Just replaced my run flat and rims. Looking into buying a spare donut to keep behind passenger seat and folded down rear seats which would cost about $250 from mini. Or getting a flat tire fix it kit such as the continental tire comfort kit from tire rack or the slime smart spairs. Anyone have any experience with these kits? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

You can get a mini (not MINI) spare from any number of cars that use the same bolt pattern for much less than $250 (Honda and I think Chevy).

I have been on non-runflats for over three years and never even need the flat repair kit. I have only need to change a tire from a flat away from home once in 30 years. Needless to say I am not real worried about not having runflats and only a repair kit.

 

I carry a slime smart spairs kit and a dyna plug.

The Dyna plugs work really good, i've used a couple of the for nails and screws. I've only used the compressor from the slime kit so far. I don't want to put slime in my tire unless absolutely necessary.

 

I've used the slime kit w/ compressor on a dark snowy night, and I used a plug kit during a day-time flat tire (along with the slime compressor to refill the tire). They worked fine, and I was on my way within 10-15 minutes. Only problem with those is if you have a blowout where the hole is too big to plug or for the slime to fill... That's when having an actual spare will make the difference.

 

That's exactly what I did get once, I carry the can of stuff, a compressor and a cellphone. Luckily I was within AAA towing distance of the tire shop, so the cellphone worked. The other time it involved hitting a median at 60mph, so there was not much wheel left, that was in the Cooper, with a spare so I could get home.

If we ever do get around to driving through the wilderness (or what passes for it around here, like Death Valley), I'd be hesitant to go without a spare (my theory is Shawn can borrow Tristan's if necessary).

 

I carry a compressor, a bottle of Slime, and a pair of crossed fingers.

 

On longer trips (like 4 people to MOTD, 400+ miles each way) I have the Brave Little Trailer - I just throw one of my snow tires in there and I'm done! Otherwise, it's Slime, Compressor, Plug kit, AAA card and cellphone.

Check salvage yards for donuts that fit. Should cost you under $30.

 

can you fit a spare, or any kind of spare in the trunk 06 S convertible
thx

 

Chev Colbalt donut spares fit OK

 

I second that

 

Forgot to mention - one of my snow tires also fits behind the rear seat in the hardtop MCS, seat up and cargo cover removed. You can also just purchase one 15" alloy wheel (or OE Mini wheel) and 175/65/15 tire for FAR less than the $250. www.tirerack.com. Check also the Marketplace on this site. Having a set of snows provides a spare whenever you need one, GREAT snow and winter traction, and costs less than your insurance deductible... unless, of course, you live where it doesn't snow.

If you have the JCW package or a Big Brake Kit, make sure you get a wheel that will clear your brakes. If you don't know what that is, you can most likely go with a 15" wheel.