A flat tire is
a flat tire and in most cases can be easily fixed. However,
it is tempting to use one of the aerosol "fix-a-flat"
products to save the hassle of changing a tire and scheduling
for a repair. They make sense to a busy driver: a handy can
of gas and goo can simultaneously plug a tire puncture and
re-pressurize it, allowing you to continue on your merry way.
Don't buy it! So-called "fix-a-flat" products are
often extremely flammable and being under pressure, create
an explosive situation.
These products
are dangerous to carry in your car and even more dangerous
to the person who ends up repairing the tire. Many people
are killed or seriously injured every year by explosions caused
by these products. Some cans of fix a flat come with warning
labels to place on the damaged tire to warn others that the
deadly sealer lurks inside but Oregon weather is not very
friendly to paper stickers on spinning tires.
Always warn your
mechanic if you've used one of these products in a tire and
be prepared to hear that using the "miraculous fix-a-flat"
product may have rendered the tire un-repairable. The convenience
of aerosol tire fixers will never out-weight their potential
costs in dollars, equipment and life.
