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I carry the same 12v air compressor as above in my C7 and also a tire plug kit. Provides some security and peace of mind if needed. 12v air compressor available at any Harbor Freight store.
There have been many posts talking about tire plug kits. Wonder if using one of them might hose up the tire enough that a proper repair might not be possible? Don
I bought an old school tire repair kit, and one of the slime kits with the compressor. It all fits in my little cubby.
If you plug most tires, you lose your Z rating. Just be cognizant of that. My opinion, is the plug / patch gets me to where/when I can change the tire.
I purchased the 7-minute Slime repair kit and pump from Amazon. I also understand if you need to use it, the Slime won't ruin the TPM sensor. Maybe some of our sponsors carry the same kit?
I bought it when I put the non-run flats on my C6, and kept it when I traded the car; now it's in the back of my C7. When the OEM tires wear out I'll probably replace them with Mich or Conti A/S tires.
As far as a plug kit? I honestly don't think I'm big enough or strong enough to lay sideways on the road shoulder under this car with a flat, and push/pull a plug through one of these tires.
90% or more of tire problems are slow leaks that the TPS will alert you to. Don't remove the screw/nail/etc. All you need is a small compressor to keep the tire inflated until you can drive it to a repair facility. And most times you don't even need that since most service stations have air pumps. That's what I recently had to do with my All Season non-runflat.
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90% or more of tire problems are slow leaks that the TPS will alert you to. Don't remove the screw/nail/etc. All you need is a small compressor to keep the tire inflated until you can drive it to a repair facility. And most times you don't even need that since most service stations have air pumps. That's what I recently had to do with my All Season non-runflat.
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Yes, it does take more space, but it inflates twice as fast, runs nice and cool, and the hose is long enough to reach all 4 times without having to carry the compressor from side to side. It's a much nicer unit.
For the compressor, your local Walmart is a great resource. They have many of the ones people have already listed. Remember you don't need anything fancy and smaller is often better as its easier to carry in the car.
I got a cheap one that also has a built in light for night usage. It rode in one of the back compartments of my C5 for years - kind of wish the C7 had such a compartment as it was really handy for this sort of thing. Switches over to my truck in the winter...and has never been used once Also, when on long trips away from home, I carry an extra large can of slime - the big ones intended for truck tires...just in case. That has also never been used.
In 14 1/2 years with my C5 was a screw in one of the rears (just as in one of the pictures someone posted) and as they said it was just a slow leak. I didn't even bother having it repaired because it happened when the OEM GoodYear's were due for replacement anyway...so I just got a new set from Tirerack.com.
After a terrible experience a year ago, ( 4:30 a/m. and literally 100 miles from any town), I now carry a combo kit ("slime"and compressor) at all times. Mine is German, but GM sells a similar kit for the Caddy SRX and other models.
I carry a plug kit plus the compressor at the link below. I agree with Sox-Fan that using a compressor that it powered by a cigarette lighter plug is not a good idea. This one attaches directly to the battery as well.
I carry a small Slime brand compressor from Pep Boys
And old style plug kit which uses "sticky strings"
Good heavy pair of pliers to pull nails or screws from the tire (ever try to do that just using your fingers? Ain't gonna happen!)
A pair of disposable rubber gloves helps keep your hands clean.
Once I notice a nail/screw or even a piece of glass... I would not drive it any further, as it may do more damage (and may not have penetrated the inside yet)...
Just pull the screw/nail and plug it if needed (a little dab of saliva will tell you if air is coming out), then go to a tire repair shop for professional plugging from the inside. I know they're "run flats"...but you just may save the tire and wheel if you have to drive any distance.
I avoid using liquid slime as it makes a gooey mess inside the tire and wheel...be kind/thoughtful to your tire repairman
Whatever kit/pump you carry, it's always a good idea to test it all out on an old used tire before you actually need it to make sure it'll work.
I also used this compressor in my C6 with non-run flats. As a test I let all the air out of one of the tires to see how long it would take to fill it back up to 30 psi. I only took 1 min. 45 sec. I was impressed.
In 15 years of daily driving a C5, C6 and now a C7, I've lost track of how many punctures I've had---probably close to a dozen---and the run-flat technology works very well. I don't carry a compressor or plug kit, just drive it to the tire store.
11-20-2015, 09:40 AM
12V compact air compressor
Also, when on long trips away from home, I carry an extra large can of slime - the big ones intended for truck tires...just in case. That has also never been used.
