Flat tire kits

Something_Awesome

Something_Awesome

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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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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.
 
jdm-v35 said:
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.
Click to expand...

I just saw that Scotty Kilmer uses slime :)
 
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.
 
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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.
 
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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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.
 
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.
 
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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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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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.
 
Any Ag store (Tractor Supply, Rural King . . . . .) will have decent plug sets that are cheap and well worth your time. I have found that Slime does a better job than Fix a Flat.

See ya,

Skip
 
fix a flat can damage the sensors..even if it says sensor safe...years ago this stuff ruined a sensor in my lexus.

I have probably plugged 25 tires personally...I used to run a Landfill with only one road about a mile long that accessed the site. SO I got flats ALL THE TIME.

I carry on board air and the standard arb type kit with metal handles, tons and tons of plugs. Also, be sure you have needle nose pliers to pull the nail or screw out. Angle/side cutters also work well at digging out a nail that is worn flush with the tread.

I also carry a pack of emergency valve stems in the event a rock or stick takes out yours. In is designed to be installed from the outside with the tire on. Cheap insurance if you are 100 miles deep into the wilderness.
Amazon.com: Colby Valve Emergency Valve Stem Replacement (Black) : Automotive
 
Thanks for the replies. Saw the repair process. It looks super easy so long as you remember to inflate the tire before plugging it. I ended up going with the tire repair kit. I wanted the kit to come with its own dedicated tools rather than use any of what I already had on hand, like pliers. The only thing I can tell that the kit is missing is a hex key/wrench. But I have many of those. I realized after looking at the kit that a hex key is needed just in case I ever need to adjust the plugging tool.

The other nice thing is that I do not think I'll ever need the jack as well now. But I'll keep it in the vehicle.

I think 4Runner's full-sized spares with the steel wheels are 70 pounds? Removing this thing will make a noticeable difference on a vehicle with as much (little) power that a 4Runner has. Looking forward to the MPG savings as well.
 
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