I am planning on driving to the 2009 MOTD (Dragon) and it is an 1100 mile journey each way. Probably another 700 miles going back and forth over the Dragon all day for 3 days.

Anyway, Cooper "S", no spare. I was thinking of throwing one of my fully mounted snow tires in for the ride. I figured if I cut a tire bad enough I may have a hard time finding a 17" Kuhmo if I end up flatting in Podunk on the way down or back from New Hampshire. ( I have a perfect record so far - never a flat, knock on wood.)

Does that tire sealing slime and the 12 volt pump they sell in the kit really work? Or is it just a false sense of security??

How does every other MCS user deal with looooong drives and flat protection?

 

The Slime/Compressor certainly works, and a Dyna-plug kit for good measure. They're good for simple punctures, but anything bigger like a cut, or a sidewall issue will require a spare, or a tow.

 

I too drive an MCS with non-run-flats. I carry a can of slime with pump; a plug kit; and an OE donut spare (neatly sits upright behind the passenger seat.) I used to carry a full-sized mounted spare, but it took up too much space. If you are going to rely on a plug kit, be sure to carry a good set of plyers (to remove the offending nail, screw, etc.)

 

Me too, I bought a donut spare from wrecking yard off an early Jetta, fits right behind the rear seat. If you use a non OEM spare make sure it fits over the rear calipers. (Flat in front, move good rear tire up, donut spare on rear)but you knew this.

 

After searching the threads here, I bought a Chevy Cobalt compact spare at a salvage yard ($35) and a canvas bag from the Bag Lady ($50). At first I just used it on long trips, but now it sits behind the passenger seat most of the time. The bag makes it easy to remove when needed and has room to store gloves and garbage bags for hauling the flat inside the car. The compact spare is a 15 inch wheel and clears the caliper on my 05 MCS Cabrio

 

Could you provide me with the specifics on the Chevy Cobalt compact spare, like year, size & dimensions etc. I tried to find the post you referred to, but a search on "Chevy Cobalt" turned up over 300 posts. It turns out that even doing the Advanced Search, you cannot ~and~ words: Chevy ~and~ Cobalt.

I want to call a few local junk yards to see if I can find one of these tires.

 

Jim: I usually use a full-size mounted snow on the way to MOTD, but I'm pulling a small trailer. I've also used it, rear seats down, when traveling with only 2 passengers. Be sure to secure whatever tire & luggage you choose, just in case - in an accident they can be lethal.

FYI, we had a Mini in our MOTD caravan blow an 18" tire on the way down, and it (surprisingly) wasn't too bad to source a tire locally. They found a pair of Kumhos, reasonably priced, in Asheville and it was only about a 90 minute (total) detour off route. It REALLY helped to have a cellphone and stop for internet access.

Always note what was said above: If you have a front flat, change the spare to the back. Keep both fronts equal size, preferably equal tread depth and brand, ESPECIALLY if you have a limited slip diff.

 

Try this: http://www.myboltpattern.com/?gclid=...FQ0xawod_m-0Dg

2005+ Cobalt base model
1989-2005 Civic (1989 is the oldest the chart goes)
1994-older Jetta

Make sure you get a 15" wheel.