We (wife and I) get flats all the time. Road debris, nails and such. Wife has had two this year alone. Granted we don't need the spare because the tire shop is just 5 miles up the road. I carry a VIAIR compressor with me all the time.
BMW with no spare tire?
- Thread starter Drillbit
- Start date
Ohh...that all wheel drive sucks when you loose one tire don't it?
My ex jumped a curb in her Volvo S80. Popped a tire. I had to replace all 4 even though the others had ~50% tread still left.:banghead:
It was fortunate timing. I was going to replace my tires within a few months anyways. Normally, I don't have that kind of luck.
I like having a full-sized spare. It's just about the easiest and most secure solution if you do get a flat. Its location on the rear door could not be more convenient. Having a full spare to rotate into the mix extends the life of the other 4 tires. Plus it makes a superb mount for my bike rack. Have you ever tried hoisting a 25-pound mountain bike onto the roof of a Discovery? Easy for those of us who are 6'4", not so much for shorter folks.
I'd counter that with hoisting a dead 35" tire full of mud and snow onto the roof of a very lifted jeep...
In my driving history I damaged two tires while off-roading, and countless - in the city. The last one was on an LR4 that caught a self-tapping screw into the shoulder - and that time had to be replaced with a dinky spare. Not fun, especially when you're towing a trailer 200 miles away. Full-sized spare since.
I think ukoffroad's comment reflects the amount of time he spends on and off the road (little and next to none).
Lots of the new model cars that we have in our fleet have the inflator kits, and 9 times out of 10 they're worthless. Most of our flatted tires are curb damage, or the customer picked up a nail and drove on the low tire til the sidewall gave out. I understand why the manufacturers are doing it, but without at least a donut, that car has to be towed, which wastes time and money. And makes us look bad, bc of course the customer assumes we made the conscious choice to deny them a spare tire.
I was not referring to driving off-road. If you live in a place where flats are common then by all means keep one. None of our cars have had a flat in about forever. My current commute is about 6 miles, as is the wife's.
I agree. Bought one from John years ago, and I never leave home without it. I have used it 3 or 4 times now. Last time I used it was little over a year ago on a rented Dodge Caravan. Picked up a nail in the right front as we were about to hit the road for Florida with my sister and her kids. Didn't want to deal with the stupid donut underneath the car, and wasn't about to drive 2000 miles on a donut anyway. 15-20 minutes, and we were on our way like nothing had happened.
When was the last time you have an accident, fire in your house or water damages to your properities? Do you still buy insurance?
Oh shit no dude . Insurance is just another conspiracy drummed up by some greedy bastard . I figure everybody else has the shit so maybe I don't need it .
unfair comparison really.
Depending upon your state, auto insurance is MANDATORY to register and operate a vehicle.
Homeowners insurance is MANDATORY for mortgage loan.
Is it smart to not insure auto or home? No. I remember, growing up, friends in Philly not having auto insurance. It was cheaper to pay out of pocket in the event of an accident, rather paying premiums. I think it's mandatory in all states now.
I agree with chuck. I've never had a flat, on pavement, in 24 years. Off-road I always left my spare at camp. It's personal preference.
Run flats are heavy, loud, heavy, and only give you 50 miles. If you're going long distance buy a space saver.