Tire inflator kit missing: Buy OEM or recommended aftermarket?

[teach42]

Bought a used 2021 MME GT and it has the portable charger, but the tire kit was missing.

I see a bunch on eBay, but not sure how old they are. Is it better to buy an OEM and possibly have to buy new sealant? Or is there an aftermarket kit people can recommend?

I mean, I know I can always find an inflator, but I wasn't sure if there was anything special about the sealant or the delivery mechanism....

Perhaps I may be overthinking this

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[Maquis]

I think I’d just buy a good inflator and a separate can of pressurized sealant.
And hope you never need it (just like the OEM one)!

 

[Pioneer74]

I think I’d just buy a good inflator and a separate can of pressurized sealant.
And hope you never need it (just like the OEM one)!

And make sure you have roadside assistance and towing on your auto insurance.

 

[teach42]

And make sure you have roadside assistance and towing on your auto insurance.

I have an extended warranty, so I should have that service from Ford. But also have AAA.

 

[ChehRob]

An entire new kit from Amazon is cheaper than buying a sealer can/new hose at the Ford dealership. Also, they do not keep them in stock and would have to special order. $70 versus $50.

The new kit also has the can/hose refill for $30 as I remember.

 

[JohnFoxeSheets]

I very much dislike the screw-on tip that comes with the OEM inflator. I bought a different inflator to top up my tires as needed. So I agree with others who suggest getting something else. FWIW, this is what I got. (But note that it doesn't inject the sealant. For that you still would need a separate can.

Oh, and full disclosure - I only just got this last week and haven't tried it yet, but it was highly rated.

 

[rhougey]

I very much dislike the screw-on tip that comes with the OEM inflator. I bought a different inflator to top up my tires as needed. So I agree with others who suggest getting something else. FWIW, this is what I got. (But note that it doesn't inject the sealant. For that you still would need a separate can.

Oh, and full disclosure - I only just got this last week and haven't tried it yet, but it was highly rated.

This is the one I carry in my truck for refilling after airing down. It is a good unit. But in the MachE I carry a spare tire, lug wrench, jack, and wheel chocks. I do a lot of driving out in the middle of nowhere and want to be able to get back on the road quickly.

 

[SoriceConsulting]

I got this one and have used it to top off tires a few times already. Works well:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CTGM2LD?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

 

[teach42]

This is the one I carry in my truck for refilling after airing down. It is a good unit. But in the MachE I carry a spare tire, lug wrench, jack, and wheel chocks. I do a lot of driving out in the middle of nowhere and want to be able to get back on the road quickly.

You just throw the spare in the trunk? Or is there a way to 'hide' it so you still have a traditional trunk to use on a daily?

 

[rhfritz]

I seem to recall a discussion where folks said the sealant stuff was a bad idea as it somehow ruined the TPMS sensors. Or is MME sealant somehow different?

 

[GreaseMonkey]

I bought the ford original from eBay at a big discount. I like the size that packages well below the trunk cover where it is intended to go. All these kits are made by Illinois tool works and have aftermarket equivalent.

 

[rhougey]

You just throw the spare in the trunk? Or is there a way to 'hide' it so you still have a traditional trunk to use on a daily?

Spare is in the trunk. Floor is on the lower level. Mobile EVSE (or snow chains in the winter) are under the spare, lovely vinyl cover is stretched over it. Plenty of room left for stuff on top and around the spare and in the frunk.

 

[Space_Pony]

Don't forget the tire plug kit.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Slime-D...hoppingads&locale=en-US&gStoreCode=2033&gQT=1

 

[Wallie]

I seem to recall a discussion where folks said the sealant stuff was a bad idea as it somehow ruined the TPMS sensors. Or is MME sealant somehow different?

No, sensor will be ruined too.

 

[GreaseMonkey]

No, sensor will be ruined too.

That’s not at all definitive. The lazy tech probably doesn’t want to go through the hassle of cleaning the tpms or the tire. And often lacks the finesse required to remove such sensor without damaging it. So they rough it up, break it, and charge you for a new one. I’d call and ask before showing up. You can deduct useful info from their attitude on the phone. The US standard of service nowadays leaves a lot to be desired.

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