Can Aerosol Cans Fix Flat Tires?
Q. I have two questions about questions from your readers. A 76-year-old fella on Cape Cod asked about the lack of a spare tire in his new Kia. A few years ago, when aerosol cans became an alternative for inflating the spare tire, it was noted that the aerosol cans could freeze in cold weather and that one should inform the mechanic repairing the flat tire that an aerosol product had been used. Is that still the case?
The second question relates to the person who asked about repairing the driver’s seat in his Toyota Prius with 122,000 miles. Couldn’t he buy a new seat and have it installed at a Toyota dealer or maybe find one at a junkyard?
A. There was a time when aerosol tire inflators used butane as a propellant. Due to its general nature, it could be dangerous to the person performing the permanent tire repair. Many of the new products that are combined with portable air compressors don’t have this problem, but it is certainly worth mentioning to the person repairing your car’s tires that you added sealant. Personally, I prefer an actual spare tire. Regarding a new or used seat for a Prius, your suggestions are certainly options. My thought about an upholstery shop is the cost to repair the seat would likely be cheaper than a replacement. A quick check on the internet shows a pair of used Prius front seats costing $600.
Q. My windscreen has become scratched with two arcs where the windscreen wiper blade holder has inadvertently come into contact with the windscreen. The scratch marks become invisible when the windscreen is wet, but look like smear marks when the screen is dry. Short of having a new windscreen, have you any suggestions as to how I might remove the scratches or render them invisible when the windscreen is dry?
A. I have seen glass shops polish the windshield to remove these marks. Using a buffing wheel and a polishing compound designed for glass may remove or minimize the marks. There are also do-it-yourself kits available that may help; they use an electric drill, buffing pad, and polish.
Q. I have 2014 Ram C/V Tradesman Cargo Van that has been averaging between 24 and 25 mpg. Suddenly, I’m averaging between 22 and 23 mpg. My driving habits have not changed and I gas up at the same place. What would cause this?
A. The reduced fuel economy could be a result of using gasoline that is formulated for cold weather. Winter gas allows for easier starting, but the tradeoff is reduced fuel economy. Most drivers generally see about a 5 percent drop in fuel economy over the winter.
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