Mini spare fits Prime?

I've had nails and screws in many tires over the years, and they leak slowly enough so you can drive to a tire shop after pumping up the tires. I sold a set of 4x4 tires that were on my truck and the guy I sold them to pulled a bunch of nails out of them. I had no idea as they weren't leaking air for me enough that I noticed.

If you keep a plug kit in your car, there's a good chance the glue will be dried up long before you need it.

I wonder if the air compressor that comes with the Prime can be used without the goop?

 

nope. better to buy a separate compressor if you want one.

 

Can the compressor be used without installing the sealant?

I'm considering putting Ride-On sealant into the tires in advance. Friends have had good results with the motorcycle version of the product, and I may try the auto version.
Auto Tire Sealant | Car Tire Repair | Auto and SUV Formula - Ride-On

I've had good results with Nealy rubberized string repair plugs.
Nealey Tire Repair Kit - How It Works

 

nope. the compressor tubing has a fitting for the goop can, not a schraeder valve.

will the ride on affect mpg's at all?

 

True, but the shop I took my car to for the first nail just used a plug. So I bought a plug kit for the second nail. About two years later, one of those plugs had to be redone due to a slow leak.

 

I think you could attach the goop can and pump it into the trash and then use the empty container as a link between the compressor and tire, rather than buying a new compressor.

 

Yeah, but this compressor gets great (outside) reviews, and is only $23.

 

The stock compressor just fits in its storage spot in the hatch area. Neatness is next to godliness. The car is lovely, mess with it as little as possible.

 

I'm going to mess with it a whole lot to overcome Toyota's disastrous interior design when it comes to storage.

 

I wouldn't do that. And to dump it out in advance, for an event which many never occur, is cargo cult.

Instead, just get an aftermarket compressor, or (my pick) a simple, hand-operated bicycle tire pump. And a plug-repair kit. And leave the supplied compressor with sealant as-is, a homage to... something. They're pricey to replace I'm sure, and come trade-in time you've got the system intact: if dealership or private sale customer sees spent inflation kit, they will drop price, or move on.

Personally, no spare equals no sale. As long as buyers are willing to go along with these kits, it'll continue.

 

Over a third of all cars sold in the US today come without spare tires. This is likely to increase to more than 2/3 in the next 10 years.

I suggest you either buy a car soon, get used to buying old cars, or get over the need for a spare.

As I've said before, I've been stranded on the side of the road a few times in my life, but all of them have been because parts broke other than tires (radiator crack, coolant hoses twice, air intake hose detached, broken wheel hub, etc.). I don't expect every car to carry a spare for every component that can leave me stranded.

 

Has anyone found a good option for a spare tire that would work with the Prius Prime? I didn't see a conclusion about the Corolla spare mentioned early on in this thread.

 

See my post #6.

Also, if you're getting it through a dealership, or someone where you're picking it up in person: just put it on, drive (gently) around their lot.

 

You need a tire with about the same outside diameter and equal or greater load capacity. You need a wheel that fits the lugs (5x100mm) and clears the brakes, and the correct offset for front wheel drive. The Bridgestone Tracompa-2 T135/90D15 is one example of the right sized tire. It goes on a 15" diameter, 4" wide wheel.

A tire dealer should have info on what might fit.

Another option is to put a sealant into the tires in advance of a puncture. Ride-On is one choice (and better than Slime).
Auto Tire Sealant | Car Tire Repair | Auto and SUV Formula - Ride-On

The rubberized string plugs I've had good results with are Nealy
Nealey Tire Repair Kit - Contact Us

 

It does not make sense to me. I have seen people installing their spare tires on road side quite often.

I am planning a trip to Death Valley, I will buy a spare tire from Wheel, Spare - Toyota (42611-47630) | BAM Parts. If I have a flat tire there, I cannot imagine the how mess it would be, no cell phone signal, tow trucks are hundred mils away. I would put it in garage if I just drive around the town.

 

You might take a few gallons of water as well...

 

A case of bottled water for sure Thanks for reminding.

But Death Valley is not so terrible, I have been there before. They have quite a few visitor centers/offices that sell water/soda/sandwiches at the amazing price (ice cold can of soda from refrigerator cost just 50C). There are at least 2 gas stations, 2 general stores, and restaurants as well. It is really a nice place for spring break.

BTW, I bought a spare tire with the yellow wheel from a crashed 2010 Prius. Local junkyard asked for $50 but I paid $40 in cash and made the deal.

For most of the time I would leave the spare tire in the garage. Just peace of mind during trips to Death Valley.

 

Yeah what's with that? Ours looks like it fell off a tractor, lol. I think the only thing worse would be a clown face or similar, emblazoned on there; I guess they want you to be motivated, to get the regular wheel back on.

 

So true! It is as ugly as.

 

I understand it can be really beautiful several days in spring. Time of year is really important. I was there a few years ago end of August - just hot and windy. Ubehebe crater is really interesting - kinda like a visit to the moon without a moon suit... Say hello to Scotty for me. I know several people who've run the BADWATER 135 | Badwater . It's a 135 mile footrace from Badwater Basin to Mount Whitney Portal. It's held the end of July each year - not my time of year there...