vjd3

I got a flat on Saturday, had to put the temporary spare on to get rolling again as the original tire is shot. (Pretty amazing how that thing puffs up once it's inflated.)

Question is ... I can't get the new rims/tires on the car for at least a week. Am I better off:

1) Driving on the temporary spare for a week, probably 200-300 miles, some highway driving;

2) Putting on one 17" rim with a Dunlop winter tire (it's a rear wheel and the other three are 18") as a temporary fix.

Opinions?

Vic
95 C4 cab

mike cap

Vic,

No opinion on which tire to use, but a comment on the inflatable spare. It is pretty cool how it inflates. A nice bit of engineering. The problem, however, will be getting the air OUT OF the spare tire so it's back to its original diameter and will go back in its trunk hole. Contrary to the Owners Manual (if I recall from memory) it says something about letting the air our of the spare and leaving it in the sun.... Yeah, right.

I had a hell of a time getting the spare back to its original size after using it once a few years ago. Flat rear tire on a back road, 20 miles from home. I finally got a small vacuum pump from work, pulled out the valve stem internals with a tool from NAPA and hooked a rubber line up to the valve stem. Between the vacuum pump and a a ratchet style cargo strap on the circumference of the tire, I finally got it back to its original diameter and put it back in its home. Hopefully never to be used again.

vjd3

Ha ... that was my NEXT question, no doubt ... how long did you let it sit before you tried the vacuum pump?

Vic
95 C4 cab

mike cap

Vic,

Ovenight, but trust me, it'll never go back in the hole without taking out the valve stem guts, sucking the air out and squishing the outside with a strap. You can try apply the old "oral vacuum" trick and see if that works enough to get the job done instead of the vacuum pump. No wise *** comments, please.

Mark in Baltimore

Mike,

Dammit, I was on the verge of making a joke about your vacuum pump and cargo strap on device.....

mike cap

Mark,

Be careful or you won't be invited to my "hangar expansion" grand opening. 2,200 sf, epoxy floors, Direct TV, 42" Samsung plasma. Pictures to follow in a few days. Right on your way from Baltimore to the Glen. So be nice....

Jack Ennuste

I had to use spare also. First time I was amazed like child. Works well, air gets out with no problem whatsoever.

vjd3

Jack, how'd you get the air out?

Vic
95 C4 cab

vjd3

Thanks, Kim ... I don't want to drive the car without it because I assume it's part of the crash-safety scheme.

Vic
95 C4 cab

vjd3

Yes, I did that once already this year ... watch out for 78-year-old women in Aerostar minivans who pull directly across your path when you're 15 feet away doing 45 mph ... and when you hit them head-on, be happy that the deflated spare, strut brace, seatbelt and airbag saved your a--.

Vic
95 C4 cab

Terry Adams

I had occasion to use my spare about 100K miles ago. I don't remember any dificulty getting it back to original shape. Unfortunately, I also don't remember how I did it.

Chuck W.

Vic

Did that happen while driving your 95 Cab?

vjd3

Nope, it was my 95 C2 coupe, may she rest in peace. It was a total, bought by a guy who owns a body shop in Worcester MA; he's fixing it up for himself. It was a *nice* car ... 24k miles, black/cashmere. Damn shame. But could've been worse, of course.

Vic
95 C4 cab

Paul in Chicago

Vic,
To your original question:

I personally don't think either option is a good one. Borrow another car, or rent one. The space saver was never meant for daily driving. I don't think it's safe to drive with mismatched full size tires, either. (Plus, imagine that 78 year old suing you because you "lost control" because you had mismatched tires.)

Finally, you would look like a nerd.