So you're saying that you would even avoid using the products that the OEM sells for this exact purpose because you've used a cheap alternative in a can that does a bad job.

Isn't that a little like saying that you won't use the OEM touch-up paint because you've used spray paint before and it ran?

When you used it, how long did you leave it in and what kind of damage did it cause? I was always under the impression that tire sealants were never intended for permanent repair to a tire, just as a temporary limp-home so you can get to somewhere that it can be cleaned out and fixed permanently.

What's in Fix-A-Flat?: http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/1...tart.html?pg=3

http://pubs.acs.org/cen/science/88/8841sci2.html

 

I wonder what they do for M car owners that have no spare tire and non run-flats...from the factory.

 

skip the chemical crud - which I used once and will never use again - get a small compressor like that which comes with the OEM kit, and buy a DYNAPLUG and carry a pair of pliers (to pull the nail).

If the puncture is small enough to fix with GOOP a FLAT it is small enought to plug with DYNAPLUG. And DYNAPLUG is permanent and does not throw off the balance. I've run tires -run flat and not run flat - thousands of miles with DYNAPLUG repairs with NO problems.

DYNA downsides ... well you do have to be able to find the puncture

A BIG problem can't be plugged by DYNAPLUG - I got a good 1/4 inch hole once. But face it: NOTHING is gonna help here except a runflat tire or a spare .... or a tow aka AAA.

I changed from RF's to regulars on my 02 after the second set of tires, and off my 07 just a few months ago .... tire dealers had NO problem selling me, and mounting, any tire I wanted.

http://www.dynaplug.com/ I don't sell 'em, I just like the product. I have one in the MINI, one in the Mini, and one in the garage.

 

While I'm always up for being baited into a straw man argument, I simply stated that most everyone I've talked to in SCCA, tire dealers, and the off road community has had the same opinion. I've used Fix-A-Flat once and it destroyed a expensive BFG tire. I've certainly not done an exhaustive test off all products on the market. I'm simply stating my opinion based on historical data presented to me. If I had a flat and no alternative, I would absolutely use a Fix-A-Flat product.

I agree with Capt_BJ that a plug kit and compressor are preferable to any can based solution having used them in extreme conditions (off roaring with low PSI) and holding up.

 

I've heard that Fix-A Flat tuns into a hardened mess and Slime washes out with water.

Dave

 

I carry a nice pump, Slime, a Dynaplug, a Stop N Go plug gun kit, and conventional sticky worms with the T handled insertion tool. The Slime is a last resort. The Dynaplug only works on small holes, the Stop N Go plugs work on larger holes, and for the really large ones, one or more sticky worms will usually do the trick. Only if none of the plugs work will I try the Slime.

In my humble opinion, one should always have a pump, Slime, and various plugging options. Regardless of whether they're running runflats or not. Or whether they've got a spare or not.

FYI: I had a brand new set of Hankooks put on my Mini last summer and with only about 150 miles on them, I got a nice large puncture in one of my rear tires. Typical stuff. And whatever made the puncture didn't stay around. There was no way a Dynaplug would have worked as the hole was too large. I simply pulled out the Stop N Go kit, plugged it, filled it, and drove back home. It held (with a very minor leak) for a week and a half while my replacement tire came in. (I was driving top down on the freeway when it happened and didn't hear the presure alarm or notice anything was wrong until I made a lane change. The tire was ruined but serviceable for lower speed, around the town driving.)

 

Thanks to everyone who was kind enough to respond. I had no luck in San Francisco, but found a place near my job (San Mateo) that works with tirerack.com and is willing to replace my non-run-flats.

The info & opinions about the various flat-fixes was interesting, too. I'd kind of like to mount a spare on the back down the road (if I can find another place to do that sort of thing and it doesn't wind up being too crazy-expensive), but I've got AAA in the meantime. I may also grab a can of fix-a-flat and just cross my fingers that I don't need it between now and then.

Thanks again!

Jennifer

 

I bought Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus (Non Run Flat) from Costco and they swapped out the Run Flats that were in my MINI, I had NO spare tire. No hassles!! I had the work done in Costco, Edison, NJ.

I love Costco!!!

 

Have to laugh at this whole thread. I bought my MCS from a local (Cali) VW dealer. It had runflats on it when I test drove it, but they wouldn't sell it to me with those tires (not enough tread left I guess), so they took them off and replaced them with non-runflats! I'm happy, but go figure!

 

Wow - thanks for the detroittuned website! That's the best price I've seen so far.

 

Hi All,

Can anyone recommend a specific brand of tire for replacing my rock-hard runflats on my '09 S Hardtop? I almost ordered GY Eagle GT's this morning until I started reading reviews and got scared off. I'm looking for an All-Season. Thanks.

 

Why bother with all-seasons? They suck ALL of the time. If you need winter traction, spend the money and get true summer and winter sets. More initial outlay but they'll last longer and FAR better performance.

I'm a HUGE fan of Continental, Dunlop, and Pirelli.

 

I'd mention in 16" the Continental Extreme Contact DWS
In 17" The Bridgestone RE970 AS Pole Position

There are other options, but these are great options.

 

I agree, but 2 sets are sometimes not possible for a variety of reasons. I run summers & winters personally.

 

I'm not sure about California law but it is not illegal in Alabama. I have a Justa and just replace run-flats with non run-flats. My 2005 Justa even has a spare tucked just under the rear bumper. IMO runflats are only good if you don't carry a spare. That could be the legal matter that the tire places are referring to.
I'm not positive but is sounds like you are getting upsold.....

 

Out of curiosity, what for instance? Not trying to start an argument, just can't think of anything that woudl keep one from running 2 sets.

 

This doesn't always work or seem feasible for most. Here in South Florida all seasons might not be a bad idea. They can handle the plentiful rain we get as well as work fine when it gets chilly. A few days a year it is in the upper 30s when I drive to work and more than a few days in the 40s. A summer tire is not a wise choice at this point, but no need for real winter tires. Plus the AS tire will get good life out of it.

 

$$$

 

If you only have a few days in the upper 30s and 40s then you absolutely can run summers year round as long as you are careful until the tires heat up. Sounds like the same climate as in Sacramento. Agree about AS's probably being ok for most people though.

This was addressed already. I acknowledged the initial cost as a detriment.

 

This thing you're not thinking of is money.

 

I think I'll have to stick with one set now. I live in upstate NY, so I try to drive my truck on snow days, but you know how accurate the weather man is. I need a tire with some traction, just in case the weather forecast is wrong. I saw Alex's recommendation on the Continental's, and I've also seen some good reviews on Hankook's. (spelling?)

Thanks for all the advise everyone.

 

Y ignore ... the big places should know best as far as laws go I'm fighting this now I want my cars tires replaced not because they are bad but they are not run flares so if I get a flat I have no spare or even a tool to get off so I'd rather go with a run flat