Just really focusing on the flat/no spare issue. WTF. Need everyone's 2 cents worth. Planning on 2 new fix a flats Got to get a "lug socket" Which one and where? Rachet torque wrench 12 volt compressor and possible 12v jack Tire plug kit. Tire Chuck. Action Plan: Get tire up in the air. Compressor Tire Plug or right to Fix a Flat Anyone have a resonable$$$ solution for a spare rim/tire taking front/rear issues into consideration. 1996 355B Thanks, Newbie Al Know I won't need the jack,lug wrench and compressor if the fix a flat works but I will need eventually so that's why I need reccomendations. Also, which tire guage?
Yeah. Have your AAA membership paid up. And if you haven't done it already, get it upgraded to Premier. You get 100 mile tows, and one up to 200 miles.
No biggie, I even took the spare out of my STi to save weight...just have a cell phone at all times. A flat in the 355 is the least of my worries...I'm looking in the rear view mirror for smoke!
I believe the lugs are 21mm. Go with 1/2" drive (so you can use a torque wrench to tighten them up after reinstalling the wheel). You may also need a 3-4" extension for the socket wrench, to keep from dinging up your wheels.
I have the AAA premier. Back when my alternator belt tensioner bearing went out, I called them for a tow. After about 30 minutes, they called me back and told me that they could not find anyone to give me a tow and I was on my own. Note that this was in San Jose, CA on a Saturday afternoon. They flat out refused to help me any further. I ended up having to find my own tow company and pay about $300 to get the car home. Needless to say, I'm not real impressed with AAA after that.
+1. I also carry two cans of fix a flat, and a plug kit and small compressor, just in case, but I plan to use AAA for any flat if possible.
Too bad. Here in the Seattle area I have use AAA twice three years ago, once for my BMW when the alternator went out, once for the F355 when the throw out bearing housing cracked and leaked fluid out. Both times they responded with the requested flat bed within 40 to 45 minutes (definitely less than 1 hour). I once used them in Kennewick, WA 10 years ago for flat repair help on a stormy evening (raining)...I just didn't want to get wet and dirty. After a one hour wait and no sign of them showing, I changed it myself in 15 minutes and took off, never calling them back. No idea if they ever showed....I guess there response can be a bit uneven in some areas...could be a regional thing.
??? I had a similar situation happen to me several years ago, and they were very helpful. When they couldn't get a truck to come out they offered to put me up in a hotel for the night, and even get me a rental car if I wanted one. I had to have them flatbed my 348 home (alternator bit the dust), when the truck showed up, and it wasn't a flatbed, they set out another one. I also had to have them come out on Christmas Day to get my keys out of the truck. The lock smith was at the house in less than 30 minutes, and the keys were out of the truck in less that 60 seconds. No joke, that dude was crazy fast with the slim jim. Had them tow my work car home because the distributor went ka-put. Actually the ignitor gave up the ghost, but it's inside the distributor. Anyway...... I have used AAA many, many, many times, and have been please with their service. Which is why I keep renewing my membership with them.
Here in Philly, I have used them numerous times for my car and company cars and trucks. Really never had an issue but tell them up front send a FLATBED and why. They have always done so. BTW Its called a Plus membership in Philly. Fix-A-Flat may work but I hear it ruins the tire. Good Luck
There is regular AAA, then there is Plus, and then there is Premier. If I remember correctly you have to have the regular service for at least a year, without any service calls, before you can upgrade to Plus. The I think you have to have Plus for a year before you can upgrade to Premier. But you can have calls on the Plus, and still upgrade. I'm wondering if they don't offer Premier in all areas? Anyway I have it and like it. If you can get it, get it.
I got this 22mm 1/2" drive Hill Engineering ChromeSaver socket from Ricambi for $85.00 to use on my F355. It may seem pricy, but it's the best to protect your wheel bolts and you'll never regret getting one. My old wheel bolts had chrome damage from the use of a regular socket. Plus, the service from Ricambi is just outstanding! http://www.ricambiamerica.com/product_info.php?cPath=600_100037&products_id=261093
308QV has a 22mm as well... My AAA is paid up to Plus as well, and have used them a few times and top notch every time for me. In any case, I am setting up to be able to change a tire as well, so I feel you. I have heard nightmare stories about fix a flat, not with the tires but with the wheels being damaged, so I really won't use that stuff. PM me and we can discuss. MB
No, I do not have a problem with not having a spare tire in a truck. The last flat I had (with the car in motion) was 34 years ago. Now you might think that I don't take chances on getting flats. You would be wrong. I routinely run the tires down far enough for the treads to disappear! I have my suspension aligned and ride height adjustes so that the fronts and rears go slick wihtin 100 miels of each other. On the other hand, I have gotten slow leaks from nails and screws about every other year. I have a habit of checking air pressure before any Ferrari drive and about once a month on my SUV. You tire guague should be able to read to 1/4 PSI, and have a glow in the dark dial, and hold the air pressure until you have a good chance of reading it.
