I think the long term solution is to ditch the tire inflator/goop kit and move to a self-sealing tire. I hope that Chevrolet chooses to start using the Michelin Energy Saver A/S All Season tire size 215/50R17 91H DT (Different Tread) tire that is now standard on the 2017 Bolt with the 2017 and beyond Volt (the self-sealing Michelin Energy Saver tire used on the Bolt is the same tire size and spec (91H) as used on the Volt). Assuming that Michelin can meet the volume demand for this tire there is minimal downside to changing to the DT variation. The current online price at a major tire site for the self-seal Energy Saver DT tire is just over $8 more per tire / 33$ more per set of (4) than the standard Michelin Energy Saver tires. The self-seal Energy Saver tire used on the Bolt weighs 20lbs versus 21lbs for the tire that currently comes on the Volt. Of course you may still want to carry a spare tire and tools for long road trips but having the self-seal tire technology should go a long way in avoiding needing to change a tire because of a tread area puncture.
tire inflator kit did not work!
Today my new Volt had yet another problem! I was returning home this morning and started hearing louder road noise. I didn't think anything of it, until I noticed the readout on the dash... 0 PSI in my left rear tire! I was close to a traffic light and parking lot, so I safely made my way into the parking lot. At first I thought it was a mistake, that perhaps my latest warranty repair (replacing the door lock receiver) was acting up again. However, after toggling to the tire pressure screen, the rest of the tires were reading the correct levels, and l got out and saw that the tire was completely flat.
I got the tire inflator out of the car and tried to fill the tire with just air first. The tire didn't inflate at all, so I knew I had a bigger leak. I shut it off after about 30 seconds and then got the sealant canister out and warmed it up for 10 minutes inside the car. I read the directions and hooked it up. The inflator seemed to be working for about 2 minutes, but then it started smoking and the sealant was leaking from the BODY of the inflator, not the hose connections. I turned it off and called OnStar. The tow truck came after about 90 minutes. It was really cold out, about 8 degrees F. I wonder if that cold temperature was too much for the tire inflator, causing it to fail? Even though it failed, though, if the inflator worked the way that it should, my tire was ruptured badly enough it probably wouldn't have been driveable anyway.
Has anybody else had a problem with their tire inflator, or am I one of the first?
The tow truck came. I had to instruct him about using the tow hook. He removed the toe hook cover in the bumper, but ripped it completely off. (I think it is supposed to remain attached once it is pried open.) He didn't seem to be familiar with the Volt at all. I was towed to a dealer, and they confirmed that my tire was toast. They replaced it, and I paid about $200 total just for the one new tire plus installation. A new tire inflator kit was ordered...I think that the kit should be a covered warranty item...the inflator should not have failed the way that it did.
This is the 3rd issue I've had with this new car which was purchased right before Thanksgiving. Good grief!!!
I got the tire inflator out of the car and tried to fill the tire with just air first. The tire didn't inflate at all, so I knew I had a bigger leak. I shut it off after about 30 seconds and then got the sealant canister out and warmed it up for 10 minutes inside the car. I read the directions and hooked it up. The inflator seemed to be working for about 2 minutes, but then it started smoking and the sealant was leaking from the BODY of the inflator, not the hose connections. I turned it off and called OnStar. The tow truck came after about 90 minutes. It was really cold out, about 8 degrees F. I wonder if that cold temperature was too much for the tire inflator, causing it to fail? Even though it failed, though, if the inflator worked the way that it should, my tire was ruptured badly enough it probably wouldn't have been driveable anyway.
Has anybody else had a problem with their tire inflator, or am I one of the first?
The tow truck came. I had to instruct him about using the tow hook. He removed the toe hook cover in the bumper, but ripped it completely off. (I think it is supposed to remain attached once it is pried open.) He didn't seem to be familiar with the Volt at all. I was towed to a dealer, and they confirmed that my tire was toast. They replaced it, and I paid about $200 total just for the one new tire plus installation. A new tire inflator kit was ordered...I think that the kit should be a covered warranty item...the inflator should not have failed the way that it did.
This is the 3rd issue I've had with this new car which was purchased right before Thanksgiving. Good grief!!!
21 - 28 of 28 Posts
I choose to sacrifice cargo space and endure extra weight by mounting a full-sized spare. I don't think any self-sealing tire can deal with sidewall issues as others have mentioned.
I found out that the doughnut spare that came with my 99 Monte Carlo is the same bolt pattern that our Volts have (115mm 5 lug). So when I sell my trusty old MC sometime this year the description will have to say: "Missing spare tire".
I thought the Gen2 spacing switched to 105mm.I found out that the doughnut spare that came with my 99 Monte Carlo is the same bolt pattern that our Volts have (115mm 5 lug). So when I sell my trusty old MC sometime this year the description will have to say: "Missing spare tire".
Hmmm, I measured both cars a couple of weeks ago. They looked the same. I'm on vacation now in FL (on my Harley). When I get home I'll check again.
Yup. See our spare tire guide and FAQ: http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?105593-Chevy-Volt-Wheels-amp-Tires-FAQsI thought the Gen2 spacing switched to 105mm.
Bolt pattern is 5x105xm12, rim size is 17x7 Offset is 41 mm, center bore is 56.6
If it does fit, be sure to check the offset too for clearance from the caliper.Hmmm, I measured both cars a couple of weeks ago. They looked the same. I'm on vacation now in FL (on my Harley). When I get home I'll check again.
Shoot! I don't know what I did wrong a few weeks ago. I measured both my Monte and Volt and I thought they measured the same.
21 - 28 of 28 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
GM Volt Forum
A forum community dedicated to Chevy Volt electric car owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about hybrid performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, reviews, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Recommended Communities
