Flat Tire in Remote Location

[PVEaglesFan]

We recently were in Death Valley National Park in my Model 3. Someone else in a rented jeep blew a tire on a rocky road. Their 20 year old grandsons just jacked up the jeep and changed the tire. I had no problems but what should I have done if I had.

 

[jkeyser14]

Prayed to God that you had cell service...

 

[jjrandorin]

Carried a spare with you if you were out someplace you expected to be "a long way from services to help you"? Perhaps had a spare patch kit and portable air compressor in the trunk?

Are you really comparing a jeep with a spare tire on the back to a tesla, as far as "Im a long way away from services"?

 

[Jo060]

Oh my

 

[ATPMSD]

ALWAYS carry a 12V portable air compressor that plugs into the 12V socket in the car. In most cases tire leaks are slow and filling the tire, sometimes repeatedly, will allow you to get to a tire shop.

 

[BigNick]

You're supposed to eat rocky road, not drive on it.

I'd rather eat a donut than drive on one, but I've seen lots of posts from members who have bought a Modern Spare:

For All 2017-2024 Tesla Model 3 Trim Levels - Spare Tire And Complete Accessory Kit Options

Engineered complete spare tire kit for your Model 3. EV Weight and Strength Rated Alloy. AWD, Performance, Long-range Compatible. Search by Make, Model

modernspare.com

It won't fit in your frunk or trunk "well" so you'll be sacrificing some space. You'll also want a good quality jack and a hockey puck or other spacer so the lifting pad doesn't contact the battery.

 

[rpiotro]

Stay away from rocky roads? I don't think the Tesla is intended for off road use.

 

[Taxvictim]

https://www.amazon.com/ResQ-71-063-021-Tire-Repair-Compressor/dp/B00BJ2TBL2/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=res-q+tire&qid=1637679577&sr=8-2

This is what I carry. It inflates and seals small leaks, and the tire can still be patched after (unlike some sealants). I have owned this for many years. Never needed it myself, but on many occasions I have helped other people reinflate their tires.

 

[PianoAl]

I'm glad I have my Modern Spare. They call if Death Valley for a reason.

 

[MrCaturday]

ALWAYS carry a 12V portable air compressor that plugs into the 12V socket in the car. In most cases tire leaks are slow and filling the tire, sometimes repeatedly, will allow you to get to a tire shop.

This has been my experience. Knock on wood it's been rare that I've had a complete blowout but mostly it's been come out to the car in the morning and find a nail in a tire or something. With a compressor it's usually pretty reasonable to pump it back up and drive it slowly and cautiously to some place that can properly plug it or replace it. I have purchased a tire plug kit as well that I put in the lower trunk area since buying my M3LR since it has no spare tire.

 

[skygraff]

Yeah, as long as you’re not off reading in your Tesla, save the space for luggage and gear. Carry a plug kit and a compressor (slime, if you must).

Unless you’re driving on bald tires, going up curbs at speed, or tailgating so you can’t see road debris, you should be able to handle most tire damage like small punctures either by just adding air or doing a roadside plug job. Get it patched after or keep driving on the plug after getting it inspected.

Anything worse than that, unfortunately, you’ll want to be sure you have cell service or good shoes.

 

[pnwadventures]

As others have said: I carry a spare tire (Modern Spare); plug kit; and patch kit with compressor. The spare only travels along on remote trips.

 

[rpiotro]

I would think carrying spare water in Death Valley would be highly recommended. Lots of it.