slow leak - fix a flat?
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Elder User
Joined: May 2007
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From: Cary/Rocky Mount NC
slow leak - fix a flat?
hey guys - i have a slow leak out of my drivers rear tire. not sure where its coming from, nothing visible. do you think i should put in some fix a flat and forget it for now (truck doesn't get driven much) ?? eventually after its lifted and fixed up some it'll get 35's or 37's so i dont want to buy a new tire right now.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Lynnwood, WA
I usually had slow leaks when I got nails in my tires. I'd put the tire under water, and find where it leaks, and fix it appropriately. I did try fix-a-flat several times, and it did work (at least for a while) a couple of times, but didn't at some other times. But fixing the source of leak worked all the time.
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New User
Joined: Apr 2007
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fix-a-flat is really only a temporary "band-aid" solution to an underlying problem. There are many volatile chemicals in it and when left for extended periods of time inside a tire and rim assembly, can actually start to "eat" away at the aluminum on the rim, not to mention break down the oils inside a tire which can result in destroying the inside liner. Better to go to a local shop, pay the 20 bucks and have it fixed properly.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Medina TN
I use "Tire Slime" in mine. I use it in everything from lawnmowers to my truck. I dosn't have the harsh chemicals in it like fix-a-flat does. The only drawback that I can see with it is that you have to remove your valve stem, and then have a way to reinflate the tire. It is sold most anywhere and is very reasonable in price..My .02
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Elder User
Joined: May 2007
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From: Cary/Rocky Mount NC
thanks guys... i have nothing big enough to submerse a tire... and the spray test showed nothing so i figure its either the stem or the bead. but i'll see what i can do about it after pay day - thanks again
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
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Get it fixed! I work in a shop and that is the worst thing in the world to have somebody come in with slime in their tire. We charge extra because we have to clean EVERYTHING to get it out so that it doesn't eat away at the rim/tire. Also, it makes it really hard to fix the leak no matter where it is.
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Elder User
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From: Cary/Rocky Mount NC
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Joined: Sep 2004
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We charge $20 to take it off the vehicle, find the leak, and patch it. It's another $10 and a whole lot of cussing and mumbled comments about your ancestry if we have to clean fix-a-flat or slime out of it.
The franchises around here will not fix it if it's got that crap in it.
The franchises around here will not fix it if it's got that crap in it.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Lynnwood, WA
I think last time (couple of years ago) a nail cost me about $10 at Les Schwab, though since I fixed 2 with a repair kit that cost me a couple of bucks.
The key thing is finding the leak -- sometimes (i.e. in case of embedded nails) a close visual inspection may be enough, other times you need to use water or soap. You can only submerge part of the tire, and need to turn it around, so I think you just have to be a little creative to find something big enough. (i.e. a big cooler, bath tub, etc.)
The key thing is finding the leak -- sometimes (i.e. in case of embedded nails) a close visual inspection may be enough, other times you need to use water or soap. You can only submerge part of the tire, and need to turn it around, so I think you just have to be a little creative to find something big enough. (i.e. a big cooler, bath tub, etc.)