Over the past week or so, I've had a slow leak in my driver side front tire. I don't have the time or the money to get it fixed/looked at right away, so I was wondering about this Fix-a-Flat stuff? There is a nail in the tire, I realized that after carefully looking at it. It's not completely flat yet but I was thinking about getting the Fix a Flat stuff to use for the next few days so I can just get to and from work. Will it fix it with the nail in there? Should I take the nail out and then use the fix a flat? Thanks for the help!!
Yeah, and just answers pertaining to the fix a flat. I know I should take it to get it fixed, I know it's not good and not safe to drive around on it blah blah...but I have no choice right now, haha!
2007-05-06 14:21:53 · 13 answers · asked by katiekarnage 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Ive used it before. Ive heard the talk that its not good for your tire and the such. But sometimes youve got to do what youve got to do.
But if you can see the nail, it probably isnt that bad of a flat. They sell do it yourself plug kits. They cost around 5 bucks, pick one up and get someone who knows how to pull the nail out and plug the tire for you. Ive did this before myself without even taking the tire/wheel off the car.
2007-05-06 14:30:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Take the nail out first. Then rotate the tyre so that the hole is on the bottom. Put the Fix-a-Flat in (it will go to the hole straight away, since it's on the bottom), then go for a drive for about 20 minutes at moderate to low speeds - around 35 mph or so. It needs the spinning action to evenly distribute the liquid (otherwise, your wheel will be out of balance), and it needs the heat generated by driving to help the stuff set. Then go to a garage and set your tyre pressure correctly - some pressure will have leaked out while the stuff was setting.
Obviously, get it fixed properly as soon as possible - repairs only cost $25 or so. And forget the plug kits - they often pop out of the tyre with the air inside pushing on it and the centrifugal forces on the tread when driving. Not a happy thing on the expressway!
Good luck!
2007-05-06 14:48:49 · answer #2 · answered by Me 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Remember both a spare tire and a can of fix a flat is intended to be a short term solution. You can put a can of it in your spare if that is the only way you can get it fixed (the tire). It would be safer to take the tire to town and get it fixed then put it back on the car; such has having a friend drive you. Ultimately it depends on how far your driving as well. 1-3 miles not to much concern as long as you take it slow under 50 for example. 5-10 may be pushing it but likely will make it. More than that good luck.
2016-05-17 06:38:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Instead of putting fix-a-flat (which is a type of foam which will probably fill the hole but, will also stick to the inside of the rim and tire and can be a pain in the butt to put a new tire on), I'd recommend getting a plug kit at the local auto parts store and pull the nail, insert a plug, trim, and refill with air, most likely the plug will last till the tire wears out.
2007-05-06 14:33:28 · answer #4 · answered by Bobby S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well you wear right on the last part of your question but fix a flat will work for a temp fix the best way is to put the fix a flat in the tire pull the nail out and drive the car asap this will get the product spread in the tire but get it fix ween you get a ch-ans good luck
2007-05-06 14:32:09 · answer #5 · answered by master of none 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fix-A-Flat is not designed to be used for weeks or months at a time. If your lucky it might work long enough to get to the shop. Many times it barely works or doesn't work at all.
Oh by the way, most shops charge more to repair a tire that has Fix-A-Flat in it because the stuff is corrosive, toxic and generally nasty to deal with, so if your planning to use it to save money, think again.
ASE Certified Automotive Service Advisor
2007-05-06 14:34:32 · answer #6 · answered by Naughtums 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have time to stop and get gas, then you have time to have the slow leak repaired. Fix-a-Flat is only good enough to hold over temporally until the slow leak can be "patched".
2007-05-06 14:34:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
compare the price of fix a flat to a small plug kit,you would be better with the plug kit,also carry 2 cans of fix a flat just for emergency only!!most tire shop are probably going to plug it anyway,and charge you for a full repair.
2007-05-06 14:33:29 · answer #8 · answered by strange_busaman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't take the nail out unless you are by an air pump because all the air will come out and it will be flat for sure.
2007-05-06 14:31:46 · answer #9 · answered by Irish 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
leave the nail in it and get some fix it flat or the slime it's green and it works great. I hope your not driven very fast with the nail it can blow at any time
2007-05-06 14:30:01 · answer #10 · answered by lildevil_883 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋