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My wife and I are planning a driving vacation and I want to be prepared for a flat (that can be repaired). Some have slime vs plugs and all have a compressor. I have read clean up is a concern but doesn't concern me if it gets me going again. If this has been addressed before my search didn't show anything.
Recommendations please.
Thanks all,
Jim
As all the responses will be opinions, here’s mine. I’ve repaired two MPSS/ZPs using just a cheap plug kit. Both were easy & have lasted over 4K. My thought is that using “slime” will mess up the TPMS & gets a bit expensive & time consuming replacing it, since tire has to be dismounted. One tire was plugged w/o taking wheel off car. Front tire can be turned in/out to get clearance. Rear tire was done after removal since it was in garage. Rear tire can be moved forward till nail is located. It definitely helps to have a smallish phillips type screwdriver or similar tool to push through the hole to enlarge it enough to get the rather flimsy plug tool through the hole w/o bending or snapping it off. Of course if it’s damaged beyond plugging or in the sidewall you’re out of luck anyway. A small compressor in the rear cubby hole is needed to air it up. Small vice grips or leatherman tool is needed to pull the nail or such. My choice is vice grips to clamp on the nail then fulcrum it out by pushing down on the end of the vice grips. JMHO
Neighbor used slime - messed up TPS and gave him a vibration.
I have used the Tire Repair Plugs with good results. Once with crazy glue as an addition - for a tire that did not want to seal . Just get the kit with the " file" in it.
) These things seal up most small holes and will hold for a good while. If I use one, then at my first opportunity, I go to a tire shop and have them install a "plug patch" which is the Michelin approved repair, provided the hole is not near or in the sidewall. The plug patches are good for highway, but I never run a tire on the track that has been repaired in any way.
The rope plugs while OK, once used will not allow the tire shops to install the proper plug-patch. I keep rope plugs in the farm truck-OK for that use.
I like RF's for certain applications. However, once you run one flat, it is trash. At least a temp plug gives a chance to a longer tire life. With one tire =/> $400, seems a few bucks for a patch might be worth it. If the RF is at the end of life, and leaks, run it of course.
Besides the tools recommended by other posters [pliers, screw driver, compressor, & plug kit] I also carry the following:
1. Pair of gloves
2. Collapsible breaker bar & lug socket
3. Small flashlight
4. Very small tarp
5. Mercedes emergency tire jack...#W211, IIRC
6. Small block of wood for under the jack
I was told by my car guy that if I use the "slime" he would change me 3 times the price of a repair because of the mess. I understand that. I just carry a cheap plug kit, and pair of nippers, and a foot powered air pump. If it can't be repaired with those, I'll just drive it to the repair shop. If it's real bad the tire would probably need to be replaced anyway.
I have non-runflats on my C7r for trip use. I carry a small compressor, a pair of diagonal wire cutters, and a Victor Plug-n-Go kit ( https://www.amazon.com/Victor-22-5-6.../dp/B00CRCQFPS ) These things seal up most small holes and will hold for a good while. If I use one, then at my first opportunity, I go to a tire shop and have them install a "plug patch" which is the Michelin approved repair, provided the hole is not near or in the sidewall. The plug patches are good for highway, but I never run a tire on the track that has been repaired in any way.
The rope plugs while OK, once used will not allow the tire shops to install the proper plug-patch. I keep rope plugs in the farm truck-OK for that use.
Ingenious product does mean you need to carry a compressor. I think I’ll do more research though before buying.
The car came no spare and so also with run flat tires. Not Cooper's mind you. Super premium MIchelin's from the largest tire mfg in the world. Endorsed by the largest car mfg. You don't have to worry about a flat tire on the road. And yet many spend considerable time, effort, and money devising ways to repair the non run flats they insist on buying. The Big Brother Paranoia Syndrome is fully alive and kickin'. Their continuing Plan B is to carry a non OEM car jack in their car. Likely from Harbor Freight. Their process is to pull over, hand jack the car, dismount, plug. remount, and inflate with a accessory socket powered mini pump the tire while broken down on the shoulder of a busy interstate? Far worse, a hilly no shoulder back water black top. Miles from nowhere. That's no plan, that's nuts. Or no better, haul out a can of maybe it will work maybe not Slime and the mini pump. Endangering themselves, their passenger, and every driver passing by. Thankfully for those so inclined, Area 51 is just around the next bend.
The car came no spare and so also with run flat tires. Not Cooper's mind you. Super premium MIchelin's from the largest tire mfg in the world. Endorsed by the largest car mfg. You don't have to worry about a flat tire on the road. And yet many spend considerable time, effort, and money devising ways to repair the non run flats they insist on buying. The Big Brother Paranoia Syndrome is fully alive and kickin'. Their continuing Plan B is to carry a non OEM car jack in their car. Likely from Harbor Freight. Their process is to pull over, hand jack the car, dismount, plug. remount, and inflate with a accessory socket powered mini pump the tire while broken down on the shoulder of a busy interstate? Far worse, a hilly no shoulder back water black top. Miles from nowhere. That's no plan, that's nuts. Or no better, haul out a can of maybe it will work maybe not Slime and the mini pump. Endangering themselves, their passenger, and every driver passing by. Thankfully for those so inclined, Area 51 is just around the next bend.
You're over thinking this pap. If the tire has a screw, nail, etc you can roll the car until you see the object, pull it out, and plug it. There's no need to jack the car, and remove the tire. If you can't plug it drive on the run flat to the closest shop. Manufacturers advise if you run the tire without air for 50+ miles you need to replace the tire. If you can plug it, put air in it, and drive to the shop you may save yourself some money.
Last edited by Rebel Yell; 01-28-2019 at 01:19 PM.
Have a place in upstate NY, so you either learn to repair them on the road and carry what you need to do the job, or sit there until spring time, in larger cars or SUV's it's easy to carry supplies, the Vette you are limited, but in the rear floor hatch I have a small compressor, can of fix-a-flat (in case all else fails) and two plug kits that are in flexible storage bags. Done this on many cars, need no jack, or no need to remove the wheel from the car. I do this for a quick repair, when I have time I remove the tire and patch from the inside, it's overkill but it's peace of mind
My wife and I are planning a driving vacation and I want to be prepared for a flat (that can be repaired). Some have slime vs plugs and all have a compressor. I have read clean up is a concern but doesn't concern me if it gets me going again. If this has been addressed before my search didn't show anything.
Recommendations please.
Thanks all,
Jim
I have carried a plug kit (Slime brand) and compressor since car was new. My only occasion to use it happened not on the road but when my car was already on the lift, and it still wasn't easy. The tool could not penetrate the small nail hole, and I had to enlarge the hole with succesively larger drill bits to make it work. I now carry the appropriate drill bit and small Vise-Grips to turn it.. Repair was successful and I drove at least 5000 more miles until the tires were worn out. Even though my MPSS ZP would get me home, my goal is to avoid ruining it by driving it deflated.
I have carried a plug kit (Slime brand) and compressor since car was new. My only occasion to use it happened not on the road but when my car was already on the lift, and it still wasn't easy. The tool could not penetrate the small nail hole, and I had to enlarge the hole with succesively larger drill bits to make it work. I now carry the appropriate drill bit and small Vise-Grips to turn it.. Repair was successful and I drove at least 5000 more miles until the tires were worn out. Even though my MPSS ZP would get me home, my goal is to avoid ruining it by driving it deflated.
The carrying of a couple of drill bits is a great idea because as I said earlier, the hole will have to be enlarged to fit the flimsy plug tool through the hole w/o bending it. Remember, the tool & the plug (large & sticky) have to push through.The hole is also supposed be “roughed” up inside to give the plug a better fit. Just don’t lose the bit all the way through the tread.🤪 Gotta love “MOST” of the info on here, very helpful.
Last edited by madrob2020; 01-28-2019 at 05:50 PM.
I like RF's for certain applications. However, once you run one flat, it is trash. At least a temp plug gives a chance to a longer tire life. With one tire =/> $400, seems a few bucks for a patch might be worth it. If the RF is at the end of life, and leaks, run it of course.
Not sure what you mean by "At least a temp plug gives a chance to a longer tire life"... I would get rid of a tire with a plug as soon as possible.
All.
Thank you all for the suggestions and links. I'm going to stock up on most of your items. I have to admit we're not taking a vette south but my wifes M-roadster. A little smaller trunk than the C5 Z. First long road trip for us. Hope we enjoy it.
Jim
I carry a Slime compressor which has been helpful twice, with a slow leaking screw and a nail puncture, but with the run flats I decided against trying to plug a hole because Murphy would ensure the puncture would be inaccessible, and it would happen on the proverbial dark and stormy night.
Murphy was alive and well late one Saturday night when the right front sidewall split in the boonies 25 miles from civilization, but he didn't count on the run flats... Got home and was in bed before the tow truck would have arrived IF I had a decent cel signal... I plan on buying RFs when the time comes to replace the tires.
01-28-2019, 09:33 AM
Roadside tire repair
I just carry a cheap plug kit, and pair of nippers, and a foot powered air pump. If it can't be repaired with those, I'll just drive it to the repair shop. If it's real bad the tire would probably need to be replaced anyway.
