# Best course with slow leaking tire **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [November 16, 2024, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310 "2024-11-16T00:57:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310/121 "2024-12-04T22:49:27Z")
Here’s the money quote from that good cite: > [@Consumer Reports](#): > > **How Many Cars Still Have a Spare Tire?** > > Since 2020, about 10 percent of the cars tested by Consumer Reports have come with a full-sized spare. Just under 50 percent have come with a temporary (aka space-saver) spare tire, and the rest have been equipped with a sealant kit or a run-flat tire, or nothing at all. > > Simply put, based on our test fleet, about 40 percent of new cars today don’t come with a spare tire, though they might also be equipped with a compressor and sealant kit to temporarily fix a flat tire. Some cars without a spare come with a run-flat tire, which is designed to operate for a limited distance after losing air from a typical puncture. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310/122 "2024-12-04T23:03:12Z")
Here’s an isolated bit of data: Since the car I bought in 2002, no car I’ve owned has had a spare, full size or compact. Just Fix a Flat and maybe a compressor. In that time, the only tire issue I’ve had that actually stopped me from driving (more than a slow leak) was when I ran over a metal object in the road and got TWO flat tires. So my only incident where I couldn’t plan a trip to the tire shop was one that a spare wouldn’t have fixed either. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310/123 "2024-12-04T23:06:25Z")
My last 4 cars haven’t had spares. Two had run-flats and two had compressor + goop. Frankly I’d rather have run-flats than goop despite the expense. But they’re not available in every form factor and performance level. Although perhaps coincidentally, my two run-flat cars seemed to be real road debris magnets and the goop cars drive the same roads with no problems. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2024, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310/124 "2024-12-05T01:10:58Z")
> [@jnglmassiv](#): > > I’d take it to a tire shop and tell them your summary and budget concerns. Ask them to inspect it as best they can without removing it from the rim. If the leak is a nail or screw or if the valve is leaky or perhaps even a dirty bead, they’ll probably be able to fix it for under $100 Out here in SoCal, there are places that will do it for $20, or sell you a fairly new used tire for about $100. Places that sell high performance tires get drivers coming in with a new car and wanting better tires all the time. The used tires sell cheap. I get all my tires that way. > [@LSLGuy](#): > > At 15psi a day you have a very severe problem. The tire / wheel / valve stem system is not fit for purpose. Diagnose and fix it this week, not next. Yep. I had one that was leaking maybe 1-2 psi per week. My local mechanic plugged it for me during an oil change. > [@Coriolanus](#): > > Carried it down to the shop and they called just before closing. Cost: £20! ($25) About right. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2024, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310/125 "2024-12-05T03:46:07Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > Firestone tried to jerk me around for an extra $300 for new tires after they put them on my car. After their tread [separation scandal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firestone_and_Ford_tire_controversy), I wouldn’t take a Firestone tire for free. My brother had one separate on him at speed and was damn lucky he didn’t roll over. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2024, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310/126 "2024-12-05T13:22:56Z")
So after management firings, plant closures, and 25 years’ passage of time you’re sure nothing has changed? And that equivalent management / design problems don’t exist in the other brands you do trust? I realize your family’s involved here with all that entails. There may be objective reasons in 2024 to dislike Firestone’s products. But IMO that now-ancient event is not one of them. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2024, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310/127 "2024-12-05T16:57:00Z")
My issue wasn’t related to bad product (which, if I remember correctly was partially attributed to Ford for instructing the tires to be underinflated), it was an outright dirty business tactic, bait-&-switch. I found a good deal for Firehawk’s on _their website_; called the local store & explained what I found & asked it they would match it; they said yes but to bring in a printout of the deal. When I dropped off my car, there were notes that they needed the ‘coupon’ from me; I had it, the clerk looked it over & said all was good. The next day I get a call that my car was done, _buuutt_ they couldn’t honor it for [some bu!!$#!t, hair-splitting reason] & that it would cost me $300 more. Ummm, no! He said he’d check w the manager (except I thought it _was_ the manager) & get back to me. Second phone call, they’ll ‘split’ it with me, $100 less (wouldn’t splitting it be $150?) but I have to pay w/ a Firestone CC, which means they get credit for opening a new acct, I now have an extra, CC that I don’t want or need, along with the corresponding couple of point ding to my credit score. I told them no again. Before I could get it out he said they’d reinstall my original tires Since it was already in for tires, I had them do the state inspection. I was nice, I could have told them that I wasn’t paying for anything & to take the new stickers off & give me my old ones back or I could have reported them for passing an inspection of tires that shouldn’t have passed & gotten them in trouble with the state. Instead, I just picked it up & when somewhere else & got a set of Goodyears. For that, & the above (post #110) where they tried to sell me 4 new tires instead of a plug, their tires will _never_ grace one of my vehicles ever again. They make used car salesmen look like upstanding members of society! ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2024, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310/128 "2024-12-05T17:16:25Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > But we will drop about 6000 feet in elevation. We’ve had a real good run way up here, but we see the writing on the wall. It’s time to go down. Probably Ft. Collins/Loveland area. Drop by for a beer. You know where the Buckee’s is? > [@ParallelLines](#): > > the only affordable place I can think of is Pueblo. There are reasons for that. None of them good. > [@ParallelLines](#): > > All that being said though, I’d certainly prefer your choices in Ft. Collins/Loveland. Windsor is the fastest growing city in Colorado. Pretty much first-time home buyers are priced out. Can’t buy in WINDSOR ffs. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2024, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310/129 "2024-12-05T18:54:58Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > Drop by for a beer. You know where the Buckee’s is? No I don’t, but it will be a long wait. Probably 2 years or so. > [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > There are reasons for that. None of them good. 😄 > [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > Windsor is the fastest growing city in Colorado. Pretty much first-time home buyers are priced out. Can’t buy in WINDSOR ffs. We are trying to be cautious with our money. We are not rich but I would consider ourselves well off. I’m considering renting an apartment from my cousin that owns a small apartment building so that I can help take care of her. she is having some health issues. I can be close and take her to Dr. appointments and such. She does not, and I don’t think, she should, put a lease on that apartment. She would have to kick another out when it sells. She’s very kind hearted. It’s a long story, but she is trying to sell the place. I only need good internet and what I call a ‘nest’ and I can work from anywhere. A hotel does not work because I’m not gonna drag computers around. A laptop won’t do it. WOW. We are way of the subject. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2024, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310/130 "2024-12-05T19:08:31Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > WOW. We are way of the subject. There’s an Integrity Tires in west Loveland. Speaking of that, west Loveland is a great spot and the 34 is right there to head to Estes. Between that and the Longmont route via the 36 I much prefer the northern route. ---
**Author:** ![Coriolanus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coriolanus/32/18769_2.png) [@Coriolanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coriolanus)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2024, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310/131 "2024-12-05T20:26:41Z")
INT. Q’s LABORATORY Camera pans along the sharp and luxurious length of an iconic and unmistakeable Aston Martin V12 Vanquish (V.O.) Q James, we have equipped your Aston Martin with the Laser Assessment Road Diagrammer and Surface Setter (L.A.R.D.A.S.S.) WIDE ROOM (Q speaking to JAMES BOND) Q (cont’d) Simply put, its technology assesses and realigns the road before you to give all your tyres puncture-proof and maximum traction regardless of road surface BOND (agasp!) Incredible!! Even black ice, floods, oil slicks? … (pauses, thoughtfully, and adds) even molten lava? Q (sounding somewhat miffed at being questioned, replies curtly) All. Road surfaces. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2024, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310/132 "2024-12-06T00:30:19Z")
Of course an Aston Martin is a beautiful, sexy, total POS as a car. Lovely to drool over, and you will look Mahvelous sitting in it. Just don’t try to _drive_ it because it probably won’t. A DB12 was on my “long list” for my most recent buy. Until I did my due diligence. They should each come w a Camry to use while it’s broke. ---
**Author:** ![Coriolanus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coriolanus/32/18769_2.png) [@Coriolanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coriolanus)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2025, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310/133 "2025-10-09T17:45:55Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > Just a WAG, but am guessing this is because the rear seatbelts are rarely if ever used; a lot of mechanical mechanisms tend to get “gummed up” when not used. It’s approaching MOT time again. Last year I had re-bolted the seats into place yet didn’t hook up the seatbelts. A few days ago, I had some suds and pulled the seatbelts out and gave them a good wash & dry. No idea why they get “gummed up” out of non-use, yet you were exactly right: They retracted almost fully with little help. Another sudsing round and I’d say now they are fairly normal. I will give them one or two cleanings before November and use a different garage, yet they’re mentioned on last year’s MOT record, so certainly any garage would check retractability. I spent a couple of hours today un-bolting the thick 14mm bolts that anchor the belts to seat level, and from there they pivot to meet the short belt locks. I had to use quite a bit of WD-40 (an equivalent) and my half-meter pry bar I bought to replace the useless lever thing that comes with the car. It has a half-inch nub (?) like a ratchet and finally I was able to break the torque. There was only a small amount of lubricant on the bolts so I kept lubricating and was only able to use a regular wrench for the last few turns. Oiled them up and after putting the latches through them they went back on like butter. Only needed the pry-bar for the last couple torquing turns. So not only did this car shop guy omit saying it was just the back seats and they can be removed, his “quote” was I dunno eBay will want about £200 each, and I’d estimate, even if I had my Makita (living in storage), this is an hour-plus labor. They certainly put these screws back on with something pneumatic. It probably wouldn’t matter, yet I haven’t had anyone in my back seats since my 1973 Monte Carlo. And I could barely get out of the back seats of this car so the “someone will die in a fiery crash” this guy said could happen might be true yet it won’t have anything to do with seatbelts. Nobody is riding back there as the front seats would have to be moved up and that ain’t happening on the driver side. In short, thanks @Crafter Man! ---
**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2025, 8:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310/134 "2025-10-10T08:33:08Z")
fyi, **Crafter** and **Crafter\_man** are2 different members ! ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2025, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310/135 "2025-10-10T14:00:43Z")
So let’s page the correct person: Hey @Crafter_Man 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2025, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310/136 "2025-10-22T21:32:38Z")
A while back I had a low tire warning on my dash – figured it was due to lower temperatures. I filled all my tires. I _think_ the indicator went away I noticed the warning again last night. But I also notice the indicator blinks and then stays on – I thought the 2016 Prius used the ABS system and not actual pressure sensors (but I could be wrong) I manually checked all tires and the left front was a bit lower that the others (33 vs 37) I filled it again and will check in the morning. I also found a video on how to reset the TPMS which I will do if the tire is OK Brian ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2025, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310/137 "2025-10-23T12:49:57Z")
Well, 35.5 PSI this morning (vs 37.5 yesterday-- it is a bit cooler, but that seems like a slow leak to me. Scheduled an appointment at a tire shop. Brian ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2025, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310/138 "2025-10-23T17:05:06Z")
They couldn’t find anything with the front tire, but put in a new valve stem and something else. Oddly enough the passenger rear (opposite corner) sensor is dead which explains my blinking TPMS. Brian ---
**Author:** ![E-DUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/e-dub/32/403_2.png) [@E-DUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-DUB)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2025, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310/139 "2025-11-06T18:34:31Z")
That sounds like the jack that came with my ancient Opal Kadet station wagon. You looked at it wondered where the rest of it was. ---
**Author:** ![Coriolanus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coriolanus/32/18769_2.png) [@Coriolanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coriolanus)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2025, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310/140 "2025-11-07T01:52:39Z")
The jack may function yet bring some planks of wood to make a base for it. I bought a 30" breaker bard and 17 mm nut to undo the lugs. Only had to do undo and redo it once and I wish it had a torque counter on it yet at some point you reach the point, “any more will strip it”. I used it again on the 19mm (!) nut to remove my steering wheel to replace the left control stalk, and I tightened it to the point I don’t think the steering wheel will be coming off. I have a Makita drill yet you can’t just wait till it groans to assume you’ve got enough torque. The breaker bar has a feel. I’m doing everything I can for a clean pass (on the MOT / inspection). Yet even though there’s only 3000 miles on it since last year, I am afraid of exhaust system, and/or catalytic / fails the CO test. I’m going to the other garage in town and they did my clutch and I’m about at the original cost of a 2008 Toyota Aygo two years ago already with fixes. Nothing I can do with the motor or exhaust so hope they pass. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-course-with-slow-leaking-tire/1010310.md?page=6)