Self-sealing tires vs spare tire options

[phil0909]

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?

Seems unlikely, doesn't it? I can't see much value in adding more goo to the existing goo.

However, if you install new, goo-less tires, carrying a can of fix-a-flat could be a good alternative to a spare tire.

[sgt1372]

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?

Good question.

Of course, I'm not going to try to use the stuff unless the "self-sealing" tires don't work as advertised. The tires don't have a liquid sealant in them. It's kind of a putty-like material that "seals" the tire from punctures in the tread.

See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZPikiiKFw4

However, no harm in carrying a can of Fix-A-Flat just in case it doesn't work, in which case the liquid sealant may save the day by filling gaps that the "putty" can't handle.

If that fails, I also have an off-road tire kit w/plugs that can be pushed into the hole (s). The plugs can also be used for sidewall damage which are not protected by the sealant lining in the tire. I'd only resort to using the plugs if I cannot reach OnStar or AAA. Way too much trouble to do otherwise.

Reality is that NONE of us probably will ever have to deal w/a tire problem on the road. I have been driving for over 50 years and have owned/leased over 50 different cars, trucks and motorcycles.

I have always carried a spare or some kind of tire inflation device while driving in those vehicles and have only had to deal w/a flat on the road ONCE in my lifetime; it was a Prius with a spare that I changed on the spot.

Better safe than sorry is my view.

[SparkEVPilot]

The Spark EV does not have a spare tire nor a place for one. In its place is a 12 volt air pump and a canister of special sealant. I had a flat once and this system rescued me. If you are going to squirt sealant into the flat tire, make sure the valve stem is at the or near the bottom so you do not spray sealant onto the internal tire pressure sensor. They are expensive to replace.

[Nagorak]

I'd probably not bother with a spare. Nowhere in CA are you so far from a city that a tow truck shouldn't be able to get to you. I'd count on the self sealing tires to get me to a tire store, and if not I'd just chalk it up to bad luck and wait for the tow. Obviously it comes down to personal preference though.

[LeftieBiker]

The Spark EV does not have a spare tire nor a place for one. In its place is a 12 volt air pump and a canister of special sealant. I had a flat once and this system rescued me. If you are going to squirt sealant into the flat tire, make sure the valve stem is at the or near the bottom so you do not spray sealant onto the internal tire pressure sensor. They are expensive to replace.

With the Leaf and Prius PHEV at least, if you use the supplied sealant you ruin the sensors. Maybe GM supplies a better one that only ruins them if used at the wrong angle, but I wouldn't count on it. You may have just been lucky.

[sgt1372]

So, I was rummaging around in the trunk of my Bolt and found this styrofoam liner at the bottom.



It's called the "Cargo Management System" on Page 162 of the manual. The compartment on the right is where you are supposed to store the 110V charging cord, transformer box and handle

The other 2 compartments at the top left and center are for the "Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit." See illustration on Page 295 of the Manual. So, Chevy has already planned for the carrying and use of additional sealant and a compressor for use w/the Bolt "self-sealing" tires. LOL!!!

Called my sales person to ask about this and he said that the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit did not come w/the car but could be purchased as an option. He said he would find out if they are available and would send me the part number(s) and cost for them.

The silver bar below the empty compartment on the left is the "tow eye" mentioned on Page 299 of the Manual, which can be used to winch the car onto a flatbed car carrier.

There is a round circular plug covering a hole in the left side of the front bumper behind which I assume is a threaded female point of attachment for the tow eye. I tried to take the cover off but it wouldn't come off easily and I didn't want to force it.

I have no clue what is supposed to fit in the other space below the tow eye. Does anyone know or have any idea what might fit in there?

I also have no clue what the velcro strap left in the compartment on the left is for. It may be to hold the entire charge cord assembly in place. Will see if it can be used that way or not.

[SparkEVPilot]

The Spark EV does not have a spare tire nor a place for one. In its place is a 12 volt air pump and a canister of special sealant. I had a flat once and this system rescued me. If you are going to squirt sealant into the flat tire, make sure the valve stem is at the or near the bottom so you do not spray sealant onto the internal tire pressure sensor. They are expensive to replace.

With the Leaf and Prius PHEV at least, if you use the supplied sealant you ruin the sensors. Maybe GM supplies a better one that only ruins them if used at the wrong angle, but I wouldn't count on it. You may have just been lucky.

Lucky? Possibly. When I took the car to a local tire store to have the tire patched, the technician told me about keeping the valve stem on the bottom to avoid spraying the tire pressure sensor when using the sealant. He also said don't use it unless you absolutely have to as it is hard to get all of the sealant out of the inside of the tire. FWIW - the sealant canister costs about $40.00 to replace and it must be ordered from your Chevy / GM dealer. If the sensor got sprayed so it would not function correctly, the tech said you are looking at an additional $100 to have it replaced. Ouch!

[boltage]

I'd count on the self sealing tires to get me to a tire store, and if not I'd just chalk it up to bad luck and wait for the tow. Obviously it comes down to personal preference though.

If the self sealing tires are effective, it is possible that you may not notice that they were punctured.

Perhaps we may have to wait until someone has worn out the tires and has to replace them anyway decides to test the self sealing feature in the parking lot of the tire shop where the new tires are scheduled to be installed.

[LeftieBiker]

The Spark EV does not have a spare tire nor a place for one. In its place is a 12 volt air pump and a canister of special sealant. I had a flat once and this system rescued me. If you are going to squirt sealant into the flat tire, make sure the valve stem is at the or near the bottom so you do not spray sealant onto the internal tire pressure sensor. They are expensive to replace.

With the Leaf and Prius PHEV at least, if you use the supplied sealant you ruin the sensors. Maybe GM supplies a better one that only ruins them if used at the wrong angle, but I wouldn't count on it. You may have just been lucky.

Lucky? Possibly. When I took the car to a local tire store to have the tire patched, the technician told me about keeping the valve stem on the bottom to avoid spraying the tire pressure sensor when using the sealant. He also said don't use it unless you absolutely have to as it is hard to get all of the sealant out of the inside of the tire. FWIW - the sealant canister costs about $40.00 to replace and it must be ordered from your Chevy / GM dealer. If the sensor got sprayed so it would not function correctly, the tech said you are looking at an additional $100 to have it replaced. Ouch!

I just find it hard to believe that the sealant hardens so fast inside the tire that it doesn't spray around when the wheel is turning again, ruining the sensor anyway. Nissan and Toyota goop replacement cans run about $175, and TPMS sensors more.

[sgt1372]

My sales rep says that the Bolt Tire and Sealant Kit costs $95 and the part number is 84237904.

Not going to buy the kit just to fill the slots in the trunk. Fix-A-Flat w/my tire compressor is the same thing. An extra large can of Fix-A-Flat costs $15 and my Viair Professional compressor is better than any other 12v compressor on the market.

Bought TMPS sensors for my BMW for just $50 each. Don't see why Chevy TPMS sensors would cost more from 3rd party vendors. It's very easy to replace and recalibrate them, if for some reason they don't work after you squirt sealant into the tire. Might be worth buying 1 to put in the trunk in case it's needed.

It's a PITA to clean the tire interior if you use a sealant but if the "self-sealing" tires fail and the sealant gets you going on the road w/o the need to call for a tow or emergency service, it's well worth the price to me.