Spare Tire vs. Fix A Flat

[Hank_VA]

I'm still new to the forum and I don't have my car yet.(Next week) But I have been doing my homework on all the maintenance issues, etc.

Since the tire circumference is really, really important, is it a good idea to keep a can of fix-a-flat in the car, instead of relying only on the spare tire? I've heard that the stuff makes a mess out of the rims, but I'm thinking that a full size tire repaired with fix-a-flat is going to be better than a spare, right?

I guess if you have side puncture, the spare is your only choice ... just curious to hear what others think.

[Ruh Roh]

depends on how long you plan on driving it for. if your going on a long trip maybe bring a can with you incase so you have two optio0ns. depending on tire pressure, fix a flat it then drive it to air pump. if it goes flat then use your spare until u can take it to a shop.

for me i dont carry anything. just call a tow truck. weight reduction-becauseracecar

[anpato]

depends on how long you plan on driving it for. if your going on a long trip maybe bring a can with you incase so you have two optio0ns. depending on tire pressure, fix a flat it then drive it to air pump. if it goes flat then use your spare until u can take it to a shop.

for me i dont carry anything. just call a tow truck. weight reduction-becauseracecar

^This hahaha, no spare or jack for me. Becauseracecar

[11blackSTi]

I actually carry a portable tire pump with me that plugs into my cigarette lighter! Obviously wouldn't do me any good if i shredded a tire, but fix a flat probably wouldn't either.

[Hank_VA]

I actually carry a portable tire pump with me that plugs into my cigarette lighter! Obviously wouldn't do me any good if i shredded a tire, but fix a flat probably wouldn't either.

That's a good idea too. I don't want to carry around a load of stuff, but on a long ass trip it might be good for peace of mind. Thanks everyone.

[Ingo]

I carry the spare and tools to change. No fix-a-flat, ever. There's not only the valve and rim getting jacked but also the TPMS sensor. Personally, I'd stay away from that messy sh1t. If anything, then a tire plug kit and a way of pumping air into the tire, even CO2 cartridge, like on my bike.

[jimbo058]

If you've ever been left sitting on the side of the highway for an hour waiting for the tow truck to come, while 1,000 cars/trucks go blowing by, you will learn to carry some important items like a spare (at least the compact one) and a can of FAF. It is VERY dangerous to be sitting on the side of a highway for any amount of time, as drivers get distracted and hit stopped vehicles.

The wind blast of cars and trucks going by at 75+ when you are sitting on the side is enough to drive you crazy after just a short while. I know, I was in a pickup that was pulling a trailer for two hours, and I had to get out & walk thru a field for awhile to get away from it. This is the only time I would resort to using a can of FAF.

[Mikie13]

Fix a flat isn't a permanent solution either, just like the spare tire. But the spare tire is engineered to be similar diameter to stock wheels to minimize damage to the differentials in the event you need to put it on to get to a place to replace tires within a short distance or so.

From knowing many technicians and shop guys...the absolutely HATE anyone who has used fix-a-flat.

[Hank_VA]

From knowing many technicians and shop guys...the absolutely HATE anyone who has used fix-a-flat.

I've DEFINITELY heard that! And yes, fix-a-flat is akin to a spare ... not a long term solution. Actually, my wife has been looking at a new Hyundai, and some models don't even have spares any more. They have fix-a-flat and an air pump, to save weight.

[Hank_VA]

I carry the spare and tools to change. No fix-a-flat, ever. There's not only the valve and rim getting jacked but also the TPMS sensor. Personally, I'd stay away from that messy sh1t. If anything, then a tire plug kit and a way of pumping air into the tire, even CO2 cartridge, like on my bike.

I hadn't thought about the TPMS sensor ... again, great info. Loving this forum.

[EJ257]

I've never used Fix-A-Flat, but I carry a tire plug kit with me.

[Mikie13]

I've never used Fix-A-Flat, but I carry a tire plug kit with me.

This.

I used to carry a plug kit on my motorcycle...not as a long term solution obviously.

[UEDan]

If you've ever been left sitting on the side of the highway for an hour waiting for the tow truck to come, while 1,000 cars/trucks go blowing by, you will learn to carry some important items like a spare (at least the compact one) and a can of FAF. It is VERY dangerous to be sitting on the side of a highway for any amount of time, as drivers get distracted and hit stopped vehicles.

The wind blast of cars and trucks going by at 75+ when you are sitting on the side is enough to drive you crazy after just a short while. I know, I was in a pickup that was pulling a trailer for two hours, and I had to get out & walk thru a field for awhile to get away from it. This is the only time I would resort to using a can of FAF.

Been there, done that. 3 hours sitting in the back of my wagon with the seats folded down. On my birthday. NOT fun.

From knowing many technicians and shop guys...the absolutely HATE anyone who has used fix-a-flat.

This.

NEVER use fix a flat if you value your tire's warranty. Places will void your warranty after using it, says in the fine print.