Those of you who have upgraded wheels to a different size than you had stock, what do you do if you get a flat? Doesn't that make the spare completely worthless. I have the enthusiast with 17's but i'm getting 18's and I'm just wondering what people do in the case of a flat. Thanks

 

if its a front tire, no problem. small differences in diameter wont end the world.

in the back... unless you are pretty much identical I wouldnt go more than a mile, farther off diameter the shorter Id drive, unless you have a base, then you can go a bit farther.

 

That's my question. So would you just leave your car there and go get that spray filler stuff or what?

 

Id hope theres a shop within a mile or so. otherwise... I donno, depends exactly how far the closest tire place was.

another good idea may be a plug in your car. you can plug a tire from the outside without taking it off the rim. then you need only make it as far as the closest gas station with an air pump.

 

Question for you Ares....I sold the track model wheels and bought 19's. Do I need to carry the spare in the back? Will the spare even work with the 19's?

 

Technically i think it could work but it would not be a good idea. Thats the question i've been asking. I'm suprised more people haven't chimed in on this

 

Outside diameter of the tires would be almost identical, regardless whether rim is 17, 18, or 19. If it isn't, you've put the wrong tires on your upgraded rims, and your speedometer is way off.

If wheel diameter is too far off, the VDC will indicate slip and take control. Turn off the VDC and you should be able to drive without any problems. Vehicles without VDC won't have any problem.

 

thanks grutter...so keep the spare? or a can of fix-a-flat?

 

hmm, good to know

 

Me... I'll keep my spare. But I see from these forums that there are a number of members that have removed their spare to use the space for subs, amps, etc.

I guess it depends on where & how you drive, and your threshold for aggravation. I travel a lot on the interstate. I want my spare with me. It would be hard for me to justify removing my spare tire to make room for a speaker... but that's just me.

Radial tires are tough to seal, and fix a flat wont handle much more than a nail hole, and only if it's in the tread area... and it's only a temporary fix to get you going again. It won't help you for a significant puncture, catastrophic failure due to road hazards, underinflation or overheating, sidewall tears, etc.

An improperly repaired radial tire is a major cause of tire failure.. air gets between the innerliner and tread plies due to the puncture, and then as the tire rotates, the trapped air begins to force the tread to separate from the carcass.

my $0.02.

 

Since the LSD in this car is viscous and not a gear or clutch design, I don't think that there is anything to wear out with it. The best thing to do if you had rear tires that are off in size from stock and got a flat would be to take front wheel, throw it on the back (assuming it is the same size as the other rear tire), and then put the spare on the front. I think that woul dbe more hassle than it is worth. I keep a spare, and a plug kit in the car just in case. Make sure you also keep a pair of pliers in there and a screwdriver with phillips and regular since some of the screws that get in there are really difficult to get out....

 

Remember this; if you changed to different lug nuts, be sure to place that lug nut wrench in the car in case you get a flat. Suck if you couldnt get it off in the middle of nowhere.