Old Compact Spares

[ecotourist]

The discussion on what to do with old but perfect spare tires has been very interesting.

So what should we do about an old compact spare? Use my 2007 Honda Accord as an example - that tire will be at least 14 years old. It has less than 5 miles on it.

Should an old compact spare be replaced based on time? I don't believe I know anyone who has replaced a compact spare tire.

And before anyone asks the question, I would try and buy a replacement from a wrecker. Should be able to get one a year or two old, maybe even on a rim that would fit.

 

[skyactiv]

I looked around for a spare for my wife’s Corolla hybrid that doesn’t come with one. All overpriced and when you find one cheap, it’s old and they wanna tack on expensive shipping.

 

[ecotourist]

I looked around for a spare for my wife’s Corolla hybrid that doesn’t come with one. All overpriced and when you find one cheap, it’s old and they wanna tack on expensive shipping.

Are there any wreckers in immediate your area that have Japanese cars? I'd start with a phone call or just walk up. [But watch for the dog!]

Speaking of which, is there a special key to find the manufacturing date of a compact spare tire?

And is there a reference for cross fitment of compact spare tires?

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Tirerack sells replacement temporary spare tires. They're spendy.

I need to replace the original full sized spare in my grand marquis. 20 years old is way too much for me!

 

[Kawiguy454]

You're looking for a solution to a problem that you don't have. That tire only needs to get you to the closest service area.

The money would be better spent on a roadside plug kit and an tiny compressor. I have a Stop n Go kit and a compressor in every vehicle. If you get a flat pull over, plug, pump and go no donut needed.

 

[wings&wheels]

I went through this exercise. Our P cars have temporary spares ~20 years old. I elected to carry sealant and inflator kits as supplied with the later cars. Just remember to replace you sealant as recommended...cheaper than compact spares though.

 

[nwjones18]

In a perfect world yes they should be replaced based on age. I've bought one from tire rack and had it mounted before. I've seen a ton of compact spares just blow up in the trunk from old age. I also agree that a plug kit and a compressor is a pretty good option. I think discount tire can order you the compact spare tires as well.

 

[LazyDog]

I carry an OEM full spare rim and when buying new tires, I keep the one looking best for spare and the spare rim gets mounted w/ new tire.

The only exception when I drove to Mexico city and I bought all 5 new tires.

 

[JMJNet]

I carry an OEM full spare rim and when buying new tires, I keep the one looking best for spare and the spare rim gets mounted w/ new tire.

The only exception when I drove to Mexico city and I bought all 5 new tires.

I did the same.

 

[atikovi]

I would think the compact spare would age differently than a conventional tire. Much narrower and shorter with thicker rubber so it should last longer. And funny how it's ok to drive on one of these that are half the width of the tire on the other side of the car, yet I get reamed if I put a different brand conventional tire on the other side that's even the same size.

 

[Astro14]

I would think the compact spare would age differently than a conventional tire. Much narrower and shorter with thicker rubber so it should last longer. And funny how it's ok to drive on one of these that are half the width of the tire on the other side of the car, yet I get reamed if I put a different brand conventional tire on the other side that's even the same size.

That’s because the compact spare has a speed/distance limit on it. That prevents dangerous consequences of poor handling that the mismatched compact spare creates.

If you imposed similar limits with your mismatched tires, then you might not get criticized…

 

[atikovi]

That’s because the compact spare has a speed/distance limit on it. That prevents dangerous consequences of poor handling that the mismatched compact spare creates.

If you imposed similar limits with your mismatched tires, then you might not get criticized…

And we know everybody obeys those limits. You never seen anyone going 70 on compact spare?

 

[Astro14]

And we know everybody obeys those limits. You never seen anyone going 70 on compact spare?

We know that they deserve criticism (for their stupidity).

You were complaining about being criticized.

I was offering a way to avoid that criticism.

 

[Nick1994]

My 2015 Genesis’ spare lost it’s tread last year, despite having never been used. Still held air though. It was fine 6 months before and when I went to check the air I found this.

 

[eljefino]

I drove on the ~22 year old spare that came with my volvo 940 wagon. It went fine, the most interesting thing was how its simple blocky tread sounded like an airplane/ horrible wheel bearing.

 

[atikovi]

My 2015 Genesis’ spare lost it’s tread last year, despite having never been used. Still held air though. It was fine 6 months before and when I went to check the air I found this.
View attachment 75553
View attachment 75554

No warranty coverage on that, either from Hyundai or Kumho?

 

[Nick1994]

No warranty coverage on that, either from Hyundai or Kumho?

Nope, 6+ years old. I called Kumho and got the run around. Not worth the time to spend messing around. Was like $135 for a new one from Discount Tire.

 

[atikovi]

I'd think either would comp you a new one just to prevent a costly recall. I would have implied I was contacting NHTSA unless a replacement was provided.

 

[Nick1994]

I'd think either would comp you a new one just to prevent a costly recall. I would have implied I was contacting NHTSA unless a replacement was provided.

I try not to bring out Karen unless I really need her.

 

[blupupher]

And we know everybody obeys those limits. ...

I did just last week.

Traveling between Houston and San Antonio I had my TPMS light click on while traveling at 80 mph (75 MPH limit), switched to the TPMS section on the dash and saw the front passenger tire pressure dropping. Pulled off and put on the spare, drove 20 miles at 50 MPH to a tire place.

But I agree, I have seen a vehicle with 2 temp spares on it (where the heck did they get the 2nd one?).

Interesting topic, I just got an '04 Sonata for my son and the temp spare is the original. I am debating getting a steel rim and a full size spare, would probably be cheaper than just an actual temp spare replacement.