Hi all.....anyone purchased the spare tyre kit?

Or is the emergency tyre repair kit sufficient(the ques is...can it save you when you really need help)?

If you have the kit...how do you store it in the boot?

Cheers

 

Hi ngkenny,

I was just browsing and noticed your thread bo seng li so I thought give u some support.

IMO the spare tyre kit is a waste of time. The last 2 times I had tyre deflation (in my previous cars, not the RX8) they were slow leaks which I took care of by inflating tyre at roadside with emergency airpump (always equipped with this invaluable tool for years). Good enough to drive to my good old tyre shop for repair. I tried to teach this trick to my wife and daughter but they are all confused. So I told them in case of tyre problem call me or call the tow truck!!!

I recommend against using the repair kit goo. Apparently tyre needs to be thrown out after use. Rims will also need big time cleaning effort. In Singapore, if in trouble call the tow truck since almost everyone has some kind of free towing service.

If driving to Malaysia then I'd still recommend same trick - re-inflate and drive slowly to tyre shop (check and reinflate several times along the way if necessary). If tyre un-re-inflatable then use repair kit. Cost of spare tyre kit including mounting is not cheap- possibly same as a new tyre. Plus you don't want to occupy that precious space in the boot all the time not to mention carrying the extra weight.

My 2 cents.

-Ringer-

 

Agree with u on the repair kit. Never touch it before since i got the car and dun think i know how to use it either. Does it run on battery or what? As for the inflation kit, what brand is good and is it easy to use. Driving into KL n Genting next Tue to Sat, any bro wanna come along? May find time to hook up with the bros up North if I have the chance.

 

The original Spare Tyre kit is aroun $750 ++ very ex.

So I bought another spare tyre + rim instead , cost me only $400++.

I personally think its a good ideal having one if you are driving in Malaysia. cos inflating takes time (n must not drive too fast) and Repair kit will cost u one new tyre ($300)

 

dru8999,

The answers to your questions can be found in the tyre repair kit box in the boot. Open it up read manual and familiarize with contents.

morganoh,

IMHO $400+ for the cheap spare is still too ex compared to $300+ to replace original tyre after using repair goo. However, I'd accept spare does take care of a broader range of tyre problems e.g blowout. Up to you to weigh cost vs risk.

-Ringer-

 

that to say.. ..the tyre repair kit will damage the tyre and need the replace it with a new tyre. So it's more economical to have purchase a spare rim/ tyre for the car....or just call the tow service vehicle...

Recently i called the towing company to tow my dad's car.....( Tow car that has a platform that will put the vehicle onto the tow car itself ...was quoted $90...very expensive...normal towing will damage the bodykit which i have already ordered....have any of you bros...tow your vehicle before...which type of towing method you use???

 

morganoh,

Forgot to add, remember to drive slowly when using temporary spare.

ngkenny,

There are lots of confusion as to which 2 wheel method to tow FWD vs RWD. RWD supposed to lift rear and let front wheels roll. But observing many BMs and Mercs being towed that way i.e. backward gives me sim tia. I believe those precision steering mechanisms and front suspension setups could get damaged. Quite apart from skirts, spoilers, etc.

Therefore I recommend towing on platform truck if you love your car. Actually in some countries this is the only way.

-Ringer-

 

thanks ringer....platform tow is the way to be tow...

 

there's an alternative to platform tow. there is this normal tow with additional frame with wheels for the rear wheels (ie front 2 held by crane, back two on this additional frame with wheels). not sure if you know what i mean. some tow trucks have this as an alternative to platform tow.

think tow trucks should at least have this additional frame (can be loaded on existing normal tow truck) esply when there are quite a bit of 4WD cars now in singapore.

 

you got a spare tyre?? boot so small put where?

 

It's ex no doubt, but can get it at MM and have it installed in the boot with the mounting kit. My understanding is that you can then easily remove the spare when not driving to MY (i.e. for local drives where you can easily reinflate or call for a tow) so you can get yer boot space back.

 

The boot is big enough for another 18 inch wheel of the same tire config 245/45 R18.

And theres still some more space for other stuffs, like a few Laptops and etc.

 

Hi Bro Sandman,
I know what you meant regarding the additional frame....i had my car tow back from malaysia...was driving a subaru...this method cause some dent on the under carriage ....not adviseable for SUV unless you driving a pajero...or landcruiser...

 

How much did it cost to have it tow back to Singapore and did it happen on the high way?

Cos if some thing happen to me on the highway I would not know what number to call...

 

It happened on the way back from Kl...yes ..on the highway...paid about $600 ringgit for it. Car is being tow all the way to my mechanic workshop in Eunos. Its a malaysian registered tow company. I tried to call the singapore tow company and was quoted $450 singapore dollar...words of advice...always carry a copy of the vehicle certificate/ ownership and vehicle insurance....singapore and malaysian custom need them to prove that you own the vehicle...

 

Rule of thumb is never be let the driving wheels roll on the ground and you should be safe. If yours is AWD then good luck! Platform is the way.