Rep Power: 269

I have read previous posts (none of which I can find now) about people getting plugs stuck in the power outlet (one was an iPod). I never thought anything of it since I rarely use the outlet. Well, my wife has a slow leak in her driver's rear tire so I purchased one of those cheap air pumps. Don't you know that the plug got stuck in her outlet and the crappy plastic plug ended up breaking to get it out. Her car is an 04 Accord but my 01 Civic was pretty tight too. Is there anything that can be done to make the outlet more useable?

The only thing I can think of is maybe some grease in the outlet. I guess some dielectric (?) grease would be the better option if this is even an option. Any advice?

Oh, and if you're worried, the slow leak is from a nail in her tread that she will hopefully be having plugged soon.

 
Rep Power: 308

I would try another plug (sounds like yours is broken at his point anyhow)

Maybe the size specs on the new plug will be better than the one on the compressor.

You could try to push in on the 2 metal tabs to try to make better fit (less outward tension)

A lot of the items I plug in fit tight as well.

A far as the tire goes I would get it patched instead of plugged IMO.

 
Rep Power: 388

my cig lighter is tight too... now if only I had a gf with a fit that tight =)

 
Rep Power: 269

I was able to return the cheap pump and get a similar replacement pump (same cheap plastic plug). I'll try pushing in the prongs and hope for the best.

And I thought a tear was patched and a hole was plugged.

 
Rep Power: 812

its more the accessory than the car. ive had plugs that were loose and would almost not work til i rotated it, and ive had some i really had to pull to get out. just depends, most individual companies dont make them to the same spec as oem.

 
Rep Power: 308

If not near the sidewall it can be patched easily (cost more though) Tire plugs do work but I have always gotten patches done. I will never forget about 20 years ago a salesman came into a service station where I was hanging out, He was selling tire plug items. He had about 20-30 holes that he had punctured and plugged... In one of the SIDEWALLS of the car he was driving. Plugs have become popular.