Fuel economy is a concern for almost all car lovers. Because of the high gas prices, many have chosen do drive less. While it is good for the environment, sooner or later, you still have to fire up the car to go somewhere.
Getting rid of excess weight in the car is one method and one of the heaviest, least used part is the spare tire. Almost all cars have them and car makers are trying to get people to get rid of them. And it makes sense since you are lugging an extra 15 lbs (or more) and taking up valuable space. If you count the number of times you have a flat over the years of driving, you’ll know what I mean. And the worst thing is, most of us don’t check the spare tire pressure. When you really need the spare, it is usually under inflated.
BMW and other premium makes today fit their cars with run flat tires. Run flat tires cost more and gives a harsher ride. Some manufacturers avoided these problems by fitting a car with a lighter, space saving tire. But the spare is still there. Others give you a can of tire repair foam.
While tire repair foam is good, it cannot repair bigger punctures. Another alternative is to get tire repair plugs. Yes, the same stuff tire shops use to repair punctures. Why not keep one in your car? At around $9 or $10, they are cheap and can be used for 4 of 5 punctures. That way you can keep the spare tire at home and use it only for longer distance where having a spare tire give you added security.
To use the kit, you need to find the leak. Soapy water works best, remove the obstruction and rough up the hole with the rasp tool. Next push in the sticky rope plug with the other, then re-inflate. This method requires a pump of some kind, but even a bike pump will work.
Off course you can also get an electric compressor or a can of compressed air if you prefer not to work up a sweat. If you really like gadgets, you can get a complete kit with heavy duty compressor, tire repair plugs as well as sealing foam.
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