Mine also came with one... but I didn't want it. It now resides in my garage, and I throw it in my trunk only for really long trips. For years I've just carried a tire plug kit and an inflator, which as gotten me out of every tire incident I've been in. I won't use the goo they give you for the above reason you mentioned Stew, but a good old fashioned plug will handle everything but sidewall damage. I then have the plug removed when I take it to a tire shop for a quality internal patch and all is good as new.

 

As others have said, it's based on your past experience.

The last two flats I had to fix were due to sidewall damage, and as state neither tire goo nor plugs will fix that.

 

Why didn't Mazda just put run flat tires on the car?

 

Ever drive a car with run flat tires?

Go drive a MiniCooper S on a rough road and then come back and tell us if you like the ride. Those have 45 series 17" tires (like the -8's only the -8 has 18's) and well... you decide if you like it.

 

Don't they weigh a ton, too? (not that our behemoth 18" tires and wheels are the least bit light)

 

thats convenient if you aren't in a hurry to get somewhere because it's going to take some time to get to your car, tow it back and fix the flat.

 

Has anyone actually Used the Spare or the Fix-A-Flat, and can give us their opinion?

I would love to hear a story from someone who used the goo.