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I have my original 16" spare tire still in the trunk. Is there any advantage to leaving it there 'as is'?? If no advantage I'll just take it out. It serves no value as a spare and I would never put it on the car. I didn't use it even when I had a flat last year on a trip. My only thought would be to leave it alone due to weight balance or traction but I kind of doubt it. That's why I'm asking to make sure.
I pulled 2 of my 20-something year old spare tires out last year. One was flat, but because of age I would never use them anyway. Knock on wood, I've never had a completely flat tire. I have AAA, and I figured by pulling them out I save a little weight and improve gad mileage slightly.
I've left the "spare" in fbodies so far.
Had to use to use temporary too many times in the past. Mostly due to construction and picking up a debris that punctures tire.
I have AAA also but know for a fact AAA isn't fail safe. Have seen AAA unable to respond at all because NONE of the local tow truck companies will would take AAA calls before and was stranded for over six hours etc. The local chapter of AAA was allegedly unethical and didn't pay tow truck owners on time or the agreed amounts. Nasty mess.
Likewise, have seen AAA so busy before in bad weather they were unable to respond in less than three hours based on their estimated arrival.
I pulled 2 of my 20-something year old spare tires out last year. One was flat, but because of age I would never use them anyway. Knock on wood, I've never had a completely flat tire. I have AAA, and I figured by pulling them out I save a little weight and improve gad mileage slightly.
Did you notice any differences in traction or anything? Still not sure.
AAA worked quickly for us in the past as well. When we had our flat tire last year in Roswell, NM, the entire process of getting towed and a tire patch was very quick, even on a Saturday morning. I told the AAA driver there was no way I was driving on that spare tire. That's why I'm asking if I should just get rid of it or will there be traction issues, even slight ones. I still doubt it but would like to hear from others.
It serves no value as a spare and I would never put it on the car. I didn't use it even when I had a flat last year on a trip. My only thought would be to leave it alone due to weight balance or traction but I kind of doubt it. That's why I'm asking to make sure.
Step 1) Have a movie night and rent Deliverance. Watch it.
Step 2) Reconsider if there are situations where you might need and/or install that spare.
Deliverance was filmed just 20 miles from us here in Clayton in Rabun County (north GA). We have crossed the Chattooga River several times in the T/A and I still wouldn't use the spare if I had a flat.
Deliverance was filmed just 20 miles from us here in Clayton in Rabun County (north GA). We have crossed the Chattooga River several times in the T/A and I still wouldn't use the spare if I had a flat.
Does this mean that you would rather squeel like a pig vs. install the donut tire on your car? lol
I wouldn't consider using a 20+ year old tire anyway. Here is mine just from being old, never used still has the **** on it. I pulled it out and replaced with a small duffle bag and some tire plugs/tools/rubber cement and two cans of fix a flat and two cans of tire inflator. I figure if it's worse than that AAA can deal with it.
Not to restart the whole "old tire" debate but, FWIW, I still drive my '98 to local shows on 17 year old tires. I wouldn't take a cross-county road trip on these, but for my purposes (and especially knowing how I've maintained these tires over those years) I don't worry. I know several guys that still drive to local events on assembly line tires from the '80s & '90s on their super low mileage B/F/G/Y bodies. Excessive heat from chronic underinflation (which is typical with limited use cars that are often neglected in this aspect) is the most common reason for failure, but the higher the speed rating the more resistant to heat a tire will be.
With that said, these donut spares weren't built to the specs of a full-sized Z-rated performance tire in the first place so they're definitely not going to hold up as well at this age.
I wouldn't consider using a 20+ year old tire anyway. Here is mine just from being old, never used still has the **** on it.
This is bizzare. I would think the tire should be fine if left mechanically alone and maintained. (It should be pretty good, kept out of the sunlight.)
This is bizzare. I would think the tire should be fine if left mechanically alone and maintained. (It should be pretty good, kept out of the sunlight.)
This is actually the second time I've heard of one exploding while in storage in the factory compartment. I guess it's just a result of certain heat-time exposure. I don't think these were manufactured very well, as I've seen a TON of ancient cars ('60s/'70s) with original full-sized spares still in the trunk, never used and no signs of physical damage like this. And many of those weren't even steel belted nor high-speed rated.
Wait till is 25 degrees out and your running out of gas too, that spare will look good.
Put me in teh group of woud depend on the spare over AAA..
AAA is highly variable depending on where you are, weather etc.. Once they showed up and told me they could take me to a motel,, their tow truck was broke down..
This is actually the second time I've heard of one exploding while in storage in the factory compartment. I guess it's just a result of certain heat-time exposure. I don't think these were manufactured very well, as I've seen a TON of ancient cars ('60s/'70s) with original full-sized spares still in the trunk, never used and no signs of physical damage like this. And many of those weren't even steel belted nor high-speed rated.
The spare in my 1974 AMC Matador X trunk was looking good but the area near the bead was shot. Not bad though for nearly 50 years old. the car was mainly owned in Minnesota and Washingto state before that (cold states for sure). I kept the tire as garage 'art'. Loved the radial edge look. A newer spare went with the car when I sold it.
I pulled that junk out of my DD FB years ago and don't even know where it is. I have wheels with snow tires and drag radials, so I throw one of those into the rear cubby with a lug wrench and small floor jack if I'm going on a long trip.
I've owned my SOM FB for almost 13 years and actually don't know if it's in there. I've never looked.
Did you notice any differences in traction or anything? Still not sure.
AAA worked quickly for us in the past as well. When we had our flat tire last year in Roswell, NM, the entire process of getting towed and a tire patch was very quick, even on a Saturday morning. I told the AAA driver there was no way I was driving on that spare tire. That's why I'm asking if I should just get rid of it or will there be traction issues, even slight ones. I still doubt it but would like to hear from others.
Look at this way, if it were going to make the difference between losing control/traction, then I would advise never letting your fuel tank get below 1/2 a tank! There has to be more of a "safety cushion" of weight ballast designed into the car than what the spare and jack weigh! My vote, if you're never going to use it under any circumstances, then take it out! Good luck with whichever way you decide👍
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Spare tire advantage?? 
Deliverance was filmed just 20 miles from us here in Clayton in Rabun County (north GA). We have crossed the Chattooga River several times in the T/A and I still wouldn't use the spare if I had a flat. 
