05-21-2022, 05:19 PM
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#1
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Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 170
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Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: Los Angeles, CA
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Flat tire kits
Hey guys, can anyone recommend a great kit? I've never actually tried fixing a flat or using one of these kits, but to me, I think the idea of this is a much for viable option for some of us. I already keep an air compressor in the vehicle. And I have ZERO trust in other drivers if I had to pull over on the side of a highway when everyone is speeding to change a flat. Especially if it's on the driver side.
If these kits work really well, I may just ditch the spare altogether and save the MPG.
Also, if there is any advice you can give on the matter, please do. There is probably a lot I have not yet contemplated. Also not sure if the type of tire affects the type of kit I would need (in this case an all-terrain).
I think my biggest concerns would be finding the hole/needle. I know a rupture or blow out would not be fixable, but I keep a proper tire PSI and don't rock crawl. And I don't ever expect to get a sidewall tire unless someone actually slashed my tires or something like that.
Thanks!
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05-21-2022, 05:23 PM
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#2
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Castle Rock, CO
Posts: 761
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Join Date: Feb 2018
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I still carry a spare but also carry a tire plug kit from walmart(I think slime brand?) with multiple plugs. I have used them in the past on long term patches and they work great. I figure its better to be safe than sorry and its small so it doesnt take up space/weight.
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05-21-2022, 05:42 PM
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#3
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Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 170
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Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: Los Angeles, CA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jdm-v35
I still carry a spare but also carry a tire plug kit from walmart(I think slime brand?) with multiple plugs. I have used them in the past on long term patches and they work great. I figure its better to be safe than sorry and its small so it doesnt take up space/weight.
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I just saw that Scotty Kilmer uses slime
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05-21-2022, 07:10 PM
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#4
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Join Date: Mar 2022
Posts: 275
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I have a kit by Safety Seal that I’ve used for years, and have repaired many punctures (having worked at jobs where puncture hazards abound). As with a Hi-Lift jack, it’s best to have some knowledge before you need it, so watch a few videos and maybe download one to your phone.
There have been occasions where I have returned to my vehicle to find a tire low. After locating the culprit (nail, screw, etc) I start the car and move it forward or back so that the puncture is at 4 o’clock on the tire, so I can get to it without removing the wheel. (8 o’clock if you’re left handed.) After getting the awl lubed up and the plug loaded in the insertion tool I can usually pull the nail, ream the hole, and have the hole plugged in just a few seconds, leaving enough air in the tire to get someplace where I can air up properly. Less time and effort than changing the wheel.
I have no special loyalty to the Safety Seal kit and haven’t used any others. When I bought mine the only other option was the ARB kit, which was just a re-branded Safety Seal kit.
I think they tell you it’s only a temporary repair, but I’ve only ever had one repair leak, out of more than a dozen repairs.
Cheers!
Edited to add: I wouldn’t run without a spare. I’ve seen punctures on the shoulder of the tire that couldn’t be repaired with a kit.
Last edited by Captain Spalding; 05-21-2022 at 07:34 PM.
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05-21-2022, 07:28 PM
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#5
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Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Norfolk, Va
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Powertank sells a quality kit.
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2019 TRD ORP. BFG KM3 285/70R17. Hefty front tube bumper, LFD dual swing-out rear bumper. Warn Zeon 10S. RSG sliders. Sherpa roofrack. Goose Gear interior. Radflo 2.5 suspension.
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05-21-2022, 07:30 PM
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#6
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Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 495
Real Name: Jim
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I've plugged tires with no problems for over 40 years both belted and plenty of radials. I currently have a Slime kit that I'm happy with. Don't get one with plastic handles they pull apart easily.
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2019 Nautical Blue SR5. Mostly stock but a few mods: Borla muffler, blacked out badges, removed the running boards, painted the silver roof rails with bed liner, painted the wheels gloss black, Weather Tech window deflectors. AFE replacement air filter in stock air box & removed the charcoal after filter, DC Sports exhaust tip. H11 to H9 headlight bulb swap. 265/70/17 Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires, Sprint Booster, 1" Cornfed leveling lift.
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05-21-2022, 07:44 PM
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#7
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Join Date: Sep 2016
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Old Tanker
Powertank sells a quality kit.
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I really like the powertank kit. I also have the arb which is just a large clunky box (but otherwise no complaints about the arb)
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05-21-2022, 08:45 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Salem, Oregon
Posts: 1,838
Real Name: BobH
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Salem, Oregon
Posts: 1,838
Real Name: BobH
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Can of Fix a Flat, pack of tire patch plugs with tools and solvent, tire gauge and a small 12 volt compressor. Never used them in 9 years.
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Last edited by BobsTrail; 05-22-2022 at 01:02 AM.
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05-21-2022, 08:49 PM
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#9
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 344
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Location: Louisiana
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I have several kits since I like to keep one in each vehicle. Been plugging tires for 30 years. I can say that many kits are very similar, but my personal preference is to use the T handle type over the screwdriver handle type. Give better control and leverage to ream and install.
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05-21-2022, 08:58 PM
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#10
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Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Las Vegas
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I’ve kept a Safety Seal kit in both my car and truck for years. It’s seen occasional use and is always easier than changing out a wheel as long as the hole is pluggable.
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05-21-2022, 09:58 PM
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#11
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Join Date: Dec 2010
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I’ve had a portable air compressor in my car (Harbor Freight cheapie) and it has come in quite handy. Recently got another one for the new 4Runner (Viair). Used it when off roading.
Just got a ARB tire repair kit. Still has to make it into the trunk. ;)
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05-21-2022, 10:00 PM
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#12
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Forgot to add-Watch a few YT a videos on how to do it. It takes some doing. It’s not as easy as it sounds.
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05-22-2022, 07:51 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: SoCal
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Real Name: BLACK TRD PRO
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Senior Member
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Location: SoCal
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Nothing beats a full size spare. Especially for a 4WD vehicle. I have a can of seal n’ air and an ARB repair kit also.
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05-22-2022, 06:48 PM
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#15
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Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 87
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Join Date: Aug 2021
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Smittybilt Tire Repair Kit.
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