Self-sealing tires vs spare tire options

[ziv]

Hi All,

I have a Chevy Volt and did the 'spare tire' kit because I often travel out of the city and didn't want to have to wait hours for roadside assistance in the even of a flat tire.

Now with the Bolt, I see the same issues. The OEM tires are self sealing, but if that doesn't hold up/doesn't solve the puncture, then you're stuck waiting for help.

The stock Bolt EV tires are the same size as the Gen II Volt, so I'm guessing the same setup would work as a spare tire kit for the Bolt. I don't have my Bolt yet, but can any owners confirm?

[SeanNelson]

I have read rumours about plans for a Bolt-specific spare tire kit, but who knows how long it will take to show up. The one for the Volt wasn't available until at least a few months after the car rolled out.

The kit from the Volt may not work in the Bolt because it relies on a threaded anchor hole in the car to secure the tire restraint. The Bolt may or may not have such a hole, and it may not be in the correct location or at the correct depth for the one in the Volt to work properly.

But I'm pretty sure that I've read of people who have mounted Volt wheels/tires on the Bolt to confirm their compatibility, so in that respect at least the Volt spare tire kit should get you that part of it.

[sgt1372]

Just leased my Bolt a couple of days ago.

I bought an emergency spare for my BMW which originally came w/run flat times because I installed "better" performing non-flats on the car.

However, I don't think I'll bother doing that for the Bolt. I'll just carry a basic tool kit, a tire repair kit, a small compressor and a can of Fix-A-Flat or Slime Quick Spair (or similar product) instead. Should be enough to handle any minor tire emergencies.

A call to AAA will have to handle the rest.

[LeftieBiker]

You might want to buy a spare but keep it at home, so AAA can just bring the car there if you can't leave it at a shop.

[sgt1372]

You might want to buy a spare but keep it at home, so AAA can just bring the car there if you can't leave it at a shop.

If I need to call for a tow truck, I don't see the point of having a spare at home. If I'm far away from home, the spare does me no good. If I'm near home, they can just as easily tow me to a local tire shop where the tire can be repaired or replaced.

PS: I just put my Viair compressor and Powertank tire repair kit in the trunk. They fit perfectly. Need to buy a new canned tire inflator; the one I have is ancient and I can't rely that it'll work any more. Heading to my local AutoZone shortly.

[LeftieBiker]

Quite a few Leaf drivers (like me) have added spares, only to find that they are never needed. The reasonable compromise seems to be to own a spare, but not to carry it unless going on a long trip.

[sgt1372]

Quite a few Leaf drivers (like me) have added spares, only to find that they are never needed. The reasonable compromise seems to be to own a spare, but not to carry it unless going on a long trip.

I've never needed the spare and jack that I bought for my BMW but, since it no longer has run-flat tires. So, its more of a necessity than a convenience to have a spare in that car.

Just bought a new can of Fix-a-Flat and put it in the "concealed" portion of the trunk w/a ViAir "Professional" compressor and a PowerTank tire repair kit (that I use to use while going off road in my FJ). That's more than enough to deal w/routine tire problems that the self-sealing tires on the Bolt can't handle. Anything else will require a call on OnStar (for the 3 months that I'm signed up) or to AAA.

[LeftieBiker]

Just bought a new can of Fix-a-Flat and put it in the "concealed" portion of the trunk w/a ViAir "Professional" compressor and a PowerTank tire repair kit (that I use to use while going off road in my FJ). That's more than enough to deal w/routine tire problems that the self-sealing tires on the Bolt can't handle. Anything else will require a call on OnStar (for the 3 months that I'm signed up) or to AAA.

Unless the Fix A Flat explicitly states on the can that it doesn't ruin TPMS sensors in the rim, I wouldn't use it except in an emergency. Those sensors aren't cheap.

[sgt1372]

Unless the Fix A Flat explicitly states on the can that it doesn't ruin TPMS sensors in the rim, I wouldn't use it except in an emergency. Those sensors aren't cheap.

Yes, I'm aware of this and the can says exactly that. Whether it's "true" or not has yet to be tested. Very family w/TPMS sensors. Learned all about them when I swapped wheels on my BMW 335i.

[boltage]

Since the self-sealing tires presumably have some goo in them, is it likely to encounter damage that cannot be fixed with the goo already in the tires, but can be fixed by spraying more goo into the tire?