Fat Tire(s), No Spare and Air Pump With Sealant

I have owned two Smart Fortwo cars. One was a 2008 Pure. The current one is a 2012 Passion. I have enjoyed driving both of them. Both are very small cars. While they is room for much in the back, there is no room for a spare tire.

I had a flat with the 2008. The valve piece that secures it was broken. It let the air out. I tried putting into place. I used the air pump and sealant (made to be used with the air pump). This did not work for long. Having driven it even for a short distance put a groove into the side of the tire. Without a spare to replace it with, I had to have it towed home so I could take the tire off and have it replaced.

More recently, I had low air with the 2012. I drove it when there was wobble type sound. I arrived to my first destination without incident. I arrived at my second destination but the tire made even louder noise. When I went to my third destination, I found the tire flat. I used the air pump and the sealant that came with it. It worked but the wobble noise was even worse. It burst on my way home. One could see the sealant leaking out from the tire. I had my 2012 towed to a car service place. The tow truck drive noticed the other tire (first left front and second right front) had also worn on the inside.

This is a downside to the Smart Fortwo, no room for a spare. I can understand not having a full size spare but they do have 'donut' spares that newer cars come with.

Another downside is the air compressor with a sealant made to work with it. It is good for small leaks. It is not good for big wholes. It is limited for what it can do. One used, you have to buy another canister of sealant.

Since the Smart Fortwo did not sell well in the USA, I guess there is a thing of being too small. Another could be the subject of this post.

Thomas Lee Mullins 

   Big Goofy Guy