Changing A Flat

Regarding "Fix-A-Flat"/identical other emergency tire inflators?

WARNING: whatever you do, do not--repeat, DO NOT--leave a can of this stuff in your car if it's anyplace where heat or direct sunlight can affect it.

Unless, that is, you would like to experience having to remove a nasty, stinky, gummy substance the consistency of rubber cement from all over your interior. And I do mean all over. As in every square inch of carpet, seats, glass, dash, headliner, etc.

It will explode. Literally. Like a bomb. Shred the can and spew the contents everywhere. Trying to clean that up is not a pleasant way to spend a weekend. And yes, it will take you an entire weekend to clean up the mess. That's with two people working at it. Plus, you'll never get it all out. You'll be finding blobs of the disgusting stuff on an ongoing basis. And on top of it all, you'll get to drive around in a vehicle that reeks of "Goo Gone" for many weeks after the disaster. Think of the worst phony citrus-smelling air freshener you can imagine--and multiply times ten.

Don't ask me how I know.

There is also a 12 volt impact wrench that works off the cigarette lighter socket.   It's very slow, but does the job.   My father in law used to have one years ago.

Fix a flat will also eventually glue the beads of the tires to your nice aluminum or steel rims if you use enough of it.

If you don't choose AAA you might consider the change by using a break over bar. They free up the lugs very easily.
Here is an alternative to a conventional jack that utilizes no effort:

Airbag Link


Fix a flat works but as said makes a mess for those who have to deal with the tire later. It does get you going in a pinch though. (I keep a can in my trucks toolbox).

As long as the puncture(not catastrophic failure)is in the bottom of the tire and not in the side wall I use a tire plug kit. Along with a side cutter/dykes to pull the nail/screw out and cut the plug off,a small compressor will do wonders. You wouldn't have to remove the tire just move the car to expose the offending item and yank,plug then pump.I have fixed many flats at work and on the road for unfortunate people and myself. I don't leave home with out them. You can use fix a flat but there are many side effects. It works when all else fails but you must make sure that you tell the tire guy that FAF is in there because the propellant in some are EXPLOSIVE! Not a fun way to end the day at the tire shop.custom762006-11-24 13:29:29

I agree with Mick and Larry, AAA is the way to go, they will get you outta just about any bind.

But I've got a related question, will your wide-azz flat tire fix up in the carrier after putting on the spare?  Seriously, my tires are so wide that it doesn't look like it would fit in the carrier, and I certantly don't wanna put it inside with me.