Never Get a Flat Tire Again

May 30
03:26

2024

Scott Van Der Veer

Scott Van Der Veer

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Getting a flat tire always seems to happen at the most inconvenient times. This article will not only stir up some memories but also provide you with insights on how to avoid flat tires forever.

The Inconvenience of Flat Tires

Flat tires often occur when you're in a rush,Never Get a Flat Tire Again Articles during bad weather, or in extreme temperatures. If you've been driving for a while, you've likely experienced this. The next challenge is locating the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench. Tire sealants can offer peace of mind and environmental benefits. Unlike the sticky, hardening aerosol sealants, modern tire sealants have superior qualities and can save you money.

The Search for Tools

If you've never had a flat tire in your current vehicle, finding the necessary tools can be a daunting task. After over twenty years in the car business, I've noticed that most people don't even know where their jack is. While new cars often come with roadside assistance, there are scenarios where you might have to change the tire yourself—late at night, in a bad part of town, or in an area with no cell reception.

Evolution of Car Jacks

Bumper Jacks of the Past

Twenty years ago, most cars had bumper jacks. These jacks required a specific assembly and a pumping action to lift the vehicle quickly.

Modern Scissor Jacks

Today's cars mostly use scissor jacks, which need to be positioned in a specific slot to work correctly. This can be problematic if the car isn't on solid ground. If you're on grass or mud, you'll need something flat and sturdy under the jack to prevent it from sinking.

The Spare Tire Dilemma

Full-Size Spares

In the past, cars came with full-size spare tires, allowing you to change the tire and continue driving at normal speeds. This was especially useful on highways.

The Rise of the Doughnut Spare

Nowadays, most cars come with a "doughnut" spare tire, which looks ridiculous and limits your speed to 45-50 mph. This forces you to visit a tire store immediately to repair or replace your tire.

The Solution: Tire Sealants

Benefits of Tire Sealants

Modern tire sealants can prevent flat tires caused by nails, glass, or road debris. Tires are porous and lose air over time. Sealants can immediately seal punctures and rim leaks, maintaining proper air pressure. This results in cooler-running tires, better gas mileage, and tires that last 25% longer.

Good vs. Bad Sealants

Bad sealants harden and become sticky, throwing your tire out of balance and causing vibrations. Good sealants remain liquid for the tire's life, providing continuous protection and sealing punctures effectively.

Environmental and Economic Impact

Oil Consumption

According to tire manufacturers, it takes 17 gallons of oil to make one car tire and 22 gallons for a truck tire. Retreads require seven gallons. By maintaining proper air pressure, we can reduce the number of tires produced, saving millions of gallons of oil.

Fuel Efficiency

Maintaining correct air pressure can improve fuel mileage by 3-5%, according to the National Automobile Association. This would result in significant oil savings and financial benefits.

Historical Use of Tire Sealants

The government and racing industry have used tire sealants since 1969, including on the lunar land rover for the moon landing. They certainly didn't want a flat tire on the moon.

Conclusion

Tire sealants offer a practical solution to the inconvenience of flat tires. By maintaining proper air pressure and using high-quality sealants, you can extend the life of your tires, improve fuel efficiency, and contribute to environmental conservation.

References

Interesting Stats

  • Oil Consumption: It takes 17 gallons of oil to make one car tire and 22 gallons for a truck tire. Retreads require seven gallons. (Source: Tire Manufacturers Association)
  • Fuel Efficiency: Proper tire pressure can improve fuel mileage by 3-5%. (Source: National Automobile Association)
  • Historical Use: Tire sealants have been used since 1969, including on the lunar land rover. (Source: NASA)

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you never have to deal with the inconvenience of a flat tire again.