Canned Fix-a-Flat and TPMS! Bad!

They probably could've still fixed the tire, but they probably didn't want to deal with the sticky mess of the flat-fixing gunk. That sh*t is nasty. They were probably happy to "pass the buck"

 

As you found out you cannot use Fix-A-Flat or similar tire hole sealants on wheels/valves with TPMS. It gunks up the TPMS. The current cans of Fix-A-Flat now have an express warning on it saying do not use it on wheels with TPMS.

In any event, I don't think the damaged TPMS should affect the ability to patch the tire. The Fix-A-Flat stuff is gunky and messy, but I've had numerous flats where I temporaily sealed the tire with Fix-A-Flat, then had service stations or tire stores patch the hole.

BTW, to repair the the damaged TPMS on the wheel I think they have to replace it, which means it will cost a little over $100 for parts, plus the labor costs for installing and registering the new TPMS.

 

I've never heard this. You might be confused with the fact that you should not exceed 50 mph, which is typical of donuts. It usually says this on the sidewall.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Boo @ Nov 20 2007, 08:57 PM) [snapback]542230[/snapback]</div>

For $100, I'd rather put the spare on than use the can of gunk.

 

this is the same wal-mart that would not open my watch so i could see what battery was in it so i could buy a battery, and would not lend me a tool to open it myself...

screw wal-mart.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dulcimer @ Nov 20 2007, 09:34 PM) [snapback]542222[/snapback]</div>

I have two words for you: Tire Plugger

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva @ Nov 20 2007, 06:25 PM) [snapback]542236[/snapback]</div>

I think the $100 is just the parts cost for the TPMS sensor. It still has to be mounted to the wheel, tire re-mounted and the tire/wheel/sensor balanced and TPMS sensor registered with the TPMS computer. The $100 is just the beginning of this story. I never was a fan of the fix-a-flat stuff.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Kikngas @ Nov 20 2007, 06:51 PM) [snapback]542251[/snapback]</div>

Tire pluggers will void the warranty on the tire.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(apriusfan @ Nov 20 2007, 09:54 PM) [snapback]542252[/snapback]</div>

While it is not pleasant, I'd rather take the time and get a little dirty changing out the tire for the spare than pay $100 (or more) because I was lazy and used a can of gunk. It usually takes me about 20 min. to change a tire. Once I'm late, it doesn't matter if it's 5 min. or 20 min so might as well change it.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dulcimer @ Nov 20 2007, 10:22 PM) [snapback]542261[/snapback]</div>

I thought you didn't know that the Fix A Flat would damage the TPMS, right?

In any event, for the presently damaged tire, if you are reluctant to fix the TPMS because of the cost, then I still think that you should be able to find a service station or tire shop that would try to repair the tire.

For future flats, if you don't want to change the tire yourself, then I would suggest enrolling in AAA or other program that provides free or cheap road services (tire changes, battery boosts, towing).

Good luck.

 

It's interesting that I know of two cars off hand, the new BMW M5 and the SRT8 Chrysler cars (excluding the Jeep SRT8 which uses runflats) that have the sensors but include a can of product similiar to fix a flat and a onboard compressor instead of a spare tire.

Mike

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mingoglia @ Nov 20 2007, 10:43 PM) [snapback]542311[/snapback]</div>

Don't know about the SRT8, but the BMW (including MINI) approach to TPMS is to compare the rotational speed of each wheel (using the ABS sensors). If there is a specified variance (which would likely be caused by an under-inflated or flat tire), then a warning light is triggered. There is no wheel-mounted sensor in the BMW implementation of TPMS, so fix-a-flat is a viable solution.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dulcimer @ Nov 20 2007, 07:22 PM) [snapback]542261[/snapback]</div>

She says as she quotes from a poster named Godiva with a "Member: Cool Chicks with a Black Prius Club" sticker in her sig. I don't think Godiva is a GUY. :lol:

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dulcimer @ Nov 20 2007, 10:22 PM) [snapback]542261[/snapback]</div>

Excuse me? But I am a 53 year old woman and have changed my own flats since I learned to drive at 16. My Father insisted I be able to change my own tire in case there was no convenient male good samaritan willing to stop and change it for me. Sorry to say the few times I've had to change my tire (once in the rain, once in the dark, mostly on the shoulder of a freeway) no one stopped. This was before the age of cell phones. Mostly I keep an eye on my tires and make sure I buy new ones when needed and watch for slow leaks. But there is always the inevitable. It isn't pleasant but every woman should know how to change a flat, just in case.

 

I almost made this mistake but read the MANUAL which says DO NOT USE this type of product!
It's also a good reason to have AAA

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mingoglia @ Nov 21 2007, 01:43 AM) [snapback]542311[/snapback]</div>

Hi Mike,

Was wondering if you knew how it works with those cars, i.e.:

Do they have a different kind of TPMS?

Or if they have the same TPMS, can I buy that tire sealant that presumably doesn't gunk up and damage the TPMS?

What's the owner supposed to do if the flat cannot be temporarily inflated and fixed by the tire sealant and/or compressor? Call for a tow by a flat bed tow truck? Call for a spare tire and wheel?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Boo @ Nov 21 2007, 12:11 AM) [snapback]542324[/snapback]</div>

As was pointed out, I do also believe BMW (as stated) uses the ABS sensor to determine if a tire is low on pressure. At least I believe the mini's do, so perhaps the BMW does as well (although the more expensive BMW may measure actual pressure, I'll have to check with my friend). I do know they have the "fix-a-flat" because I helped him in the parking lot at work when he had a flat. As for the SRT8 I know for a fact that the valve stem in my SRT8 Jeep is similiar to the Prius (in fact mine displays the pressure of all 4 tires individually on the display). I'm assuming the SRT8 Charger, 300, etc is exactly the same as mine and those cars have the fix-a-flat (the Jeeps have run flats and therefore no fix-a-flat).

To answer your question, yes, if the tire can't be repaired on the side of the road it's time to call the roadside assistance to get a tow. Doesn't sound too fun particularly for people like me in Arizona that may be on a road trip in the middle of the Indian reservation in 115 degree weather waiting for a tow truck. B)

 

Fix a flat type stuff washes off in water so it isn't hard to deal with the mess. I'd prefer to plug and pump up the tyre but that doesn't help now.

Thanks for the warning to all the people with tyre monitoring.

 

I'm a guy and have always relied on my girlfriend to change my flat tires, so I am getting a kick out of these replies. She serves me breakfast in bed and takes out the trash too.