We don't have run-flat tires, we have self-sealing tires. There is a difference. This is especially relevant because we do not have a spare tire. Or a jack. What options, other than OnStar and AAA, do people have for dealing with a tire emergency if on a road trip? A can of tire goo? A portable inflator? Other?

 

I always keep a portable inflator, tire patch kit, jack, and a single jackstand in my car. Also jumper cables, headlamp, extra oil, basic set of tools etc.

 

I'm curious as to what one would do with the inflator in the event of a punctured tire that goes flat even with the self-sealing tires. I can see a use if a slow leak develops and is detected by the TPM while on the road. The extra oil and jack might not be of much use, the oil for obvious reasons, and the jack would have to be of the type that would work on whatever fittings the ZDX has AND handle a 6,000 lb. vehicle. The tools are always a good idea, especially a 10mm socket or wrench to remove the battery terminal - a trick used to reset the system in the event of severe power drain of the propulsion batteries. It's my understanding that headlamp assemblies can cost in the thousands these days, and I don't think the left and right are interchangeable. I'm lucky if I remember to put the show/ice scrapper in the car for an upcoming winter season!
John

 

I think a jack is useless on an EV this heavy. Just think of trying to lift only one corner, and what that does to the battery pack. it tries to twist it. And that isn't good. Like, really not good. I notice in the owner's manual they do not even tell you where the jack points are. Every other car I've ever known does so, and usually marked on the frame as well. But not this one.

 

On every car I've owned I've been able to lift by only one corner - that's why there are four pinch welds on the frame in front of the back and behind the front tires.

Tbh I don't see the car's weight as an issue. Remember you're not lifting the entire car with the jack, just one corner. Also 3-ton jacks aren't a lot of money especially if one has a Harbor Freight nearby.

The ZDX not having these pinch welds is bizarre.

Then again, how many people wouldn't be able to change a flat because the tire shop over-torqued their lug nuts??

 

The problem is not the weight per se. the problem is cars tend to flex when lifted by one corner. Batteries are integral to the frame and they do not like to flex. Lift by one corner and you hurt the battery

 

Bill, wouldn't that be a problem just going over uneven roads? I'm guessing, and I emphasize the word guessing, that whatever flexing a vehicle does during normal and probably extreme driving, is already factored into all aspects of that vehicle's setup.
Just my thoughts.
John

 

See chapter 9 in https://www.urvi.net/forumfiles/SB/B24-024.PDF

 

As indicated by mulunu's data above:


At a minimum, in an emergency 'tire' situation, if I owned one of these EV's, I'd have a couple cans of 'tire goo' on hand.
As well as a portable tire inflator (they work great!) like the one below:

If the tire emergency is presenting as a sidewall perforation, then you are pretty much stuck.
However, if the tread perforation is minor (small screw / nail et al) you may get lucky with the above items.
1) I would visually try and 'find' where the leak is and what is causing it on the tire, if possible.
2) Determine if the foreign object is able to be removed or should it be left undisturbed?
3) Once the leak location is determined, I'd orient the wheel (by moving the car forward/rearward slightly) so that it is at the bottom near or at road level.
This would let gravity help facilitate the 'tire goo' downward to cover/find the leak area quickly?
4) Following the 'tire goo' can directions, apply the appropriate amount giving it time to reach said leak area.
5) Use the tire inflator to, hopefully, find joy allowing one to quickly get back on the roadd to locate the nearest tire repair facility.

 

Well said ZETA! I concur. My experience with the last 3 tire issues I've had, which were slow leaks spanning over 15 or more years of driving, was that the tires required replacement, and when I had spare tires in my vehicles, I honestly cannot remember the last time I used one.
John

 

How is this not illegal under right-to-repair laws?

 

Good point. Reminds me that the last time I had a need to use a spare tire, that spare was so flat that it had broken off the bead and could not even be inflated!

 

The print screen below is from the ZDX emergency response guide (compiled by Acura) for first & second responders indicating blue highlighted factory lift points with clear instructions to stay well away from the orange battery area.


mulunu's Acura Service bulletin 20-024 data states a floor jack is not approved for this vehicle & the use of jack stands may cause damage to the area / parts listed.



Then a little further down, within the service bulletin, it indicates depending on 'lift type' one may or may not need to remove the jacking point covers.

As a result, since inter-web images of these ZDX EV lift points are non-existent, it would be interesting to visually observe how 'hearty', if you will, the construction of said lifting points are, as well as just how large of a surface area exists, if any, for potential use of a floor jack or jack stand???

Anyone up for the challenge of an actual picture(s) of these lift point areas on their ZDX EV??

 

Looks as if a full lift if the only approved way to get this vehicle off the ground. No floor jacks. In other words, the entire car comes up at the same time. I can understand why this would be. I would not be surprised if this is common of most EVs.

 

I notice in the owners manual it mentions there is no spare tire, or tire changing equipment. It does reference an inflator and tire sealant kit. MY CAR HAS NONE OF THIS. Is this something only Type-S gets? Should my car have an inflator and a sealant kit?

 

^

You can purchase the complete OEM kit (less dealer markup) at the red online price with included sealant before shipping & taxes below.
Search the part number for the best price, ebay has salvage units available for lower $$.




Then, when you use the sealant / inflator function above, you'll have to purchase the one-time use OEM sealant cartridge replacement (below??) for the next emergency at $88.60 each.


OR
Purchase something like the below portable inflator for $60 & two Slime Flat Tire Repair canisters for $14 each on Amazon & hope you'll never have to use them?


Furthermore, here is an interesting OEM kit demonstration video to review, if interested?

 

^Do traditional tire patch kits not work with self-sealing tires?

Edit: I have that fanttik inflator, and other than being a bit on the slow side it works well.

 

The patch/plug kit works fine.

If someone uses the tire goop method, the TPMS sensors is ruined and will need replacement. Besides the service tech will LOVE you forever once they get that crap all over themselves.

 

I've heard this too which is why I use traditional plug kits that come with plugs and rubber cement.

*Should have used the term plug kit rather than patch kit in my post above.