Fix a Flat

In the past I have used Fix A Flat or similar inflate from a can
products to fix 9 out of 10 flats - and who knows how many I never
knew about.
On the can it says "Do not use on tire sensor technology."
Is this just another Q-tip warning to be ignored or what gives? It
says it is non flammable -so what is the problem with simply leaving
the stuff in the tires forever.


On the rack next to it there were some color coded tire minders that
one apparently just insert in the tire stem and it should show green
if pressure is ok. Is this needed in addition to tire sensors?
j

"joe" <nonspam@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:r512d2dasilochu1v4gd71hku25ddnf8vn@4ax.com...[color=blue]
> In the past I have used Fix A Flat or similar inflate from a can
> products to fix 9 out of 10 flats - and who knows how many I never
> knew about.
> On the can it says "Do not use on tire sensor technology."
> Is this just another Q-tip warning to be ignored or what gives? It
> says it is non flammable -so what is the problem with simply leaving
> the stuff in the tires forever.
>[/color]

Fix a Flat and green slime stuff basically work by coating the entire inside
of the tire and wheel with stuff that eventually cures to the consistency of
rubber. If that stuff coats the sensor, it would keep the sensor for
detecting the true air pressure.
[color=blue]
> On the rack next to it there were some color coded tire minders that
> one apparently just insert in the tire stem and it should show green
> if pressure is ok. Is this needed in addition to tire sensors?
> j
>[/color]

No.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

On Wed, 2 Aug 2006 15:46:14 -0500, "Ray O"
<rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:
[color=blue]
>
>"joe" <nonspam@invalid.com> wrote in message
>news:r512d2dasilochu1v4gd71hku25ddnf8vn@4ax.com...[color=green]
>> In the past I have used Fix A Flat or similar inflate from a can
>> products to fix 9 out of 10 flats - and who knows how many I never
>> knew about.
>> On the can it says "Do not use on tire sensor technology."
>> Is this just another Q-tip warning to be ignored or what gives? It
>> says it is non flammable -so what is the problem with simply leaving
>> the stuff in the tires forever.
>>[/color]
>
>Fix a Flat and green slime stuff basically work by coating the entire inside
>of the tire and wheel with stuff that eventually cures to the consistency of
>rubber. If that stuff coats the sensor, it would keep the sensor for
>detecting the true air pressure.
>[/color]

So I should not use it. What is that sensor? Is it fastened to the
rim inside the tire? What happens when one fixes the tire with either
a plug or patch on the inside?

I think I need the ability to fix flats more that the this sensor
technology. What would I be giving up?
j

joe wrote:
[color=blue]
>
> I think I need the ability to fix flats more that the this sensor
> technology. What would I be giving up?
> j[/color]

don't know about the Fix-a-Flat, which is a different product, but here
is what SLIME says about their product and tire sensors:

[url]http://www.slime.com/customercare/viewfaq.php?id=56&q=[/url]

Sensor technology (a $200-500 option either OEM or add on) only tells you
when a tire is loosing air --- it does nothing to fix it other than indicate
you need to add air and have the tire checked. SLIME/FIX-A-Flat is a
temporary get to a repair place thing. I'm sure it clougs up and corrodes
the costly tire sensor. A proper tire repair is done by taking the tire off
the rim and patching it from the inside with a patch that plugs the hole and
seals around the area inside the tire. Tire generally has to be rebalanced
then too. The quick rubber band/plug fix without removing the tire will
void a tires warranty since it often cuts vital tire threads when the insert
the rubber bands or plug. No radial tire with a side wall puncture should
be patched.

Tire sensors are a pain when you rotate tires as you have to reprogram them.

"joe" <nonspam@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:r512d2dasilochu1v4gd71hku25ddnf8vn@4ax.com...[color=blue]
> In the past I have used Fix A Flat or similar inflate from a can
> products to fix 9 out of 10 flats - and who knows how many I never
> knew about.
> On the can it says "Do not use on tire sensor technology."
> Is this just another Q-tip warning to be ignored or what gives? It
> says it is non flammable -so what is the problem with simply leaving
> the stuff in the tires forever.
>
>
> On the rack next to it there were some color coded tire minders that
> one apparently just insert in the tire stem and it should show green
> if pressure is ok. Is this needed in addition to tire sensors?
> j
>[/color]

"joe" <nonspam@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:lp62d29r7lisnkr61chc9ddv9q1m4kd8of@4ax.com...[color=blue]
> On Wed, 2 Aug 2006 15:46:14 -0500, "Ray O"
> <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:
>[color=green]
>>
>>"joe" <nonspam@invalid.com> wrote in message
>>news:r512d2dasilochu1v4gd71hku25ddnf8vn@4ax.com...[color=darkred]
>>> In the past I have used Fix A Flat or similar inflate from a can
>>> products to fix 9 out of 10 flats - and who knows how many I never
>>> knew about.
>>> On the can it says "Do not use on tire sensor technology."
>>> Is this just another Q-tip warning to be ignored or what gives? It
>>> says it is non flammable -so what is the problem with simply leaving
>>> the stuff in the tires forever.
>>>[/color]
>>
>>Fix a Flat and green slime stuff basically work by coating the entire
>>inside
>>of the tire and wheel with stuff that eventually cures to the consistency
>>of
>>rubber. If that stuff coats the sensor, it would keep the sensor for
>>detecting the true air pressure.
>>[/color]
>
> So I should not use it.[/color]

Not use what? The sensor or the Fix a Flat Stuff? I would only use the Fix
a Flat or slime stuff if you are in dire straits without a spare tire. That
stuff is not intended to be a permanent repair.

What is that sensor?

The sensor is a device that senses the air pressure in its environment.

Is it fastened to the[color=blue]
> rim inside the tire?[/color]

There is no rim inside the tire, however, there is a rim on the wheel. This
link from a tire repair equipment manufacturer shows some examples of how
tire pressure sensors are mounted on wheels:
[url]http://www.hunter.com/pub/undercar/TECHLINK/index.htm[/url]


What happens when one fixes the tire with either[color=blue]
> a plug or patch on the inside?[/color]

If the tire is fixed correctly, air stops leaking out the hole.
[color=blue]
>
> I think I need the ability to fix flats more that the this sensor
> technology. What would I be giving up?
> j[/color]

When you say "I need the ability to fix flats" do you mean that you are
personally going to fix flats without taking it to a service facility? I'm
not sure what you mean by "giving up." There is nothing to give up if tire
pressure sensors are installed.

The proper way to repair a puncture in a tubeless tire is to locate the
puncture, mark it on the tread, dismount the tire from the wheel, scuff the
inside surface of the tread about 2 ~4 inches in diameter around the
puncture, apply rubber cement and the patch, re-mount and re-balance the
tire. So, you will need a bead breaker and a wheel balancing machine and
a compressor.

The no-so-proper way to repair a puncture in a tubeless tire is with a plug.
Plugs are supposedly not as safe as a patch, however, I would use one on my
tires if the tire has little or no life left. A plug can be installed
without any special tools other than the rasp and the plug insertion tool
and if you have a compressor, this can be done in the field.

Rather than attempt a poor repair, one would be much better off installing
the spare tire and then taking the flat tire to a qualified service facility
for repair.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

On Wed, 2 Aug 2006 17:25:57 -0500, "Ray O"
<rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:
[color=blue]
>
>"joe" <nonspam@invalid.com> wrote in message
>news:lp62d29r7lisnkr61chc9ddv9q1m4kd8of@4ax.com...[color=green]
>> On Wed, 2 Aug 2006 15:46:14 -0500, "Ray O"
>> <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:
>>[color=darkred]
>>>
>>>"joe" <nonspam@invalid.com> wrote in message
>>>news:r512d2dasilochu1v4gd71hku25ddnf8vn@4ax.com...
>>>> In the past I have used Fix A Flat or similar inflate from a can
>>>> products to fix 9 out of 10 flats - and who knows how many I never
>>>> knew about.
>>>> On the can it says "Do not use on tire sensor technology."
>>>> Is this just another Q-tip warning to be ignored or what gives? It
>>>> says it is non flammable -so what is the problem with simply leaving
>>>> the stuff in the tires forever.
>>>>
>>>
>>>Fix a Flat and green slime stuff basically work by coating the entire
>>>inside
>>>of the tire and wheel with stuff that eventually cures to the consistency
>>>of
>>>rubber. If that stuff coats the sensor, it would keep the sensor for
>>>detecting the true air pressure.
>>>[/color]
>>
>> So I should not use it.[/color]
>
>Not use what? The sensor or the Fix a Flat Stuff? I would only use the Fix
>a Flat or slime stuff if you are in dire straits without a spare tire. That
>stuff is not intended to be a permanent repair.
>
>What is that sensor?
>
>The sensor is a device that senses the air pressure in its environment.
>
>Is it fastened to the[color=green]
>> rim inside the tire?[/color]
>
>There is no rim inside the tire, however, there is a rim on the wheel. This
>link from a tire repair equipment manufacturer shows some examples of how
>tire pressure sensors are mounted on wheels:
>[url]http://www.hunter.com/pub/undercar/TECHLINK/index.htm[/url]
>
>
>What happens when one fixes the tire with either[color=green]
>> a plug or patch on the inside?[/color]
>
>If the tire is fixed correctly, air stops leaking out the hole.
>[color=green]
>>
>> I think I need the ability to fix flats more that the this sensor
>> technology. What would I be giving up?
>> j[/color]
>
>When you say "I need the ability to fix flats" do you mean that you are
>personally going to fix flats without taking it to a service facility? I'm
>not sure what you mean by "giving up." There is nothing to give up if tire
>pressure sensors are installed.[/color]

You got it! I'm not sure how it has been for you but I'm seldom able
to cancel the rest of the day for "a proper tire repair" or spend 45
min intercourseing with a spare tire - when in less than 5 min I can
fill the offending tire with slime or whatever and be on my way. The
same goes for using a plug on the road. I had two truck tires fail
(way TF out in the stick at critical work) at the same time and made
it to a repair facility - that did not honor warranties - except by
mail order etc. just spent the cash and gave the sob the old tires
that he said would promptly mail in for his own profit ...

I have never had a problem with plugs and at least so far - regard
them as standard repair. A proper scientific tire repair would no
doubt cost in excess of $60 - the cost of a new tire plus all the time
involved at either work or vacation. Not a good option.

Sorry if this sound slightly emotional but I fail to see any advantage
except a chance to sell technology for its own sake.
Is it a fear of hi speed blowouts?
Just the physical danger of doing a tire change on either a fwy,
street or road could really cancel everything IMHO.
j



[color=blue]
>
>The proper way to repair a puncture in a tubeless tire is to locate the
>puncture, mark it on the tread, dismount the tire from the wheel, scuff the
>inside surface of the tread about 2 ~4 inches in diameter around the
>puncture, apply rubber cement and the patch, re-mount and re-balance the
>tire. So, you will need a bead breaker and a wheel balancing machine and
>a compressor.
>
>The no-so-proper way to repair a puncture in a tubeless tire is with a plug.
>Plugs are supposedly not as safe as a patch, however, I would use one on my
>tires if the tire has little or no life left. A plug can be installed
>without any special tools other than the rasp and the plug insertion tool
>and if you have a compressor, this can be done in the field.
>
>Rather than attempt a poor repair, one would be much better off installing
>the spare tire and then taking the flat tire to a qualified service facility
>for repair.[/color]

"joe" <nonspam@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:h8c2d2h80s957kbpj3j2ks1a8624a3keqt@4ax.com...[color=blue]
> On Wed, 2 Aug 2006 17:25:57 -0500, "Ray O"
> <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:
>[color=green]
>>
>>"joe" <nonspam@invalid.com> wrote in message
>>news:lp62d29r7lisnkr61chc9ddv9q1m4kd8of@4ax.com...[color=darkred]
>>> On Wed, 2 Aug 2006 15:46:14 -0500, "Ray O"
>>> <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>>"joe" <nonspam@invalid.com> wrote in message
>>>>news:r512d2dasilochu1v4gd71hku25ddnf8vn@4ax.com...
>>>>> In the past I have used Fix A Flat or similar inflate from a can
>>>>> products to fix 9 out of 10 flats - and who knows how many I never
>>>>> knew about.
>>>>> On the can it says "Do not use on tire sensor technology."
>>>>> Is this just another Q-tip warning to be ignored or what gives? It
>>>>> says it is non flammable -so what is the problem with simply leaving
>>>>> the stuff in the tires forever.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Fix a Flat and green slime stuff basically work by coating the entire
>>>>inside
>>>>of the tire and wheel with stuff that eventually cures to the
>>>>consistency
>>>>of
>>>>rubber. If that stuff coats the sensor, it would keep the sensor for
>>>>detecting the true air pressure.
>>>>
>>>
>>> So I should not use it.[/color]
>>
>>Not use what? The sensor or the Fix a Flat Stuff? I would only use the
>>Fix
>>a Flat or slime stuff if you are in dire straits without a spare tire.
>>That
>>stuff is not intended to be a permanent repair.
>>
>>What is that sensor?
>>
>>The sensor is a device that senses the air pressure in its environment.
>>
>>Is it fastened to the[color=darkred]
>>> rim inside the tire?[/color]
>>
>>There is no rim inside the tire, however, there is a rim on the wheel.
>>This
>>link from a tire repair equipment manufacturer shows some examples of how
>>tire pressure sensors are mounted on wheels:
>>[url]http://www.hunter.com/pub/undercar/TECHLINK/index.htm[/url]
>>
>>
>>What happens when one fixes the tire with either[color=darkred]
>>> a plug or patch on the inside?[/color]
>>
>>If the tire is fixed correctly, air stops leaking out the hole.
>>[color=darkred]
>>>
>>> I think I need the ability to fix flats more that the this sensor
>>> technology. What would I be giving up?
>>> j[/color]
>>
>>When you say "I need the ability to fix flats" do you mean that you are
>>personally going to fix flats without taking it to a service facility?
>>I'm
>>not sure what you mean by "giving up." There is nothing to give up if
>>tire
>>pressure sensors are installed.[/color]
>
> You got it! I'm not sure how it has been for you but I'm seldom able
> to cancel the rest of the day for "a proper tire repair" or spend 45
> min intercourseing with a spare tire - when in less than 5 min I can
> fill the offending tire with slime or whatever and be on my way. The
> same goes for using a plug on the road. I had two truck tires fail
> (way TF out in the stick at critical work) at the same time and made
> it to a repair facility - that did not honor warranties - except by
> mail order etc. just spent the cash and gave the sob the old tires
> that he said would promptly mail in for his own profit ...[/color]

It usually takes me less than 5 minutes to change the spare. I opted for
the lifetime puncture repair when I got my tires at Sears so I just stop by
after work to have the flat repaired and put back on the car.[color=blue]
>
> I have never had a problem with plugs and at least so far - regard
> them as standard repair. A proper scientific tire repair would no
> doubt cost in excess of $60 - the cost of a new tire plus all the time
> involved at either work or vacation. Not a good option.[/color]

I have not had problems with plugs either. A proper repair would involve
the use of a mushroom-shaped plug that is installed from the inside of the
tire. A dismount-repair-remount-rebalance probably costs around $45.
[color=blue]
>
> Sorry if this sound slightly emotional but I fail to see any advantage
> except a chance to sell technology for its own sake.
> Is it a fear of hi speed blowouts?
> Just the physical danger of doing a tire change on either a fwy,
> street or road could really cancel everything IMHO.
> j
>[/color]
Studies have shown that the majority of the vehicles on the road have
under-inflated tires, which increases the chances of a blowout. The TREAD
act will require all passenger cars to have a tire pressure monitoring
system so you are starting to see some early implementation.

--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

On Wed, 2 Aug 2006 20:19:15 -0500, "Ray O"
<rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:
[color=blue]
>
>"joe" <nonspam@invalid.com> wrote in message
>news:h8c2d2h80s957kbpj3j2ks1a8624a3keqt@4ax.com...[color=green]
>> On Wed, 2 Aug 2006 17:25:57 -0500, "Ray O"
>> <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:
>>[color=darkred]
>>>
>>>"joe" <nonspam@invalid.com> wrote in message
>>>news:lp62d29r7lisnkr61chc9ddv9q1m4kd8of@4ax.com...
>>>> On Wed, 2 Aug 2006 15:46:14 -0500, "Ray O"
>>>> <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>"joe" <nonspam@invalid.com> wrote in message
>>>>>news:r512d2dasilochu1v4gd71hku25ddnf8vn@4ax.com...
>>>>>> In the past I have used Fix A Flat or similar inflate from a can
>>>>>> products to fix 9 out of 10 flats - and who knows how many I never
>>>>>> knew about.
>>>>>> On the can it says "Do not use on tire sensor technology."
>>>>>> Is this just another Q-tip warning to be ignored or what gives? It
>>>>>> says it is non flammable -so what is the problem with simply leaving
>>>>>> the stuff in the tires forever.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>Fix a Flat and green slime stuff basically work by coating the entire
>>>>>inside
>>>>>of the tire and wheel with stuff that eventually cures to the
>>>>>consistency
>>>>>of
>>>>>rubber. If that stuff coats the sensor, it would keep the sensor for
>>>>>detecting the true air pressure.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> So I should not use it.
>>>
>>>Not use what? The sensor or the Fix a Flat Stuff? I would only use the
>>>Fix
>>>a Flat or slime stuff if you are in dire straits without a spare tire.
>>>That
>>>stuff is not intended to be a permanent repair.
>>>
>>>What is that sensor?
>>>
>>>The sensor is a device that senses the air pressure in its environment.
>>>
>>>Is it fastened to the
>>>> rim inside the tire?
>>>
>>>There is no rim inside the tire, however, there is a rim on the wheel.
>>>This
>>>link from a tire repair equipment manufacturer shows some examples of how
>>>tire pressure sensors are mounted on wheels:
>>>[url]http://www.hunter.com/pub/undercar/TECHLINK/index.htm[/url]
>>>
>>>
>>>What happens when one fixes the tire with either
>>>> a plug or patch on the inside?
>>>
>>>If the tire is fixed correctly, air stops leaking out the hole.
>>>
>>>>
>>>> I think I need the ability to fix flats more that the this sensor
>>>> technology. What would I be giving up?
>>>> j
>>>
>>>When you say "I need the ability to fix flats" do you mean that you are
>>>personally going to fix flats without taking it to a service facility?
>>>I'm
>>>not sure what you mean by "giving up." There is nothing to give up if
>>>tire
>>>pressure sensors are installed.[/color]
>>
>> You got it! I'm not sure how it has been for you but I'm seldom able
>> to cancel the rest of the day for "a proper tire repair" or spend 45
>> min intercourseing with a spare tire - when in less than 5 min I can
>> fill the offending tire with slime or whatever and be on my way. The
>> same goes for using a plug on the road. I had two truck tires fail
>> (way TF out in the stick at critical work) at the same time and made
>> it to a repair facility - that did not honor warranties - except by
>> mail order etc. just spent the cash and gave the sob the old tires
>> that he said would promptly mail in for his own profit ...[/color]
>
>It usually takes me less than 5 minutes to change the spare. I opted for
>the lifetime puncture repair when I got my tires at Sears so I just stop by
>after work to have the flat repaired and put back on the car.[color=green]
>>
>> I have never had a problem with plugs and at least so far - regard
>> them as standard repair. A proper scientific tire repair would no
>> doubt cost in excess of $60 - the cost of a new tire plus all the time
>> involved at either work or vacation. Not a good option.[/color]
>
>I have not had problems with plugs either. A proper repair would involve
>the use of a mushroom-shaped plug that is installed from the inside of the
>tire. A dismount-repair-remount-rebalance probably costs around $45.
>[color=green]
>>
>> Sorry if this sound slightly emotional but I fail to see any advantage
>> except a chance to sell technology for its own sake.
>> Is it a fear of hi speed blowouts?
>> Just the physical danger of doing a tire change on either a fwy,
>> street or road could really cancel everything IMHO.
>> j
>>[/color]
>Studies have shown that the majority of the vehicles on the road have
>under-inflated tires, which increases the chances of a blowout. The TREAD
>act will require all passenger cars to have a tire pressure monitoring
>system so you are starting to see some early implementation.[/color]

This must be part of a fuel saving program?

It is my understanding that the sensor on my S will only detect
differential pressure. So if all four tires are running at a sloppy
25 psi all is fine per the sensors. I should have 35-40 psi.

Is there any real difference between the different 'slime' or any of
the fix a flat products? They probably have all become non
flammable.

j

"joe" <nonspam@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:13k2d252e4cqd0corvjp92de95sn0aidip@4ax.com...

<snipped>
[color=blue][color=green]
>>Studies have shown that the majority of the vehicles on the road have
>>under-inflated tires, which increases the chances of a blowout. The TREAD
>>act will require all passenger cars to have a tire pressure monitoring
>>system so you are starting to see some early implementation.[/color]
>
> This must be part of a fuel saving program?[/color]

Probably a combination of fuel savings and safety. The Firestone Tire -
Ford Explorer rollover problem was attributed to low tire pressure.
[color=blue]
>
> It is my understanding that the sensor on my S will only detect
> differential pressure. So if all four tires are running at a sloppy
> 25 psi all is fine per the sensors. I should have 35-40 psi.[/color]

I believe that your understanding is correct, however, the likelihood that
all four tires will lose air at the same rate is pretty slim.
[color=blue]
>
> Is there any real difference between the different 'slime' or any of
> the fix a flat products? They probably have all become non
> flammable.
>
> j[/color]

I've never used any of those products so I do not know if there is any
difference in them. Slime is water based and supposedly sensor-safe. I've
seen tires broken down that had those products inside and they are pretty
messy.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

On Wed, 2 Aug 2006 21:16:19 -0500, "Ray O"
<rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:
[color=blue]
>
>"joe" <nonspam@invalid.com> wrote in message
>news:13k2d252e4cqd0corvjp92de95sn0aidip@4ax.com...
>
><snipped>
>[color=green][color=darkred]
>>>Studies have shown that the majority of the vehicles on the road have
>>>under-inflated tires, which increases the chances of a blowout. The TREAD
>>>act will require all passenger cars to have a tire pressure monitoring
>>>system so you are starting to see some early implementation.[/color]
>>
>> This must be part of a fuel saving program?[/color]
>
>Probably a combination of fuel savings and safety. The Firestone Tire -
>Ford Explorer rollover problem was attributed to low tire pressure.
>[color=green]
>>
>> It is my understanding that the sensor on my S will only detect
>> differential pressure. So if all four tires are running at a sloppy
>> 25 psi all is fine per the sensors. I should have 35-40 psi.[/color]
>
>I believe that your understanding is correct, however, the likelihood that
>all four tires will lose air at the same rate is pretty slim.
>[color=green]
>>
>> Is there any real difference between the different 'slime' or any of
>> the fix a flat products? They probably have all become non
>> flammable.
>>
>> j[/color]
>
>I've never used any of those products so I do not know if there is any
>difference in them. Slime is water based and supposedly sensor-safe. I've
>seen tires broken down that had those products inside and they are pretty
>messy.[/color]


I think I saw Slime - but not in a pressure bottle. The beauty is to
both fix and inflate at the same time.

Will it harm anything else to just ignore any sensor lights and
warnings?

In a few years when I need tires I'm inclined to just go to my old
tire place and have them check/rework the brakes if needed.
Any tire warranty is not worth my time or trouble.
Besides a tire plug kit, and a few tools I also carry a $15 compressor
and a can of fix a flat stuff.
j

"joe" <nonspam@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:sgp2d2l1fi9vuqfsuclab87odt1sto0c4v@4ax.com...[color=blue]
> On Wed, 2 Aug 2006 21:16:19 -0500, "Ray O"
> <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:
>[color=green]
>>
>>"joe" <nonspam@invalid.com> wrote in message
>>news:13k2d252e4cqd0corvjp92de95sn0aidip@4ax.com...
>>
>><snipped>
>>[color=darkred]
>>>>Studies have shown that the majority of the vehicles on the road have
>>>>under-inflated tires, which increases the chances of a blowout. The
>>>>TREAD
>>>>act will require all passenger cars to have a tire pressure monitoring
>>>>system so you are starting to see some early implementation.
>>>
>>> This must be part of a fuel saving program?[/color]
>>
>>Probably a combination of fuel savings and safety. The Firestone Tire -
>>Ford Explorer rollover problem was attributed to low tire pressure.
>>[color=darkred]
>>>
>>> It is my understanding that the sensor on my S will only detect
>>> differential pressure. So if all four tires are running at a sloppy
>>> 25 psi all is fine per the sensors. I should have 35-40 psi.[/color]
>>
>>I believe that your understanding is correct, however, the likelihood that
>>all four tires will lose air at the same rate is pretty slim.
>>[color=darkred]
>>>
>>> Is there any real difference between the different 'slime' or any of
>>> the fix a flat products? They probably have all become non
>>> flammable.
>>>
>>> j[/color]
>>
>>I've never used any of those products so I do not know if there is any
>>difference in them. Slime is water based and supposedly sensor-safe.
>>I've
>>seen tires broken down that had those products inside and they are pretty
>>messy.[/color]
>
>
> I think I saw Slime - but not in a pressure bottle. The beauty is to
> both fix and inflate at the same time.[/color]

I think you have to remove the valve stem in order to use Slime. Squeeze
the stuff in, inflate the tire, and start spinning rapidly to distribute the
stuff.
[color=blue]
>
> Will it harm anything else to just ignore any sensor lights and
> warnings?[/color]

Supposedly not with Slime, I'm not so sure about the Fix a Flat stuff.
[color=blue]
>
> In a few years when I need tires I'm inclined to just go to my old
> tire place and have them check/rework the brakes if needed.
> Any tire warranty is not worth my time or trouble.
> Besides a tire plug kit, and a few tools I also carry a $15 compressor
> and a can of fix a flat stuff.
> j[/color]

You should have the brake check more often than every few years. I'd check
every other oil change when you rotate the tires.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Wolfgang wrote:[color=blue]
>
>
> Tire sensors are a pain when you rotate tires as you have to reprogram them.[/color]

Maybe the real question is is why does everyone have to put up with
these stupid sensors just because a few people can't be bothered to
check their tire pressure on a regular basis.

<timbirr@mailcity.com> wrote in message
news:1154622182.209570.44750@m79g2000cwm.googlegroups.com...[color=blue]
>
> Wolfgang wrote:[color=green]
>>
>>
>> Tire sensors are a pain when you rotate tires as you have to reprogram
>> them.[/color]
>
> Maybe the real question is is why does everyone have to put up with
> these stupid sensors just because a few people can't be bothered to
> check their tire pressure on a regular basis.
>[/color]

Studies show that it is more than just a few people who can't be bothered to
check their tire pressure on a regular basis. It's more like the 90-10
rule, where 90% don't check and the 10% who do have to live with the
consequences.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

On Wed, 02 Aug 2006 20:12:07 GMT, joe <nonspam@invalid.com> wrote:
[color=blue]
>In the past I have used Fix A Flat or similar inflate from a can
>products to fix 9 out of 10 flats - and who knows how many I never
>knew about.
>On the can it says "Do not use on tire sensor technology."
>Is this just another Q-tip warning to be ignored or what gives? It
>says it is non flammable -so what is the problem with simply leaving
>the stuff in the tires forever.[/color]

Not all Fix-a-flat in non-flammable. I've seen a lot of it that uses
propane as the propellant.

It also often contains ammonia, and that will corrode the heck out of
your rims and valve. It's probably not very good for the rubber
either.

The advice I've been given is to never leave Fix-a-flat in for more
than 48 hours. You should also warn anyone who will be working on the
tire that there is Fix-a-flat inside.