Joe '87 S4

With all the talk of replacing the spare with a subwoofer in the compartment, I was wondering how many still carry a spare? I'm going on a 1,000 mile trip in a few weeks and I'm not sure I'd even use the spare if I got a flat. An 18-year-old rubber tire doesn't seem too safe.

perrys4

Thats how I feel. I think mine is just for looks. I have used the pump a couple times and I dont think they were built to work more than a few times either. Would be nice to have a full size. Just join AAA before you go.

Greggles

The donut will only get you to a shop for a patch or new tire. On longer trips I bring a full size wheel. Considering all of the things that can leave you on the side of the road an AAA membership and credit card is the way to go.

Joe '87 S4

I have AAA with the 100 mile towing and that's what I'd probably do anyway. I think I'll just take it out and leave it at home. I haven't looked in there in a while but it would be nice to build a compartment there as an extra (secure) storage space - removable to get access to the battery but maybe with a hinged top for quick storage.

bigs

I still have my original in place. Don't know why.

Oh wait, I know. Getting it out and back into its little compartment is great exercise and expands the vocabulary to boot! A few reps a day will keep you fit for life!

mspiegle

i take the spare out and store a couple qts of oil, a few tools, some paper towels, and a couple cans of fix-a-flat. I don't care what anyone says about fix-a-flat... its gotten my *** out of trouble many times. I just bring the car to a tire shop to have it cleaned out and properly fixed afterwards.

DonT

Mine is in my parts room. I use the John K. emergency kit (cell phone-AAA membership-credit card).

bwebb77

I still carry mine. Who knows when you'll need it. Better safe than sorry.

the flyin' scotsman

I carry mine as well as the pump etc but have no idea if the tyre would hold air or even if the pump works!

Perhaps I should dump the heavy doughnut and carry a can or two of the tyre inflator/ seal stuff.........does that stuff really work?

Joe '87 S4

That's my point. I wouldn't trust it to use it to the next exit so why bother carrying it. I like mspiegle's idea.

911Dave

I carry mine. Last weekend I used the one in my 911 to get me home from the track, and it worked perfectly. I filled it with air a few months ago to make sure it would work, and in 3 days it didn't lose any pressure. Don't assume it can't be trusted - check it and see. Why risk tow damage and a major hassle/delay when your spare will take you conveniently to the nearest tire shop? Not to mention that you'll probably have to camp out on the side of the road waiting for the tow truck, depending on location and time of day. Ask me how I know.

As long as the spare tire is in good condition, it remains the most convenient solution. Fix-a-flat works great for simple punctures and slow leaks.

SharkSkin

I carry mine... I've tested it and it works fine. I also have AAA, but that donut may be just the ticket to drive me out of the boonies and into an area that has cell coverage so I can call AAA.

BTW, the fix-a-flat stuff can save your butt but it can screw you as well. I've seen it used on a tire with a nail and a slow leak. The fix-a-flat stuff lubed the nail up enough that it shot out of the tire. The goop then sprayed the inside of the wheelwell with hard-to-remove gunk(wasn't my wheelwell, fortunately). Had to call a tow truck, which dropped us at a station that didn't have the right sized tire and refused to attempt a repair on the tire with all the goop in it.

OTOH, I've seen it work like magic, effecting a repair that outlasted the tire.

I think it's down to personal preference/risk tolerance... unless you have an RDK or similar system in which case the mystery goop is a big

YMMV

IcemanG17

I carry mine...don't know if it still holds air though....bad news is my ebay special pump ($115!!!!!!!!!) broke last week...makes noise but no air comes out! Oh well...I put the $20 target special in...& its smaller and acutally works!
Brian

jyoon

might test the cigarett lighter also. imho fix a flat is worthless if you get a flat on the road. i think it's only good for fixing very small leaks, the kind that take a week or so to notice. i did try some of that green goop stuff recently in my mx-6 that had a slow leak from a cut. it works, but once you hit 65ish, the car starts shaking and it's not a lot of fun to drive.

Bill Ball

My spare is in there with all the original accessory belts, gloves, plastic tarp, pump. They are all silly relics.