plugging or using the spare after a flat?

[dnp_now]

Just curious. After a flat, what is better? Using the spare 18" (my tires are 19") or plugging the tire? I'm thinking of including a plug tire repair kit and a mini compressor with my x5.

From searching on the internet, plugging a tire (properly) seems to be quick and safe (from what others have to say).

Anyone have any experience?

[motordavid]

A plug is considered by most, to be temporary.

You should get it patched from inside...patches last
forever and will do fine.

Plugs last a long time, too...but, I would rec'd a patch
when you get the opportunity.

You might try your "mini-compressor" on a test run
at home: the 19" tires hold some serious volume. If you
have never plugged a tire, a trial run on an old one is
not a bad idea, too.
GL,mD

Edit...the spare tire will run fine, too.

[JCL]

Plugging a tire on the roadside is temporary, and may not work in any case. For example, you can't plug a sidewall cut. In the tread area, the belts can later cut through the plug leading to an early failure.

A properly applied plug, in a shop with the tire dismounted, can last the life of the tire. That type of plug looks like a mushroom, and is a combination inside patch/plug. It has the benefits of both the inside patch and the plug. It is not possible to apply it on the side of the road.

If you want to carry a compressor instead of a spare, carry a can of foam sealant as well. And a cellphone.

As MD says, the 18" spare works fine, it has the same rolling diameter. It can handle a little differently, so don't drive to the limit with it mounted.

[dnp_now]

Thanks for the suggestion. We don't have bmw roadside assistance here. And if I'm on a road trip, I would rather take 10 to 15 minutes to plug a tire, and drive it to the nearest gas station. But i'll always have the spare. just would rather not use it unless absolutely necessary to get me to the nearest station.

This all came about because my porsche doesn't come with a spare (no space in the trunk). It only comes with a can of foam and a compressor. And people suggested I have a tire repair kit. Since the foam is useless, and unbalance the tire, etc.

Thanks again