Cameron

After 3 years of 928 ownership, I had my first opportunity to use the magical temporary spare tire yesterday.

I picked up a nail and lost tire pressure (causing tire sidewall damage) on the I-595 here in S. Florida. First, I tried to re-inflate the tire with the compressor (I could not see tire damage at this point in time). After failing, I had little choice but to change to the never used magical temporary spare. I say magical because of how it becomes a full size tire (diameter wise) upon inflation and then shrinks back down to its original compact size when deflated. COOL!

This was the first time I had to use the jack, tire wrench, compressor and spare in an emergency situation. I was very thankful that a) I knew I had everything and b) I knew that the compressor and the cigarette lighter socket work. If you are currently without any of these, get them. If you have not tested your compressor and cigarette lighter, please do. This was a reminder to me that yes, it can happen to anybody.

Final note. I had to open the plastic bag under the rear cargo carpet. You know, the one that contains the other big plastic bags to place your dirty flat tire into so that you don't dirty the inside of the car. Am I ever glad that I read about that someplace. Maybe it was Rennlist!

PorKen

I thought the plastic bag contained the magical HOV-lane inflateable passenger.

Thom1

Hi Cameron,

Good information. Thanks for the post. I have heard about 2 valves on the spare. 1 for inflation, and 1 for deflation. How did yours work?
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Cameron

Yes, there are two valves on the magical temporary spare. The second one is a shorty with no outside thread. I also understood that I would need to use the second valve to deflate the tire. However, the shop that mounted my new tire removed the valve from the main valve stem and deflated the spare for me.

Therefor, someone else is going to have to explain this little mystery.

Shane

After the six POs got done with my car it does not have the compressor, and the cig socket doesn't work and is low on the maint list. So last June when I traveled (on older tires) to Idaho, I had to buy a compressor for the trip. Went to Walmart and picked up a Cambell Hausfeld cordless air compressor for $68.00. And since Mister Murphy went along for the ride, I got the opportunity to use it. Very handy item to have, just didn't have that big plastic bag. Did use all the extra shop rags I brought along in case I had to do a TB retension along the way. When I got to Lewiston I stopped in for new tires all around. I hope they wear out soon (not likely) so I can justify upgrading to 17"s to the War Dept.
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ViribusUnits

Shane, apperently nobody told you. Tires can be "helped" into excessivly short lives.

Such things as driveing on the shoulder of country roads, "extreamly spirited" driveing, and excessive brake use will do wounders on your cars tires. My favorte way to eat tires is to play with the suspension alignment. I know nothing about suspension systems, so what ever I do is BAD, and it enevitably eats tires. Sure, I'll adjust your alignment for you. No problem....

Me on the other hand, I'm trying to figure out a way to help my tires into an excessivly long life. So far, I'm not doing too badly.

Shane

Now there is an idea! I been wanting to try my hand at a four wheel alignment. Trial and error right!

ViribusUnits

Mostly error. A little bit of trial, and unless the intent is to shorten tire life, no successes yet.

jpitman

Be aware that the cigar lighter socket contacts with the plug are not very good, especially in older units, and can cause fuse blowing if there is a high resistance. Water heaters sold to make tea/coffee on the road are especially bad here, due to their high current. If you check your 4x4 supplier you should be able to find a type of plug and socket with a positive contact for the +12V line - a tapered centre pin that engages in a 2 piece socket (like a household socket), rather than the end of a pin rubbing on the heating coil of the lighter.
I have fitted one of these under my rear license plate, and via a small hole in the bumper, connected it to the battery via a 10A in line fuse. I can use this to charge the battery whilst in storage mode, or to run the compressor. They come for external use (with a sealing plug), or panel fitting.
jp 83 Euro S AT

pilotshark

[quote]Originally posted by ViribusUnits:
My favorte way to eat tires is to play with the suspension alignment. I know nothing about suspension systems, so what ever I do is BAD, and it enevitably eats tires. Sure, I'll adjust your alignment for you. No problem....
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<img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" /> <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" /> <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />

Side splitting humor! I think I hurt myself reading that unexpected snippet. Thanks!