Toyota Prius: Flat tire experience with my 2005 Prius

"A Sherman" <als62@com> wrote in message
news:net... 
You are correct, of course, and I shamefully admit I've never laid eyes on
my spare. I'll try to remember to find it, the tools and the jacking points
tomorrow. I have used the eye bolt. I was pleased to discover that the
bumper knockout is on a tether.

"A Sherman" <als62@com> wrote in message
news:net... 

Not all but some drivers don't know enough to stay away from a stranded
motorist. Big rigs pass by so fast and so close. My advice is if you want to
change your flat be sure to have your hazard lights on. Don't take chances
on anything but a level hard surface. If you have passengers it's best to
call for help unless maybe they can wait where they are least likely to be
harmed. Definitely not inside the vehicle.
mark_

A Sherman wrote: 

3. When you are checking your tire pressure (which you should do
periodically, especially every time you rotate your tires (keeping the
+2psi difference in front)), you should check the pressure in the spare
tire. You don't want your spare to be flat when you need it!

4. US 2001-2005 Prius came with 3 years/36,000 miles of Toyota
Roadside Assistance, which includes tire and wheel road hazard
warranty/insurance. (Note that the complimentary Toyota Roadside
Assistance was discontinued for 2006 US Prius, but you can still get it
if you purchase the a Toyota Prepaid Maintenance package.)

http://www.toyota.com/html/tcuv/assistance.html (description of
coverage)

Tire/wheel info from my 2004's Toyota Prius Roadside Assistance Program
brochure:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Prius-2G/message/12711
I'm not sure if the phone numbers there are still correct, though.

5. Some independent tire shops will do flat repair for free, on any
tire (not just ones you bought there). If you're in New England, see:
http://www.townfairtire.com/about_freemaintenance.shtml

"A Sherman" <als62@com> wrote:
 

I noticed my used Prius didn't come with the special tool for the
locking lug nut on each tire. Noticing a little asymetrical wear, I took
it to a tire shop for rotation and told them, "I do not want those
locking lug bolts and don't have the tool. Can you take them off?"

As for the tire, I put pressure sensing caps, 40 psi, on all of the
wheels. That front tire with the unusual wear pattern has a persistent,
slow leak. I have to top it off about every 6-8 weeks. Next time I'm at
the shop, I'll ask them about fixing it and/or put in a can of
stop-leak.

Bob Wilson

"Bob Wilson" <com> wrote in message
news:1hj0rux.1l5rw8k1m6t7a5N%com... 
I had to help a friend who had a flat tire, a locking lug nut and no special
tool. I called Discount Tire and the method they use (worked for me) is to
select a quality socket slightly smaller that would fit over the end, then
drive it on the locking lug nut. It was so rapid and inconspicuous that I
have great doubts the locking lug nuts do anything to deter planned wheel
thefts. The only downside is that the socket ends up jammed on the nut and
has to be driven off.

Mike

Michael Pardee <com> wrote:
 

<AHEM> Why? I hope it was curiousity. I would discarded both.

Bob Wilson <grins>

"Bob Wilson" <com> wrote in message
news:1hj1t46.178tzgv1yt2hdvN%com... 
I was surprised how soft the locking nut is. The Craftsman socket worked
just fine afterward - otherwise I would have taken it back to Sears saying
"I don't know what happened. It just did that." <8^P

Mike

<net> wrote:
 

Thanks for reminding me. I had forgotten that road hazards are covered. I
had to go back to the tire dealer and have my invoice reprinted with the VIN
and remaining tread depth added. I will now send it in and see what I get
back under the warrantee.

While the tire guy was measuring the tread (on the opposite wheel), I had him
check the wear at the edges. The tire was certainly wearing more at the edges
that in the center (as has been reported by others). I had been inflating the
tires to Toyota's 35/33 psi. Today I pushed the pressure up to 42/40 as
others have suggested.....

Al