View Full Version : spare tire-Donut option-
magicmarto
02-02-2020, 12:08 PM
Hi All,
Happy Sunday!
Has anyone purchased a donut spare tire?
I plan to drive long distances and want to have at lease a donut spare with me in case I get a flat.
If you have any info on what rim would work that would be great
I am guessing a donut spare from a '15-'18 mustang GT would work.
Thanks for the input
Martin
TMartinLVNV
02-02-2020, 12:23 PM
I have not heard of a spare tire for our cars. But, I'm still new to this madness. VegasJack pointed out to me that if you used the spare, where would you put the flat tire? It wouldn't come close to fitting in the trunk and your passenger probably won't want it in their lap :rolleyes:
I was planning on having a tire plug kit (just to get me home or to a tire store) and an air compressor. If that doesn't work, tow truck time! Just like riding a motorcycle.
Radial tires are not supposed to be plugged. It is an emergency fix only. They are supposed to be patched from the inside. Keep driving speed and distance to a minimum. The tire should be replaced after using a plug. If you had a spare tire, you are also going to need a jack and lug wrench.
Big Blocker
02-02-2020, 01:03 PM
Never really heard of anyone carrying a spare tire, most carry a plug kit as mentioned above, a small 12v compressor, a very low profile jack and maybe a can of "Fix-a-Flat". These are "emergency" items only and will only get you to the closest repair station where you should have the tire repaired professionally - or replaced.
Smaller donut spares are not for cars with locking differentials, they are real hard on the locking mechanism.
Terry's right about "where are you going to put the flat tire once the donut is mounted??" the rear 315"s don't play well with trunk space or passengers . . .
Doc
I'd look at something like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/15-19-Ford-Mustang-18-Spare-Tire-Wheel-Rim-Donut-Space-Saver-FR3Z-1007-G/233416649220?epid=1752218793&hash=item3658b76a04:g:DFYAAOSw7Wxd3uQp:sc:FedExHom eDelivery!80138!US!-1
The challenge will be storing a spare, jack, and tools along with anything else you need for a long trip in the trunk. I've seen others with drop trunks carry a small jack with removable handle, so it may be doable if you pack light.
Terry's right about "where are you going to put the flat tire once the donut is mounted??" the rear 315"s don't play well with trunk space or passengers . . .
Doc
Didn't even think of that! You could just do run flats like I did, but would need a TPMS to be completely effective. I wasn't able to find a TPMS that I liked in the after market. I'm sure something exists If I were to keep looking. All the ones I found had very clunky looking receivers or less than favorable reviews from others on the Bluetooth models I found that would work via your phone.
Didn't even think of that! You could just do run flats like I did, but would need a TPMS to be completely effective. I wasn't able to find a TPMS that I liked in the after market. I'm sure something exists If I were to keep looking. All the ones I found had very clunky looking receivers or less than favorable reviews from others on the Bluetooth models I found that would work via your phone.
Most new high end euro and some domestics don't have a spare at all but have a tire sealer and a 12v compressor. Even Harley Davidson uses this system. We sell the aftermarket version. Ive seen this product in action and it really works. Will seal up to 1/4 inch hole and wont mess up the inside of the tire like most tire fix-a-flat, just wipes out and wont mess up TPMS. ResQ is the brand we have and is the OE supplier. Ive seen them on EBay.
Railroad
02-02-2020, 02:10 PM
Ford is putting some pumps and sealant in their high performance Mustangs, no spare. Factory stuff is usually good quality. You might find an unused kit in the salvage yards.
GoDadGo
02-02-2020, 02:21 PM
The Ultimate Traveler (Ralph Button) would be the man with the best answer; however, I think most folks keep a plug kit, a scissor jack, and air pump in their cars.
Most new high end euro and some domestics don't have a spare at all but have a tire sealer and a 12v compressor. Even Harley Davidson uses this system. We sell the aftermarket version. Ive seen this product in action and it really works. Will seal up to 1/4 inch hole and wont mess up the inside of the tire like most tire fix-a-flat, just wipes out and wont mess up TPMS. ResQ is the brand we have and is the OE supplier. Ive seen them on EBay.
Yep. My BMW doesn't have a spare or jack. My old Mercedes SL 500 had an uninflated space saver spare and a compressor.
KenWilkinson
02-02-2020, 05:11 PM
i bought this from Amazon. This model is no longer available, but there are other models to choose from. My Miata had a very similar kit. Never had to use it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DZFZPG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
cobrajj
02-02-2020, 07:57 PM
AAA 100 mile membership---a pnone call away.
Jim1855
02-02-2020, 09:28 PM
Martin,
Lots of long distance miles, across the country and many states. Fix-a-flat and prayers. I replaced tires way ahead of time especially if going for a long ride. Performance in the rain is real important if travelling, you can't always stop.
There was mention of run-flats, maybe but most of the Corvette guys can't wait to get rid of 'em due to handling, noise and ride. I'd think that the ride would probably be worse in our lighter cars.
I always carried a full tool kit and some parts along with gasket goo, duct tape, Seal n Peal, oil, octane boost and plastic bags to protect valuables from water.
Jim
SSNK4US
02-03-2020, 01:44 AM
Yep. My BMW doesn't have a spare or jack. My old Mercedes SL 500 had an uninflated space saver spare and a compressor.
X2 My M3 has a pump and a bottle of goo in a nice little zippered case....
Kurt
R. Button
02-03-2020, 02:29 AM
My car has the 4 lugs so keep that in mind. I found an aluminum donut spare - 4 lug - that I carry with me on long trips. Just enough to get me to a service station if needed. I also carry a Harbor Freight jack, the 1.5 ton aluminum rapid pump racing floor jack. The jack handle comes apart so that the entire jack and handles fit in a duffle bag. Both the donut spare and the duffle back fit up on the rear shelf of my Mark I. On top of them I put my softtop hard side windows and my softtop. Leaves the other part of the trunk for another duffle bag of traveling clothes.
I tested the jack with no tire on the car to see if the jack would fit under the frame and it does. Next the only issue I have as I have installed disk brakes all around on the car is in the rear - there is not enough offset on the aluminum donut rim to bolt to the rear axle. So IF I need it on the back the plan is to remove the front to install it in the back and put the donut on the front. I also carry with me a set of 4 axle nuts too just in case!
BUT like others have mentioned I also carry a AAA card with me to have them come with a flat bed tow me to a tire dealer. This has happened to me only once so far. A rear tire came apart - after I had taken an off ramp rather fast! I suspect it was low tire pressure as it split on the side wall just like you see on a NASCAR race! Or like a retread coming off an 18 wheeler... the retread laying on the interstate I10 & I20 was what we called in Texas a Texas gator!
I also carry a small battery powered Ryobi tire inflator and a plug kit. The plug kit will get you down the road ok but I would not trust it for too long - in other words think of it as an emergency fix it is not a permanent repair. The issue is you are not removing the tire from the rim to get to the inside of the tire. You need to scuff up the inside of the tire where the patch is covering the hole to get a good seal. If you are getting a plug kit get the ones that use a "gun" to insert the plug and as you pull back on the plug a large round patch opens up on the inside of the tire to help seal the hole better.
GoDadGo
02-03-2020, 06:36 AM
Thanks For The Insight Sir Ralph!
Hope to meet you one day along the way!
yel911
02-03-2020, 07:33 AM
I bought a space saver tire the measures 27" tall, on a 16" rim with a 5 x 4.5" bolt pattern. Also purchased a scissor jack from Amazon.
rich grsc
02-03-2020, 08:51 AM
AAA 100 mile membership---a pnone call away.
Same here.
A spare tire, sure:rolleyes:, mount it on the roll bars, like Baja racers.
davekp
02-03-2020, 08:59 AM
If you think plugging a tire is easy, you haven't tried it. Virtually impossible to do with the tire on the car.
Sealer and maybe a small compressor is your best bet.
AAA is a good solution, too.
GoDadGo
02-03-2020, 09:24 AM
If you think plugging a tire is easy, you haven't tried it. Virtually impossible to do with the tire on the car.
Dave,
I do agree that the tire really needs to be off the car to be able to do it, but where there's a will there's a way.
I disagree because I became a tire plugging machine after Hurricane Katrina since roofing nails were everywhere.
The first two or three were tough but after 20-Plus done, I can now plug a tire almost as fast I can flick a booger.
Just Understand That These Abilities (Booger Flicking & Tire Plugging) Are Acquired Talents!
Steve
TMartinLVNV
02-04-2020, 11:54 AM
If you think plugging a tire is easy, you haven't tried it. Virtually impossible to do with the tire on the car.
Sealer and maybe a small compressor is your best bet.
AAA is a good solution, too.
Being an avid off roader, I've plugged many a tire with it on the vehicle. I also have an on board air compressor that will fill up a 33" tall tire in 3 minutes. That helps find the leak. Funny thing is, I have never used my plug kit for my own tires. I'm always rescuing side by sides or other 4 wheelers. They don't seem to carry any equipment. Same with my wench. I pull other people out, not myself.
Patching the tire from the inside is a different story. Gotta have a tire shop to do that. However, I will not patch a tire on my Jeep. I often air down to below 15 psi for rock crawling. That allows the tire to really deform to the surface of the rock and I don't want a patch to come loose from that. If I get a puncture, I will plug to get home and then replace in pairs. I will only use my spare if I am not able to plug.
If needed to plug a tire on the Roadster, it will certainly be more difficult. No wheel well room to view and use tools on the tire. The offending hole would have to be rolled around to be above the asphalt and below the wheel well. Having a scissor jack and lifting that corner up in the air will make is much easier.
Real time recon
02-04-2020, 01:58 PM
Spare Tire 121941
phileas_fogg
02-04-2020, 04:13 PM
Being an avid off roader, I've plugged many a tire with it on the vehicle. I also have an on board air compressor that will fill up a 33" tall tire in 3 minutes. That helps find the leak. Funny thing is, I have never used my plug kit for my own tires. I'm always rescuing side by sides or other 4 wheelers. They don't seem to carry any equipment. Same with my wench. I pull other people out, not myself.
Patching the tire from the inside is a different story. Gotta have a tire shop to do that. However, I will not patch a tire on my Jeep. I often air down to below 15 psi for rock crawling. That allows the tire to really deform to the surface of the rock and I don't want a patch to come loose from that. If I get a puncture, I will plug to get home and then replace in pairs. I will only use my spare if I am not able to plug.
If needed to plug a tire on the Roadster, it will certainly be more difficult. No wheel well room to view and use tools on the tire. The offending hole would have to be rolled around to be above the asphalt and below the wheel well. Having a scissor jack and lifting that corner up in the air will make is much easier.
I've always found that the better prepared I was, the luckier I was as well.
John
AdamIsAdam
02-05-2020, 12:08 AM
Thanks for the tip on ResQ (Air Man). I'm going to replace my can of fix A Flat with this in my BMW and cobra. 👌🏻
My GT350 has a similar item.
canuck1
02-05-2020, 01:08 PM
...Same with my wench. I pull other people out, not myself.
I'd just be happy if my wife went off-roading with me. I'd never ask her to pull other people out if they got stuck! I think you'd get more mileage out of calling her sweetie rather than wench though!?
:p
Sean
toadster
02-05-2020, 01:58 PM
http://youtu.be/pNn8rK1VtIA?t=37
TMartinLVNV
02-05-2020, 02:06 PM
I'd just be happy if my wife went off-roading with me. I'd never ask her to pull other people out if they got stuck! I think you'd get more mileage out of calling her sweetie rather than wench though!?
:p
Sean
LOL! Too funny. I'm not even going to correct it in my original post so that others can enjoy it too!!! Probably part of why I'm single. At least I did not call brakes breaks.
WINCH
rsw81
02-06-2020, 10:46 AM
Rather than the goo method, I prefer these kits that have an actual rubber mushroom plug. I've used these on motorcycle tires with good results. No goo to deal with and doesn't mess up the inside of the tire/wheel with the mess of the goo.
https://www.amazon.com/slp/mushroom-tire-plug-kit/rngwxdcewrup92e