Spare tire - any good?
02-27-2019, 05:48 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Spare tire - any good?
Has anyone ever used the inflatable spare tire in the 993 frunk? Going on a car trip and wondering if the 23 year old spare is any good? Anyone ever take it out and inflate it to see if it is ok? If so can it be deflated and stowed away again in the trunk?
If it is worthless, I would rather use that space to store tools etc.
If it is worthless, I would rather use that space to store tools etc.
02-27-2019, 10:35 AM
#4
Three Wheelin'
I had to use mine last summer when I got a flat in the wilds of Wyoming. All worked well and it got me 100+ miles back to help. All tools and compressor worked like a charm. Driving wasn’t fun, but better than the alternative.
The tire does deflate, but it’s hard to get it down as small as original.
The tire does deflate, but it’s hard to get it down as small as original.
02-27-2019, 11:13 AM
#5
Rennlist Member
I have a big can of Fix a Flat just in case there is an issue with the spare or compressor. Also, per nile13's recommendation, I replaced the factory compressor with this VIAIR unit:
There's actually more room with this air pump than the bulky factory case.
Lastly, the spare tire will absorb energy from a front end impact, so removing it could affect occupants in a crash. Even when I was racing, I always had my spare installed.
Lastly, the spare tire will absorb energy from a front end impact, so removing it could affect occupants in a crash. Even when I was racing, I always had my spare installed.
02-27-2019, 11:47 AM
#6
Rennlist Member
02-27-2019, 12:42 PM
#7
Rennlist Member
That said, I'll take the clean up duties of fix-a-flat if I'm stuck in the middle of nowhere and the spare tire and compressor become problematic.
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02-27-2019, 01:42 PM
#8
I had to replace an alloy wheel on my Toyota truck because I forgot to have the fix a flat compound cleaned out from the alloy wheel. I plugged the tire but after 5 years the fix a flat compound ate holes in the alloy wheel. I only wish I had taken photos for everyones visual horror.
02-27-2019, 02:21 PM
#9
used it several times over past twnty years
needed it last year returning from tahoe...had cracks all over the sidewalls when inflated. used it just to get car to nearest safe spot for flatbed.
new ones are not cheap
if you are worried....i would pull it out...inflate it and inspect it.
needed it last year returning from tahoe...had cracks all over the sidewalls when inflated. used it just to get car to nearest safe spot for flatbed.
new ones are not cheap
if you are worried....i would pull it out...inflate it and inspect it.
02-27-2019, 02:36 PM
#10
Rennlist Member
Nothing will repair sidewall damage or a large puncture/slash but a typical nail puncture can be easily repaired on the vehicle with a simple plug kit and a compressor. You may need a mallet or hammer to help penetrate the tread, though. Much less mess and fuss than removing the wheel and using the inflatable spare, especially if the rear tire is the culprit since Porsche recommends that the smaller front tire be placed on the rear and the inflatable spare be put on the front. Then there's the problem of putting that big wheel and tire in the passenger seat, especially if you have a passenger! 
02-27-2019, 02:52 PM
#11
Rennlist Member
Carry a slime kit with a compressor. Amazon sells the kit neatly packaged. You need a better plan than the inflatable spare which may not be useful after twenty years. By far the most dangerous issue with using the spare is using the jack itself. Using the jack on the roadside is a recipe for death or injury.
02-27-2019, 03:17 PM
#12
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
- It works but due to its age, I drive very slowly on it the few times I have used it.
- Do buy an upgrade inflation pump from Harbor Freight that fits inside the wheel center.
- Store a Schrader valve removal tool with the tire makes it much easier to deflate it fully after use.
- Do keep it in the car as it also functions as part of the crash protection feature of the car body.
- The jack that comes with the car likes solid level ground below it, something a road shoulder many times is not. Consider an inexpensive aftermarket scissors style jack as an alternative stowed in the frunk.
02-27-2019, 09:42 PM
#13
Rennlist Member
Second on a big can of fix a flat or flatbed.
02-28-2019, 06:18 AM
#14
Rennlist Member
I drove nearly 400 miles on mine when I got a flat very early on a Sunday morning in Northern Oregon. I made it all the way down to Oakland, California. Then drove it another 60+ miles to a tire shop.
I wore it down pretty bad but it didn't let me down.
The jack is really rickety. Also, carry a piece of two by four or something if your car is lowered at all. The jack won't fit under the car.
I used a piece of limestone to drive up on to get clearance.
--Michael
I wore it down pretty bad but it didn't let me down.
The jack is really rickety. Also, carry a piece of two by four or something if your car is lowered at all. The jack won't fit under the car.
I used a piece of limestone to drive up on to get clearance.
--Michael
02-28-2019, 10:53 AM
#15
Three Wheelin'
When I used my spare I didn’t realize that it was supposed to be used only in front. I placed it on the passenger side rear, where my flat was, and it still worked well. Handling was a little squirrelly but not terrible. I kept the speed around 55mph. Front wheel/tire fit behind the seats without a problem, and I still had room for my passenger - didn’t have to kick him to the curb.