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Tire Repair Kit vs Fix-a-Flat

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by Sean Shelton, Jan 13, 2020.

  1. Sean Shelton

    Sean Shelton Junior Member

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    Under 5k miles and I got a flat on my 2020 Prius Prime. I used the fix a flat kit, but the dealer said it cost $120 to replace. Should I just buy a fix a flat or another kit?

    ps. Dunlop gave me 50% off on a new tire because my mileage was low.

    I plan to buy a rim and new tire for spare.
    Also, JustTires offer $20 tire insurance for 3 years.
     
    #1 Sean Shelton, Jan 13, 2020
  2. schja01

    schja01 One of very few in Chicagoland

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    It’s less costly to buy a spare and not use the supplied goop thing.
    As you found out the replacement canister is over $100 and the repair is only temporary and the tire is no longer repairable so you need to buy a new one. Not sure but I think the TPMS may get damaged as well.
     
    #2 schja01, Jan 13, 2020
  3. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    Although I have read many claiming the use of goo kit that came with the car will destroy TPMS sensor inside and maybe even the tire itself, I also read someone claiming that the goo material is water-soluble and easy to clean out inside of the tire and have no effect on TPMS sensor.

    If your tire was drivable by using a goo kit, I would think it is still repairable with a permanent plug. I don't know why you had to buy a new tire. In any case, the generic can of goo with a compact 12V compressor would be cheaper than OEM, though you may find OEM kit cheap on eBAY from people who do not want to use it. Of course, getting a real spare tire would make all those kit unnecessary.
     
    #3 Salamander_King, Jan 13, 2020
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2020
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  4. Sean Shelton

    Sean Shelton Junior Member

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    Well I needed to go to work at night so the dealer used my goo kit and I ordered a new tire because it was close to the top side and not in range of being repaired. However, the tire wasn’t coming until the next day. The tire place I took the damaged tire to get the 50% off had the tire for a lot cheaper because I only paid $48 for it but $157 : I’m sure he kit is a lot cheaper online like you said.

    If I had to do it again, then I would call ‘Just Tired, company’ in the morning and they would have it before noon then tow to the dealer to fix if it is under warranty with the spare.
     
    #4 Sean Shelton, Jan 13, 2020
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  5. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    My car has a spare, but I have a plug kit with required tools also. Most flats I've had could have been fixed by plugging, and it is possible to do it without taking the wheel off.

    If you opt for a plug kit, I believe goo compressor can not be used for just inflating, so you will also need a compressor.
     
    #5 Trollbait, Jan 13, 2020
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  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I'd second plug-repair kit. I got a nice blackjack kit. They're semi-illegal now I think, at least for tire shops. FWIW our 2010's sitting on a snow tire right now, that was plug repaired 6~7 years back.

    A floor-standing bicycle pump will also work, in a pinch. It's a workout, but you will be motivated...
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Jan 13, 2020
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  7. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Get a spare.
     
    #7 frodoz737, Jan 13, 2020
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