Greetings all,

Just thought I would share this with many of you. My wife treated me to a 3 day getaway to Niagara Falls from Sunday to Tuesday. My birthday was on Monday, Sep 9th. While heading to Canada on a 392 mile trip I noticed about 1/2 way there that my PSI tire alert came on for the rear passenger side wheel. I have a 19" wheel. I had to pull over almost every 2 hours to keep the pressure topped off at 39 / 40 psi and at this point I didn't know if there was a nail in the tread or what was going on. We were blessed to make it to our destination intake on Sunday late afternoon. The next morning, on my birthday, we found a very good local tire shop who pulled the wheel and confirmed that my wheel has a very small 1/2 crack on the inner part of the wheel. I believe this damage occurred driving to Canada as we were forced to detour off one of the main highways and there were all kinds of rough roads that I was forced to drive on, so i'm thinking somewhere along that detour is where the crack occurred because everything was fine up until that point.

Question? Is it a good idea to have the crack repaired by an Aluminum Wheel Repair specialist or will I have to get a new wheel?

And finally...

I must recommend to everyone to get yourself a portable air compressor because if I didn't have that, no telling what kind of situation I would have found myself in. I purchased this portable air compressor last year from Lowe's and this has proven to be a great money saving investment.

 

This is where extended mobility tires work.... You were lucky to have the compressor... I always keep a fresh can of tire inflator just in case. It will seal small issues till you get home....

 

Just had the same issue. Had a wheel specialist tig weld the crack, mount, and balance the tire....$100 (YMMV). Just dropped these items in the boot today. Oh and Happy (belated) Birthday. T

 

Awesome! Thank you for the reply and Birthday wishes. I'll be going to the specialist tomorrow.

 

Glad to hear that the tire issue didnt ruin your trip. Tony, have you used the fix a flat stuff before, I've heard it ruins your tires?

 

What's the brand of the tire inflator that you're referring to. Is is similar to Fix-A-Flat?

 

"If you lend someone $20.00 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it!"


That's so true LOL

 

Tire plug kits, w/compressor, etc., in all the vehicles. The tire plug kit works great unless you have sidewall (or close to sidewall damage), then you'll need a spare or call AAA for a tow. Don't forget to pack a sharp tool to cut the remaining excess plug off the plug and a disposable suit so not to ruin your nice clean clothes. Fortunately I've never had to use the slime (or fix-a-flat) but have heard they they make a mess inside the wheel and throw the tire out of balance. I'd guess it won't ruin the inner rim if you were to dismount the tire soon after to clean. T




tire plug kit^

disposable suit^

 

Niagara Falls! Slowly I turn, step by step…. Last time I was there was in 1992 took our daughters (then 8, and 10) in winter, yes winter tried to get everything in before moving out west. Anyway don’t see a problem in having wheel repaired if not seriously compromised. And I agree with compressor have the very same unit, purchased one for my wife and I and one each for both daughters.

 

Yes it is! And it's funny how that actually occurs for many in life!

 

I have one in each of my 3 cars. Thanks.

 

Cool. Thanks.

 

Happy belated, I'm sure you were elated.....to make it

 

I purchased one of these at Lowes 3 years ago and has come into good use multiple times. We also gave one as a Christmas gift to our daughter and her family a couple years ago.

 

Sure was especially with my Wife on the road trip with me.

 

Good to hear that tool worked neatly . I have been carrying a tire repair kit in my trunk .I honestly didn't give a credit for such items as you had in your trunk but nice to see it worked for you . I have got an air compressor but I'm afraid I can't have it in my trunk because it can be filled up by electric power and to big to carry in

 

You probably need to get one of the smaller portable ones similar to mines. We would have been screwed big time even though I did have the donut spare but on the turnpike where the speed limit is 70, I don't think so! Take care!

 

Yes, and on the can it states TPS safe. I get the Truck Size so it has plenty of air to fill/patch. Just remember to replace them after several years... I use the old ones to fill the bike tires...

 

I had the same thing with a rear rim and I was going to go to niagra with the s550! I also had the crack repaired.