Spare Tire Questions

[Jayne Shelby]

I couldn't tell you if the last six or seven new cars I purchased even had a spare tire. Guess I didn't need it if I had it. Definition of a non-problem. I do like the idea of run flat tires but only if tire pressure sensing identifies the problem to the operator. How long can you run on a run flat tire? Enquiring minds want to know.

 

[Craig]

It's more like the:
Spare Tire Non Issue.

Can't believe we are on page 6.o_O

 

[Dustoff]

It's more like the:
Spare Tire Non Issue.

Can't believe we are on page 6.o_O

LMAO
Yup, P.6.o_O

 

[Craig]

I couldn't tell you if the last six or seven new cars I purchased even had a spare tire. Guess I didn't need it if I had it. Definition of a non-problem. I do like the idea of run flat tires but only if tire pressure sensing identifies the problem to the operator. How long can you run on a run flat tire? Enquiring minds want to know.

In Iraq, my HUMVEE went 22 days with a run flat.
I know, you were being sarcastic. Sorry

 

[Keith Stone]

In Iraq, my HUMVEE went 22 days with a run flat.
I know, you were being sarcastic. Sorry

Does the elio come with a run flat tire?

 

[Craig]

Does the elio come with a run flat tire?

No, someone started that fire and it's still burning out of control like the rest of this thread.

 

[outsydthebox]

..... How long can you run on a run flat tire? Enquiring minds want to know.

... How long can you run on a run flat tire? Enquiring minds want to know.

When I bought my '94 geo metro, it wasn't running & I tow dollied it home. The first time I drove it, I was disappointed by the serious lack of power & "rumbling" from the back...oh well, 'Bad wheel bearing' I thought. (in hindsight: low tire pressure + a pothole in my driveway knocked it off the bead) After 25 miles or so, someone got my attention and pointed to the flat tire (drivers side rear). It was off the bead. After inspection and finding no damage, I aired it up & it's been fine for over 2 years!
Could the Elio do that? I don't think so. Because the rear of the Metro was partially supported by the other back tire, the "flat" carried very little weight. The other rear tire also kept it "tracking" straight and kept the "flat" from rolling off the rim.
As so many have already said, there are other great options. I always carry a plug kit and emergency compressor. And I am pretty impressed by the "Ride on" for prevention & for the self balancing, too.

 

[LonePine]

In the past ten years I have repeatedly purchased spares for my Jeep and motohome, but have not used a spare ever. I think it's a waste of money and fuel and the next time I buy tires I will probably be rethinking the purchase of a spare.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just my personal perspective, but I've used canned Fix-a-Flat, and am satisfied and impressed with it.

 

[LonePine]

When I bought my '94 geo metro, it wasn't running & I tow dollied it home. The first time I drove it, I was disappointed by the serious lack of power & "rumbling" from the back...oh well, 'Bad wheel bearing' I thought. (in hindsight: low tire pressure + a pothole in my driveway knocked it off the bead) After 25 miles or so, someone got my attention and pointed to the flat tire (drivers side rear). It was off the bead. After inspection and finding no damage, I aired it up & it's been fine for over 2 years!
Could the Elio do that? I don't think so. Because the rear of the Metro was partially supported by the other back tire, the "flat" carried very little weight. The other rear tire also kept it "tracking" straight and kept the "flat" from rolling off the rim.
As so many have already said, there are other great options. I always carry a plug kit and emergency compressor. And I am pretty impressed by the "Ride on" for prevention & for the self balancing, too.

Elio won't be carrying much weight on the rear either.

 

[Lil4X]

Elio won't be carrying much weight on the rear either.

That's a good point - that rear tire is going to be a bit larger (section) tire than the fronts, but with under a ton to spread among three tires (fully loaded), we won't be operating anywhere near the capacity of the rubber. I'm fine with the fix-a flat - even if I have to eventually replace the tire I've had to put it in to get home. I use that stuff in the lawn tractor's tires (low speed, balance no problem) and it's a little messy, but would sure beat chauffeuring around a mini-spare that will likely be dry-rotted if not just low when you need it someday.

One thing that does concern me about flats that is unique to the reverse-trike: that rear wheel is going to travel in the center of the lane that may collect a bit more debris than the normal wheel tracks. I have a local freeway exit ramp I've used for - well, let's say "entertainment" with my last several cars. The ramp is actually a pretty challenging chicane that ends in an uphill section where carrying speed up the hill allows you to merge into traffic easily on the downhill side. Clipping both apexes with smoothness and trailing throttle is the key here, but when I get home I've collected several flats over the years. It seems clipping those apexes puts me in the marbles at the side of the road that too often turn out to be screws and nails. I haven't had a problem since I confined my "entertainment" to roads less traveled by commercial traffic. The Elio won't give me a choice - one wheel is going to be running on "dirty" ground no matter what you do.