Replace spare tire with 12 volt compressor?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SteveMD @ Sep 25 2006, 08:11 AM) [snapback]324589[/snapback]</div>

What is you have a blowout or the puncture is big enough that the air leaks out too fast to get anywhere? BEcuase with the 2006 you CANNOT use any sort of tire sealant to help either, unless you want to spend over $100 for a new sensor.

If you are absolutely certain that you will never get a flat that is more severe than a simple nail in the tire, then by all means leave the spare at home.

I have three kids, so I will never take on that risk.

 

I agree with Doc and Evan. I have the compressor for small leaks, and the spare for big leaks. I'd rather be safe and a little late than unsafe and a lot late.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SteveMD @ Sep 25 2006, 08:11 AM) [snapback]324589[/snapback]</div>

It's been a while since I've had to use a spare myself, but a couple years back I did have a sidewall blowout that would have required a tow truck had I no spare. There's also the case where you have a fender bender or other cluckerfust that puts a wheel into a curb and bends it or something. You may need it very rarely, but the times I've needed it, I've been pretty glad it was there.

 

Last flat I had an air compressor would have been no help. I generally check my tires before a trip, so when they go flat suddenly they usually can't just be pumped up.

I hit a manhole cover just wrong once, and it sliced the side of the tire wide open.

I have an air compressor too, for slow leaks, but rarely need it on the road.
I wish the Prius had a full size spare instead of the mini tire.

 

My audio fanaticism had me consider removing the spare tire to build a sub enclosure in there. After regaining my senses, I figured it'd be a good idea to just leave the spare in there in case I ever do need it. I haven't gotten a flat in years, but you never know what's going to happen with these roads and drivers. The 12-volt compressor I have fits fine in the driver side cubby storage.

 

I'll take out the spare when i get a set of these: http://priuschat.com/Your-next-tire-t24900.html

Until then, i'll leave it in there and hope i never have to use it (only had to use a spare once in the past 5 years driving my old car)

 

had to go measure mine, my jump box is 7" by 8" by 3" and my compressor is part of a kit that also includes an 12 volt impact hammer (my gf would never be able to get the lug nuts loose without it...heck i would have a tough time if left with what Toyota gave me) all comes in a case 14 by 16 by 4. sure it takes up space, but like others, never consider leaving without it... well, actually the jump box i would (bought it for RC racing, not the car anyway)

 

i had a flat on my 04. it was down to 21 psi before i noticed it. it looked only slightly low at the time. i drove with the nail in it for weeks before i finally got it fixed. i just aired it up to 45 psi every 2-3 days or so. it had a nail in it. (used to live across the street from a lumber company. they had trucks that would unload in the middle of the street so pretty sure that is where it came from)

after i got the tire fixed, it was less than a month later, it started leaking again but slower this time. thought the patch job wasnt done properly (you would think that for free, it would last right??)

after a few weeks, went back to same place (flats fixed free for life at any Les Schwab's) was not a bad patch job, it was another nail. got it fixed and stopped coming home past the lumber place (i used to live on a street that was only 3 blocks long, so could come in either way.)

 

My old Carrera came with *both* a compressor and a spare. The spare was a space saver that was uninflated; apparently one was to rely on the compressor to inflate the spare, before one then installed it in place of the faulty tire.

Oh, and the regular wheels and tires didn't fit into the trunk, either. The fronts would fit into the back seat, but the rears would just squeeze in up front(!)

I'll definitely take the spare over the compressor, but having a compressor too doesn't sound like a bad idea. Doesn't weight that much, I'd think.

Personally, I've always thought that we should switch to concrete tires and rubber roads. Although the spare would be LOTS heavier, wouldn't it?

 

I'll go with a spare anytime especially since I have used them before. Even on a long trip with AAA/AARP (yes I showing my age) depending on where you're at it could take several hours. Just as easy to put the spare on and drive to a repair shop.
A compressor would be not be a bad idea - the amount I spent on air (the free compressor at the station was broken and the one across the street cost) could probably have helped pay for a compressor.

 

<_< Questionable POLL...

Actually, I don't have a PREFERENCE. I have, and prefer, BOTH the spare AND my 12v compressor. Maybe the author needed to add "Both" to the choices. I use my compressor and an accurate tire gauge to maintain my balanced tire pressures regularly.

There could well be a situation in which an onboard 12v compressor could not inflate a flat - as in a blowout or bad sidewall puncture, so, there you'd be awaiting a tow.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pinto Girl @ Oct 3 2006, 06:43 PM) [snapback]327593[/snapback]</div>

Ahh, Fred Flintstone, childhood memories.