I have read that many have decided to remove the spare for the extra space and weight savings. I have seen several do-it-yourself tire plug kits and was wondering if this would be a good accessory for someone who has decided to remove the spare from their trunks. How much experience does it take to do this correctly? Is it the same as used in tire shops?


Thanks,
James

 

I think it's a good accessory. My last day at the track I lost two run sessions (out of four) because of a flat. I finally found someone with one of those kits and we plugged the hole. I know patches are better but in a pinch I think it's a good thing. I'd also recommend you carry a portable air compressor cause you're gonna need to fill the tire back up with air. Also, if the leak is slow you may want to just inflate the tire and then take it to a shop where they can properly patch the tire.

 

James,

Tire plug kits are really easy do-it-yourself type of accesories. Many times you don't have to even remove the tire off the car.

As long as the hole that you have to plug isn't in the sidwall, all you have to do is locate the hole and use the "plug tool" which is basically a large needle with an "eye hole" at the end of one end and a screwdriver handle on the other.

Depending on the kit, what you do is thread the eye of needle (the tool) with the rubber "plug". Now spray or dip the rubber portion into the supplied lubricant (it also acts as a glue once the rubber plug "melts" in the puncture. While plug portion is still wet from the lubricant, quickly jab the tool into the puncture until all the rubber material is inside the tire. Now slowly bring the tool back out. Keep pulling out until you see just the eye of the tool coming out. Take a rajor blade and cut the tool from the rubber plug. This leaves two "rolls" of rubber in the puncture wound. Now fill the tire with air, and drive for about 10 minutes, The drive will heat up the tire sufficiently to "melt" the rubber into the puncture. Mind you, when I say melt, it's not really melting, it just get very tacky.

Check the tire pressure every so often and you are set. When you get a chance, go to your local Tire Rack or Discount Tires to get a proper patch put on from inside the tire. If you are a customer, they do it for you for free. If you are not a customer, they do it for you for a very minimal cost.

Sorry the explanation was so long, the actual fix is easier than reading the explanation.

 

I have only used plugs when the tires are going to be tossed shortly anyways. Especially for any kind of track/autox use, do yerself a favor and patch 'em on the inside. Yeah, it's more expensive but it's done properly and the patch simply won't risk getting ruptured. Also, the spreading of the belt "fabric" puts a discontinuity in the weave, possibly making it less stable under stress.

The puncture did enough damage - don't add to the list...

 

Thanks for your responses everyone.

Jeff, I was thinking it might be good as an emergency measure for anyone who had decided to remove their spare tire. Especially if one were to find oneself in a remote location. I have not made the decision to remove my spare, so this is simply a post to gather information on the subject, for now anyway. Also good point, a portable tire pump would also need to be a part of this "kit". I assume it is possible to make an internal patch even after a plug has been used in the interim?

Thanks again.

Any other thoughts?

 

Not as good as a patch, but far better than that fix-a-flat stuff you fill your flat tire with...