Flat Tire Preparedness Part 2

I had a pleasant conversation with one of my friends about my previous blog post My Flat Tire Is Your Next Lesson, and she mentioned that the rim of her "space-saver" spare tire bent under the weight of her SUV.  Apparently this is not a defect, but a known design flaw that the spare tire manufacture does not freely repair or replace.

I was never aware of this issue, and was bothered that a known defective device was provided as an emergency replacement.

Given that concern let's take a look at alternatives to "space-saver" spare tires.

1- Canned Tire Inflator
Products such as "Fix-a-Flat" [fixaflat.com]* and other canned tire inflators contain a mixture of solvents, sealants, and propellants that can be used to temporarily seal a small tire puncture from the inside of the tire

There are some things to note about canned tire inflators:
a) canned tire inflator will inflate your tire just enough so that you may drive to the nearest service station and properly fill your tire.
b) canned tire inflator products are temperature sensitive, that is they produce can freeze (see individual product for freezing point temperatures).  This means two things; first your canned tire inflator might be frozen when you need it, and second if you have the product in your tire, it will freeze.  This might actually cause a previously plugged puncture to reopen.
c) this leads to the next point, you should properly service a tired that was temporarily fixed with canned tire inflater.  Inform the repair technician that the tire was repaired with canned tire inflator so they may properly clean the tire.
d) also note that any aerosol container contains a risk of exploding in extreme heat.

e) there is usually a maximum speed warning indicated on the product which should be heeded.

f) the use of canned tire inflators can void some tire warranties.

2- Full Tire Spares
Back when cars where still being made with metal and had much larger trucks, full tire spares were the standard.  Some vehicles still do carry full tire spares.  Depending on your vehicle, you might be able to fit one in your trunk or spare tire storage area.  In most trunks a full tire may cause a "hump" in your trunk space due to extra space taken.  Comparatively speaking, this might have to be an acceptable solution depending upon your needs.

3- Run-flat Tires
Run-flat tires contain a support ring that sits within the rim.  The diameter of the support ring is greater than the rim but less than the tire itself.  Additionally run-flat tires are composed of reinforced sidewalls.  Though you can drive further and at faster speeds than a "space-saver" spare tire, doing so does risk permanent damage to the tire.  Furthermore, run-flat tires are not completely invulnerable, as they are ineffective in the case of flats due to sidewall damage, or more traumatic damage. Run-flat tires are also heavier and can effect the handling of your vehicle as well as it's fuel efficiency.

[ADDENDUM]

4- Polymer Sealants
I forgot about polymer sealants such as "Slime" [slime.com] or "Stan's Tire Sealant" [stanstiresealant.com].  These sealants can be used proactively before you actually get a flat or as a result of getting a flat.  The sealants are available in different formulas for different needs.

Some tings to note about polymer sealants:
a) though they have a longer life than traditional Canned Tire Inflator, their is still a life expectancy for the product.  For example, one product listed a 2 year life.  This means that if you utilize the product proactively before getting a flat, you will have to empty, breakdown and clean your tire if your tire life has out-lived that of the sealant.
b) as with any liquid, polymer sealants can move and settle at the bottom of the tire when unmoved for a period of time, or during warmer temperatures.  With this in mind you should gradually and smoothly increase your speed to ensure that the tire is evenly coated. Though using polymer sealants can assist with balancing your tires, it can also work to unbalance your tires if it is not evenly coated.  During colder temperatures it may require additional time before the tire is evenly coated and safe to drive at higher speeds.  Additionally the product will be more difficult to apply if it has been left in colder temperatures.
c) driving with polymer sealants in your front tires, or more than one tire can also unbalance your tires.
d) polymer sealants cannot seal sidewall punctures or bead leaks. Furthermore, It should not be used with faulty valves or damaged rims.
e) there is usually a maximum speed warning indicated on the product which should be heeded.

f) the use of polymer sealants can void some tire warranties.

5- Tire repair kit
Last but not least, you can always purchase your own tire repair kit.  A traditional tire repair kit usually includes a rasp and plug tool, rubber cement and tire repair strings.  You will may need to add a variety of pliers to your kit so that you may be able to grip and remove whatever object has punctured your tire. Additionally a spray bottle of soapy water will assist you to identify and clean the puncture area before you apply a patch.  Finally, you will need an air source to refill your tire.  Depending on the amount of pressure loss, you may be able to drive to the nearest service station.  However, you may opt for either a can or two of compressed air, an air reservoir tank, a portable tire inflator, or lastly a tire pump.

Remember that compressed air containers may become unstable during extreme temperatures and explode. And as for a tire pump, be sure to purchase one that is able to meet the pressure requirements of your tire.

* I'm sorry I can not link to the "Fix-a-Flat" website without the explicit permission of ITW Global Brands.