shazusa

Has anyone gotten a flat tire without the spare tire kit? I have read that there is fix-flat goo and a compressor to get you to a tire place.

If I decide to buy with a spare tire kit, how much weight does it add to the back and does it upset the balance of the car much (I wouldn't think so, but had to ask)? If I add the spare tire kit, it there any room in the trunk? How difficult is it to remove the spare tire kit and the re-add it? Is it just a few bolts, or is it more involved?

Thanks

Emsdad

Not sure about the weight and ease of use for the spare tire. But either the spare tire or the tire repair kit should be for getting you to the tire shop. I didn't feel in necessary to purchase the spare tire kit, when the repair kit and pump that comes with the car are so much smaller!

Mitch Strickler

It takes up about half the trunk, which leaves way too little space -- and hard to get at, too, because the kit is on top, not on the floor. All that for a temp, when you have the factory kit, can buy a patch kit to supplement the factory-supplied goo, and have Mazda 24-hour road service.
Mitch

beachdog

If you use the bottle of goo, be prepared to buy a replacement tire and possibly a TPMS sensor too. Most tire shops will not want to clean the inside of your tire, wheel and sensor. A patch won't work unless the goo is thouroughly cleaned off.

Are you racing the car? Actually, the f/r balance will be improved. The car is not 50/50 as advertised, it is 52/48. As far as space, I have the spare and take the car on trips every weekend. Always have 4-5 soft duffels in the trunk.

A spare tire is a sure thing. Get a flat, put on the spare, proceed. The fix-a-flat doesn't always work. Towing? How much time do you have to spare?

_JL

agreed. Spare tire kit essential. And much safer. Who wants to ruin a perfectly good tire that needs a plug, and who wants to sit around in who knows where, and in what weather conditions waiting for roadside assistance. Not safe from traffic and other perspectives.

RX-MEN-8

I purchased a "plug" kit that I keep attached to the box that holds the repair kit by its latching system.. I have had to use it once due to a nail in my back rear passanger tire. A spare would be the safer, conventional way if you travel alot. Problem is the trunk is soooooooooo small w/ the spare in place if you will be taking luggage w/ you.

gt1

I read in a much earlier thread about people putting the spare tire on the floor of the trunk (isn't there a floor well or something?) and using a net to hold it in.
I think that saves some space (mounting hardware removed mainly)

So as shazusa asked, how hard is it to remove the spare tire hardware and re-add it later?