Lack of spare tire: total cost to me $250 instead of $25

I’d respectfully disagree. As I wrote in a previous thread, the sealant can make a mess, and Toyota says you should replace the TPMS transmitter (not included in your estimate) after using it, but if the damage to the tire is otherwise repairable, using the sealant shouldn’t prevent a repair.

 

How much to replace the sealant canister?
Edit: Sorry I see it was $117.

 

I am trying to understand your logic. You have a slow leak on the Prius. You also have an Audi. Why didn't you just take off the leaking tire and wheel, put in your other car and take it to a tire store to be repaired? I had a similar problem, took the tire to Costco and they fixed it in about 30 minutes at a minimum cost.

 

Corporate greed is the reason Toyota didn't give you a spare?

Well if anything, that's a new reason I've not yet heard.

 

Toyo is the worst.

 

Will the Toyota sealant eventually spread around inside the tire and balance itself?

I put Ride-On sealant in the Toyos. This is described as a self-balancing product, and that some driving time was needed to let the goop spread. At first the car felt like it was running on bricks, but after several miles the ride smoothed totally out as the sealant got distributed inside the tires.

I got rid of the Toyos. The Ride-On was a big help, but when the Mrs. picked up a screw in the tire, by the time she got home the hole was too big to patch. I was unsure of the safety of the plug (probably OK, but I didn't have confidence). The sealant kept most of the air in the tire, didn't allow much to leak around the screw, and got her home.

The Toyos are very light tires. Very light casing which probably means a thin casing. I expect the OE Bridgestones are about the same...it's all for fuel economy. I bought a set of Bridgestone Drive Guard run-flat tires. Very heavy, and very reassuring. These 3rd generation run-flat tires ride well. Said to be good for 50 miles at 50 mph deflated (by then the tire's probably junk). The weight causes some economy loss, and I'll take the trade off.

While the car maker saves money omitting the spare, the weight gain in the pursuit of fuel efficient gain is one main reason for no spare. Lack of a place to put the spare in the Prime is another big reason.

 

Three things.
1. Don't replace the sealant. Buy a plug kit and a regular 12v compressor. Cheaper and better. Then you not only don't have to take the tire to a shop next time, you probably wont even need to take the wheel off. Just plug and pump in place.
2. Many motorcyclists put sealant in their tires as a matter of preventative maintenance. Not only does it NOT unbalance the tires, it improves the balance.
3. None of these do any good if you have a blowout

 

At least it's only happening 1/10 as often, right?

I like the plug kit & compressor plan. I have a very inexpensive harbor freight compressor packed away in one of our cars. It's slow but easy to use and easy to carry.

 

Saved my bacon on the motorcycle once. Came back to the bike (20 miles from home) to find the back tire flat on the bottom side. (Why is it always on the bottom?!! LOL!) There was a big aluminum triangle about 1" per side sticking out of it. I put several plugs in it, pumped it up with the 12V compressor to what I thought was a good compromise between flex and pressure, and limped home as slowly as I dared in the traffic we have here. Whew!

 

while i agree that some manufacturers are happy not to provide a spare, on plug ins, it is obvious that there is no place to put one.
i carry one above decks for all the reasons you mentioned.

 

Blow out, slow leak, sidewall or tread...10 minutes and I'm on my way with a spare. To each their own.

 

10 minutes? i'm a good half hour, and that's with a decent place to pull over and change it.

 

I've had a little practice. You should see me on a revenue gate turn.

 

My Prime comes with a button on the ceiling and 3 years of free roadside service, including flat tires,lock outs, etc. Slow leak I might use my portable electric inflation pump I carry, but I don't plan on it. I have a spare I bought for my PiP I can use if I am in real need, but I will avail myself to their FREE service first! (Any Prime is less than 2 years old and comes with this free service.)

I already have their service number programmed in my phone as well as knowing the location of that Toyota Safety Sense button which will also give them your exact location.

 

Your Prius comes with Toyota Care. Why didn't you have your Prius towed to the tire shop free of charge? Then deal with the tire with or without the tire sealant?

 

Will Toyota Care take the car where you want or just to a Toyota dealer?

By the way who has used Toyota Care.

 

I assume that Toyota Care will take you to a tire shop but even if it takes your Prius to the nearest Toyota dealer. That is better than ruining a $70 tire if that is a concern.