Dreaded flat tire and I dont like it a bit :(

Sure, and why not make seatbelts, airbags, and pollution controls all options that one can "research before buying the car?"

The free market works on paper, not in the real world. Reasonable government mandates (and I challenge you to tell me those safety features are not reasonable) are necessary to avoid a battle to the bottom of the barrel.

 

I noticed you didn't mention anything about a reg for the spare or anything about the world economy as it relates to free markets either on paper or irl.
But, discussions about macro and micro economics are often more confusing than productive going forwards.

Squirt, I like to print it out as " Hear ye here ye' althought I guess that losses something in translation.

 

Well.....had a flat today (my wife actually). Called Toyota Roadside, who towed it to my local Dealer here in Manassas, Va. They determined it couldn't be fixed....and told me that they have no tires in stock and it will be Monday or Tuesday until they can get a replacement. The service advisor, however, did offer to put the (nonexistent) spare on the car so that I can drive it until then.

 

they should have given you a free loaner. this is my complaint with toyotacare.

 

He could have pulled a regular tire or even the spare from any of the Prius's on the lot for you.

 

This is the flat kit which I keep in my Prius:

1) Tire Inflator: The inflator which comes with the car ONLY works if it's injecting goo.

2) Tubeless Tire Plug Kit

3) 3 Piece Plier set: Pliers for pulling the nail from the tire, and diagonal cutters for cutting the plug once it's installed.

4) Gloves so you don't get filthy

When you pull the nail/screw, pay attention to its angle, because you want the plug to go in at the same angle. You don't want to punch in a new or enlarged hole.

 

Future tires...

 

^ Yeah,.... not!

 

Yes, it bothers me not having a spare tire, but I doubt it will be as bad as I imagine, if and when it happens. I wouldn't bother to carry plugs, because any puncture small enough for a plug can be filled with the foam goop. it is, after all the age of instantaneous communication, and I'll probably be able to call for roadside assistance, which I'd gladly pay for, because I don't enjoy changing a flat one little bit.

 

I'll test um. Got an extra set around?

 

Flat tires always come at the worst time, just like a dead battery. A tow will cost you about the same money as 6-10 tanks of gas and "a lot of time" when you do get a flat without a spare, and it will happen. I thought people bought Prii to save money. I understand there are some things people either can't or choose not do in life, and I do respect that. However, "to me" changing a flat, jump starting a battery, checking fluids and filters, checking tire pressure and the like are just basic life/survival skills everyone should know and practice...in addition to the money saved. Taught my Son this as a right of passage before he got his license, just like my Father taught me and his Father taught him. Works for the Wife too.

NB - I am not saying anyone who thinks or acts differently is wrong, that's just how we roll. YMMV.

 

Ran into the same problem in my Volt.

Ran over a piece of beer bottle glass and slashed the shoulder of my tire. On a Sunday, over 100 miles from home in Tahoe. Tried using the foam that comes with the car kit but it just sprayed out. I tried a can of Slime and that only led me to believe I could limp it home. I made it about 20 miles before the tire was wasted. Called State Farm for a tow and $100 and 4 hours later I made it home...........

With a spare I would have had the tire swapped and been on my merry way in 20min tops.

 

We all warned you against getting a Volt...

 

revolt?

 

Have you had to use that kit? Did it work well?

 

excellent.

 

A local wrecking yard has a T125/70D16 5 lug pattern spare which he says came from a 2013 Prius. Will this work on a 2014 Plug-in?

 

it should. check the sticky faq, i believe it has the spec.

 

Lets never forget to have a TPMS in all our tires

 

^ Could be tire places won't LET you forget it, soon enough, due to encroaching legislation.

I hope that doesn't happen. I've got nothing against the concept, but the implementation, at least Toyota's, is so expensive and maintenance prone. When I got snow tires on extra rims I chose to forgo TPMS.