We’re going on a little trip this summer and in order to pack more kit in, I’m thinking of ditching the space saver and putting one of these in the boot:
All the reviews seem to be “I hope I’ll never have to use it” - well, yeh, me too, but I want to know if anyone has had to use it, and if it worked sufficiently well to enable them to limp say 50 miles to get their tyre repaired/replaced. I am aware that if we get a critical blowout/valve failure etc it isn’t going to help, but I have AA cover too.
I have never had the need to use one of these emergency repairs but hopefully they work if the puncture is small enough.
I note your comment about having AA cover. I think you will find that all the major motoring organisations give reduced cover/service if your car is equipped with a spare as standard and you are not carrying it when you get that puncture or blow-out! I think you should read the small print or phone them up and check!
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Just found this on the AA T&C: -
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Failure to carry a serviceable spare Any additional charges resulting from Your failure to carry a legal and serviceable spare wheel or tyre, except where this is not provided as manufacturers’ standard equipment. The AA will endeavour to arrange on your behalf, but will not pay for, assistance from a third party; <o:p></o:p>
There are three reasons for these kits 1. Cost saving. 2. Weight saving. 3. Boot space saving, My recent experience on a very new, 2013 reg, daily vehicle underlines this. Got a puncuture, followed instructions with the manufacturer’s kit - didn’t work. Second attempt tyre stayed up for 1.5 miles then flat agin. When approved tyre expert and van arrived first comment “Not surprised, we are often called out to sort out these emergency repair kits that just don’t work in 60% of cases” My plan for the future and my advice - carry a wheel with a tyre on it even if it’s a space saver. Interested to hear other’s experiences!
Noted the point about the AA, I hadn’t thought of that.
I’m considering the following two things as well: a) If we do take the space saver and we’re packed to the gunnels anyway, what do we do with the full sized tyre once we use it? and b) in mine and the girlfriends 40+ years of driving we counted five times between us when we’ve had real punctures (ie: not slow punctures that couldn’t be dealt with by a quick puff of air).
I realise it’s a risk/benefit call, I’m just trying to glean others’ experience of travelling with their MX5s
In former times travelling with a small two seater I used to carry tyre levers, a puncture repair kit and a spare inner tube. These days the safety humps on wheel rims preclude getting the tyre off with just simple tyre levers, so that option is out.
Sorry but you are wrong, I carry a Mazda RX7 16” space saver wheel fitted with a tyre from a Jag X type space saver wheel. This tyre matches the dia. of my tyres almost exactly. It is a comfy fit in the boot; I had to move the gunge kit to one side to make room.
The problem that will arise is how to stow a full size wheel and tyre in the boot when you have a puncture. If you use the search facility on this forum, you will discover older threads on this subject that include photos.
I have also discussed this with my insurance company and they are happy for me to use this space saver.
I used one of these repair aerosols when I had a puncture (nail through tyre) when I was in the Loire Vally a few years ago. Got me home - about 450 miles with speeds up to 65mph with no problems whatsoever. The only downside is that some tyre places don’t like repairing the tyre afterwards mainly because it’s a bit more difficult finding the hole plus the fact that they want an excuse to sell you a new tyre.
First thing I did when I bought my current 5 was to remove the space stealing space saver.
I could not agree more. Once a tyre has been run flat the sidewalls are ruined by running on the rim. I would never trust such a tyre again. I would examine your tyres very carefully well before departure, many punctures are caused by metal fragments, thorns etc. which have been embedded in the tyre for a long time. A boot rack and spare tyre would be my solution.
No, the sidewall wasn’t damaged. They said that the liquid from the aerosol covered the entire inside of the tyre and made it impossible to find where the puncture was and they weren’t prepared to clean the tyre up before repairing it as it was too messy a job !
Sorry that I am taking exception to this, but that is not an excuse to sell you a new tyre, but that it is a totally practical reason. The gunk is horrible, it spills all of the tyre machines, covers the floor and sets making a horrible mess you cannot remove. The design of it is to find holes and seal them. It would indeed take an age to clean the tyre, use lost of consumables and time (labour), which you wouldn’t want to pay for, to attempt to clean it up and then depending on just what the puncture was, not even be able to find it. A leak test won’t as the hole has sealed. So you run the risk of them putting a patch on something that is not the actual leak and so the tyre is not repaired. So, actually it is a reputable outfit that does this, not an excuse to sell you a tyre. I would make more money for a puncture than a new tyre so there is no incentive other than doing the right thing, to fitting a new tyre.
Very interesting. That means the debate is not about do these aerosols work (which depends on the type of puncture) but do they ruin your tyre. I can understand that neither the aerosol makers or the car manufacturers who supply these cans are going to say “this may or may not work and anyway, you’ll need a new tyre” but it sounds like they are bad news.
I thought I was being clever by ditching the space saver to gain boot space and lose some weight but it seems that is rather foolhardy. the moral must be keep the space saver unless you really have no option.
YOU in any vehicle you are driving (excluding HGVs, LCVs, minibuses, vehicles used for private/public hire or to carry livestock. If in doubt, call our team on 0845 3700 940 to check your vehicle is covered)
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