Still have it and it seems ok but wouldn't want to fill a tire from dead flat.
Depending how much $ you want to spend, I think you can get some very high flow 12 v compressors like the type used for low-rider hopping.
Depending how much $ you want to spend, I think you can get some very high flow 12 v compressors like the type used for low-rider hopping.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 529
Likes: 197
From: Columbus, MS
None. Carrying an inflator is a waste of time, space, and money. Think about it-- how often do you experience a flat tire? NOW think of all the flat tires you've experienced, and think of how many would have been corrected on the side of the road if only you had a way to put more air in the tire. Chances are you arrive at a number very close to zero because tires don't "just go flat". Usually they have some kind of puncture or other damage that prevents them from holding air no matter how much you pump in it. Maybe some tire slime would help, but that would mean you had better experience with it that I have the few times I've tried it.
Your best bet is to just get a roadside assistance plan from AAA, your insurance company, or any other provider. For long road trips it might be worth it to carry a spare tire just to be able to limp it somewhere you can get the offending tire replaced.
Your best bet is to just get a roadside assistance plan from AAA, your insurance company, or any other provider. For long road trips it might be worth it to carry a spare tire just to be able to limp it somewhere you can get the offending tire replaced.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,210
Likes: 167
From: Rochester Hills Michigan
None. Carrying an inflator is a waste of time, space, and money. Think about it-- how often do you experience a flat tire? NOW think of all the flat tires you've experienced, and think of how many would have been corrected on the side of the road if only you had a way to put more air in the tire. Chances are you arrive at a number very close to zero because tires don't "just go flat". Usually they have some kind of puncture or other damage that prevents them from holding air no matter how much you pump in it. Maybe some tire slime would help, but that would mean you had better experience with it that I have the few times I've tried it.
Your best bet is to just get a roadside assistance plan from AAA, your insurance company, or any other provider. For long road trips it might be worth it to carry a spare tire just to be able to limp it somewhere you can get the offending tire replaced.
Your best bet is to just get a roadside assistance plan from AAA, your insurance company, or any other provider. For long road trips it might be worth it to carry a spare tire just to be able to limp it somewhere you can get the offending tire replaced.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,420
Likes: 302
From: CSRA, SC
AAA is a complete waste of money. <begin rant> I've needed assistance for various reasons (keys locked in the car, sploded a tire and the spare had 0psi and lost the bead, others) and never been able to get assistance within 2 hours with AAA. The problem is they offer the tow operators they call a fraction of their normal rate so they decline the jobs. That's why it takes 30+ mins just for them to find someone willing to come help you. Just pony up the normal price and call a local tow operator for help. You'll pay for it but they'll actually come help in reasonable time. So if you don't need roadside assistance more than once every couple years you'll still come out on top and not have to wait on the BS. </end rant>
Pro
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 529
Likes: 197
From: Columbus, MS
AAA is a complete waste of money. <begin rant> I've needed assistance for various reasons (keys locked in the car, sploded a tire and the spare had 0psi and lost the bead, others) and never been able to get assistance within 2 hours with AAA. The problem is they offer the tow operators they call a fraction of their normal rate so they decline the jobs. That's why it takes 30+ mins just for them to find someone willing to come help you. Just pony up the normal price and call a local tow operator for help. You'll pay for it but they'll actually come help in reasonable time. So if you don't need roadside assistance more than once every couple years you'll still come out on top and not have to wait on the BS. </end rant>
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,828
Likes: 4,635
Not always! Was in our Caddy coupe with no spare no run flats and at the gym when coming out noticed the tire almost flat with screw. Glad I had the GM supplied compressor as it was leaking fast as I was filling so I pumped it up in to the 40’s pressure enough for me to jump in and go a few miles to a Belle Tire - when they finally drove it in for repair it was completely flat! Saved me! Now I throw a bottle of slime can in the back.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,828
Likes: 4,635
AAA is a complete waste of money. <begin rant> I've needed assistance for various reasons (keys locked in the car, sploded a tire and the spare had 0psi and lost the bead, others) and never been able to get assistance within 2 hours with AAA. The problem is they offer the tow operators they call a fraction of their normal rate so they decline the jobs. That's why it takes 30+ mins just for them to find someone willing to come help you. Just pony up the normal price and call a local tow operator for help. You'll pay for it but they'll actually come help in reasonable time. So if you don't need roadside assistance more than once every couple years you'll still come out on top and not have to wait on the BS. </end rant>
Last edited by grinder11; May 13, 2022 at 07:41 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 154
Likes: 99
From: Dallas
FYI, I had Hagerty insurance for my Jeep CJ and when I got my C5Z I asked, and they would cover it (they only cover collectible / older cars). Hagerty has great roadside assistance. Never had to use it but they have a great rep. Included with your policy.
probably better option than AAA.
probably better option than AAA.