Why is my car saying service tire mobility kit?
Once every few years, you’ll be reminded that this kit exists by a light on your dashboard, demanding you “Service Tire Mobility Kit. It means that the kit is scheduled for some maintenance. The kit usually needs a new batch of sealant because the old one has expired. Drawbacks. Tire mobility kits have a shelf life of around four years before you need to replace the sealant. In comparison, a spare tire can last up to 10 years with seasonal checks and adjustments to its tire pressure. That’s more than double the lifetime of a tire mobility kit.
How long can I drive on a tire mobility kit?
After ensuring that the tire is properly sealed, you can drive cautiously on the tire (for a distance of up to 200 km (120 miles)) at maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) in order to reach a service station or a tire dealer to have the tire replaced. After you’ve replaced your defective tire with a temporary spare, it’s important to remember the rule of 50. You shouldn’t drive more than 50 miles on a temporary tire or go faster than 50 mph. Spares are not meant to replace a tire and are exactly as they sound — temporary.
Do you need to replace a tire after using a repair kit?
In conclusion, while tire repair kits can extend the functioning of your damaged tire, it’s not recommended to use them as a permanent solution. You should replace the tire as soon as you are able to to ensure long-lasting safety on the road. Plugging a tire is ideal for temporary fixes and small punctures but may not hold up well over time, especially in harsher driving conditions. On the other hand, patches offer a robust repair that can extend the life of your tire, making them the preferred option for long-term safety and reliability.