Spare Tire Questions

[LonePine]

That's a gooprepared for - 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.

Darn it ! There you go bringing some valid points be prepared for. Oh well. Final scene of Monty Pythons "The Life of Brian". Always look on the bright side of life. (Whistle. whistle ,whistle,whistle). May the sharp objects on the road through life roll out of your way.

 

[briish]

yea i like the aaa thingy

 

[Lil4X]

The trouble with AAA is that if you call them, particularly at rush hour, here in Houston they're usually 2 to 4 hours away. That applies to practically all of the motor clubs. Don't count on service when you need it - I've had to pay cash the last two times I've called AAA because their own dispatch took so long to arrive it was getting dark - I just flagged down a passing wrecker. It's expensive, but then I don't have to spend the money on a psychiatrist.

I was spoiled with a couple of luxury marques - your car comes with 3 years of towing and service - "free" (yeah, riiiight). But it does tend to build a fire under the tow service - they arrive quickly and generally employ people whose knuckles don't drag the ground. Wonder if EM/Pep Boys might work out some kind of arrangement for Elio owners?

 

[briish]

yea i here that some aaa garages need to be scrutinized better especially off the interstates they will try to scam you

 

[krabblegg]

I seem to remember AAA telling me that the membership benefits do not apply to motorcycles. So a service call may be out-of-pocket. I will check when we get closer to delivery.

 

[outsydthebox]

I an not too fond of "fix-a-flat" because it makes such a mess. Tire shops HATE IT. I guess it's flammable, too. they all want to know before they dismount, and they increase their fee. That "Ride On" sounds like a "WIN, WIN" tho. I'll still carry a plug kit & compressor. Only once in the past 25 years have I needed to put on the spare.

 

[LonePine]

The trouble with AAA is that if you call them, particularly at rush hour, here in Houston they're usually 2 to 4 hours away. That applies to practically all of the motor clubs. Don't count on service when you need it - I've had to pay cash the last two times I've called AAA because their own dispatch took so long to arrive it was getting dark - I just flagged down a passing wrecker. It's expensive, but then I don't have to spend the money on a psychiatrist.

I was spoiled with a couple of luxury marques - your car comes with 3 years of towing and service - "free" (yeah, riiiight). But it does tend to build a fire under the tow service - they arrive quickly and generally employ people whose knuckles don't drag the ground. Wonder if EM/Pep Boys might work out some kind of arrangement for Elio owners?

Yeah. Kinda' like what we "domestic terrorist" types like to say. When life itself is in danger. When seconds count. Help is only minutes away.

 

[LonePine]

Here is my OPTION:

Just have to wonder, where in heck are you figurin'on drivin' to expect That many flats ? Nevermind. I remember several people smarter than me had the same advice. Something about "To live in peace, be prepared for war".

 

[William N Thurman]

Hello from Colorado Springs, and yes the 2014 smart car does not hav a spare tire.

 

[Ty]

Just have to wonder, where in heck are you figurin'on drivin' to expect That many flats ? Nevermind. I remember several people smarter than me had the same advice. Something about "To live in peace, be prepared for war".

I was glad I had a real spare back when I had that one flat tire. Let's see... It was in 1997... not a single one since. Charmed life, I know. Now, I've had to plug three of mine and the wife's but luckily, I was at home each time. I also plugged two or three for neighbor's. If I was out when the tire was flat, I would have had to call the wife (LOL... she'd probably be with me) or a friend but that might be better than taking up half the Elio's trunk space. I guess the rest of the space could be filled with a pair of gloves... or maybe just one glove.