I rotated my tires yesterday & used the spare and noticed it's a 15" spare. I was wondering if anyone else has the same size. It just doesn't make sense to me to have a 15" spare for a 17" wheel. I even dug up the spare from my Camaro & it's the same size as the stock wheels that came on it. I sure wouldn't want to drive even 1 mile with that thing and the car leaning the way it does with it on.

This is from the owners manual. They are only used for emergencies until you can put the full size tire back on. At speeds up to 50mph and 3000 miles, although you shouldn't drive on the small spare any farther then needed.

John

does that really make sense.... since ppl have reported problems finding the tires that match the stock ones?

The modern spare is designed to get you to a safe repair shop. Smaller set-up reduces weight, saves space, and generally discourages you from driving around on it for any real length of time.

As it is I don't use the one for the Camaro. I gutted all that out so if I get a flat i'll have to have it towed or bring anouther to the car as the lugnuts for the wheels that are on it won't fit the spare. As for the HHR after seeing the spare on the car i'll have it towed before I move it w/ that spare.

The modern spare is designed to get you to a safe repair shop. Smaller set-up reduces weight, saves space, and generally discourages you from driving around on it for any real length of time.


B/B, I have to admit, I never thought I'd bet turning to my automobile manufacturer for my personal behaviour modification. Who woulda thunk.

These barely more than useless spare tires leave me longing for the good old days when your spare was the same size as the rest of your tires. I have yet to hear an accepteable explanation as to the customer benefits of the newer/modern ridiculously small spare tire.

How many interstates have a speed limit of 50mph? I’ve driven across the the country a couple of times and haven’t found one. What that means is that you’re forced to drive at a dangerously lower speed than the posted speed limit. How is risking my and my loved ones lives a reasonalbe benefit over a little space and/or weight?

Help me understand.
:wtf: :frown: :cussing:

In recent days, I`ve read reports of people stranded, leaving their family to get help, may have the same type mentality.
"I`m not gonna use that little/ugly tire, I`d sooner walk first, Honey I`ll be back with a real tire..."
If you don`t think you can drive at a lower than posted speed, long enough and far enough to get mech. help., just give up driving...

Thanks for your thoughtful consideration BB. I don't know why I didn't think of that.

Just trying to help...

Remember also that speed limits are just posted top legal speed. There is a law mandating a minimum of 45 MPH on the federal interstate hiways. Some states still post it under the main sign though it's not required.

I understand what you guys are saying. I guess the small spare happens to be one of my "get up on a soap-box" triggers.

It's not a GM thing, most all cars have them.

GDZHHR, I'm aware of the minimum speed limit posts and that the speed limit is the posted maximum.

BUT the reality of it is, Most people drive At Least the speed limit, if not 5mph (or more) over. When we're puttering along at 50mph (maximum) some law-abiding person, who is driving the posted speed limit and who isn't paying attention, rear-ends us, there are a lot of people suddenly at risk. (everyone in or near our cars).

I'm a very confident and defensive driver and am not that worried about this issue personally, but what about the people (young/new drivers, elderly drivers) who are not as experienced/confident?

I guess my point and my question is: What is the substantial benefit of the smaller spare to the Consumer? :confused: :confused: (I don't agree that the space/weight gain is substantial).

Answer is, there IS no benefit. It only benefits the automobile companies.

I understand that large companies save money with similar modifications to products, but don't tell us, the consumers, that it is for OUR good and expect us to believe it.

OOOO K.... I've had my say. I'm done with this issue.
;)

Would you pay an extra $100-$200 for a full sized spare, plus give up the extra storage space it would take? I certainly wouldn't. The small spare used to be one of my soap boxes, too. But after I thought about it, it made sense to me. If I had a flat, and used the spare, it would drive me crazy until I got it fixed, anyhow. I couldn't tolerate thinking about what would happen if I had another flat & no working spare.

I seem to remember something about a study the manufacturers did....way back...even before the SPACE SAVER SPARE came out.

Results indicated that one of the "things" that consumers complained about was the "room" that was taken up by the spare and hardly ever having a need for it (I think it's one of those things....."when you don't need it, who needs it. But, when you need it, where is it"). With tire technology advancing rapidly the manufacturers saw a method to lower overall weight, space and costs.

The weight saved by this single item is probably insignificant. But collectively, with other "advances" (plastics, alloys, foam) the savings are tremendous.

I have only had the need to use a space saver spare once in 16-17 years. So, I really don't care. But, I am objecting to the "NO spare" policy on some vehicles. A small compressor and a can of tire repair gel replaces having a spare.

Would you pay an extra $100-$200 for a full sized spare, plus give up the extra storage space it would take?

No James06, I wouldn't either. BUT "they" shouldn't be able to suddenly charge us for something that as been included without charge before, as is the case with the full sized spare. I started driving in the early '60s and there was no charge then for a full sized spare. Why was there suddenly a charge for it?

:nuts: , i said I was done with this, but oh well...

I tell ya Snoopy, I’m all for advances in technology, when they actually work. The "NO spare" thing would be great, IF it worked., just like the ‘space saving spare’, (which to me does not work, effectively). If the tire repair gel can be made to work, well, that would be saving a substantial amount of space.

In one hand I have a can of tire repair gel and a small compressor and in the other hand a full size spare tire.... (I don’t think so) See, that is a substantial difference.

I tried some of that gel in my lawn tractor trailer and it didn’t work. I followed the instructions to a T, but it was a waste of money. I got a new tire, it was just a bit more than getting the tire fixed.

I don’t know whether it’s planned obsolescence or “technological progress” using the consumer as a test market, but it seems to take several stages of any particular advancing technology to become effectively functional. :confused: :confused: :confused:

Riverwind......

I'm sorry, I didn't explain it more thoroughly, so you missed the point.

MOST consumers don't care diddly squat about what kind of tire is used as the spare, since it is seldom used (again, if you need it, etc. etc.).

I think, full size tires are still an option on most vans and trucks. And, a dealer will be more than happy to acommodate the purchase.

So if you're that concerned, you can always buy an extra steel rim and matching tire.

Regarding the tire gel......

GM, years ago, issued a TSB stating IF you used tire sealing gel to repair a leak you would void the tire warranty (through the tire maker). Technology must have changed for the better in that product because they now issue it with the Solstice, Sky, Vette, and others, I suppose.:D :D

BB....I really think, most people don't want to change, or don't know how to change a tire. Or they didn't have a cell phone to call for tire service. Or if they tried, they didn't possess the strenght to "break" the wheel nuts. I can't count the number of tires I have changed for people (Good Samaritan kind of thing).

Thats why I just get a 5th rim and tire.

The only spare tire I worry about now , is the one growing around my waist...:D
Since I got my/Wife`s HHR, I don`t ever think about such things. I`ve got two road services, and either of us can change a flat. That was one of the first things I showed Mrs. B/B when she started to drive, well before Cell Phones.
If I see you Spare Haters walking along the road, I`ll toot the old horn at cha.
Holla, B/B:thumb:

riverwind- something to consider is that tires have gotten so much better than they were in the 1960's. When is the last time you swapped out your bias plies for snow tires? I haven't had a flat tire in over 10 years and that was caused by neglect. I can't talk you out of your pet peeve but I am looking forward to the day when there are run flat tires (on mainstream vehicles) and no spare tire adding weight and taking up space. <- This may be more environmentally friendly as well.

I was surprised to see that the Nissan Altima comes with a full-size spare on an aluminum wheel. It struck me as wasteful money spent on something that most consumers never touch but there must some value to Nissan or they wouldn't include it.

When I started this, my complaint was that the spare was 2" smaller than the stock wheels it came with. When the spare was on the car it sat so low that if I happened to hit a bump or rut in the road kiss the running boards good bye! I feel that if an automaker is going to put larger wheels on a car from the factory at least send it out w/ a spare that will allow the car to maintain it stock ride hight. Also i'm not sure were or how far everyone here drive all the time but imagine you have a blow out on I-80 in wyoming and the next exit is 40+ miles away or the ALCAN and there's nothing for the next 100 miles. Food for thought 20-30 mph on a spare or normal driving on a real wheel & tire? Give me a real wheel please. I think it's worth the extra cash.

Sounds like you have (at least) two chooses, get a tire/rim set-up, put it in your cargo area, or, just park the car on the side of the road and just walk...
I`ve never seen anyone with such a life changing dilemma. I`ll bet you could drive 50mph, and be safer than walking on the side of the highway, but if I see ya I`ll toot nonetheless.

Slightly off Black Beauty's original thread, here's another tire comment:

I asked for Good Year tires and this was written into the order, however the car arrived with Firestones. The spec is as advertised but these crappy tires don't handle snow nearly as well as an all-season Good Year. Also, a Good Year dealer will rotate your tires for free, forever, and the Firestone place will do this only if you buy the tires there. Changing out the brand new Firestones for good Good Years was quoted by a tire store at $450, so that was not an option. I would never willingly buy anything other than a Good Year tire, yet my money is used by GM to purchase something I don't want. Isn't it about time that new car buyers stood up for their rights on this?

Peter C

Not sure Pete....

But, it sounds like your argument should be with the dealer. Manufacturers do not change tires from production (very limited circumstances). If the dealer did in fact write up the sales order with GY tires, he should have charged you for them and made them as a deliverable on the vehicle.

I have done this a number of times with vehicles that I have ordered. And as you, I generally only use GY. This is the first car, out of about 10, that I do not have GY. Had Goodrich on 1 of a number of trucks, and replaced them, as they aged, with GY.

You might check wqith your dealer. You may have paid for the different tires and they "forgot" to install them. Should be indicated on your invoice/bill of sale.

Back to topic.

Thanks Snoopy for your thoughts. The dealer did not charge anything extra, and also said he couldn't promise anything, so it was a case of hoping it would happen, but it didn't. I guess I lucked out on a previous Buick and an Olds, both came with GYs. I can't think of another example of laying down your money and having the seller tell you that you have to accept something else.

Peter

My sister, the non HHR owner, has a Carolla S with the 15" tires. Here spare is a 16 with a different lug pattern. :wtf: :confused:

If she bought it "used".....I think they may have stung her!!!

Not used, 2007 Carolla S right off the lot. Just had gotten there 3 days before too.

Only 3 words then......

Dealer, Dealer, Dealer

She called Toyota and said "I have a question, and I already know the answer to it. I just want to see if your answer is the same." Hearing the girl from Toyota go "Well, I . . . thats . . . I don't think thats right. No, thats not right." was the funniest thing ever.

Has anyone tried to fit a 17" wheel with tire into the spare compartment. Will it fit or am I stuck with the 15" spare, unless I want to ride around with the 17" strapped down behind the rear seat that is?

I've had many flats over the years and have never had to use a spare! This is because I carry a plug-kit and simply locate the nail or whatever gave me the flat and plug it on the spot. A small air-compressor finishes the job.....some HHR's come with them from the factory! You can find a plug-kit at most DIY stores or even Walmart. You'll need the complete kit which should include plugs, glue and the two hand-tools for preparing the hole and inserting the plug. 10-20 bucks should do it. Trust me....its WAY faster and less effort than changing the tire AND then having to change it back again once you PAY someone to plug the hole!

I used to be a compact spare hater. My last two vehicles however have come with one and frankly I don't really care anymore. I can count on one hand the number of times I have needed my spare in the last decade! and even then I usually got the tire fixed or replaced the same day. My Jeep is a different story. If I was out camping or off roading there is no way a compact spare would get me back to pavement. So I guess it depends on the vehicle - for a car I am ok with a compact spare, Truck or Jeep No way!

I just plugged one of my tires with a screw in it today, and I noticed the spare makes the car visibly offset and imbalanced. This can f*** up the car suspension, right? I saw a vehicle at a repair shop for this very reason, in that an incorrect tire size on one of the tires fu**ed up something real bad because it was driven on for awhile. Obviously, only drive on the spare until you need to, but I'm never going to be comfortable with this. With the battery located next to the spare, I don't think a correct size tire will fit without some type of customizing. I think I am going to invest in a portable air compressor . This one looks nice:http://www.vat19.com/dvds/power-dome-ex-400-watt-compact-generator.cfm

Unless you were to drive thousands of miles on a "donut" spare, the chances of hurting something are really non-existent. Yeah it looks funny and you'll find yourself listing to one side, but the OD of the spare is within the tolerances of the ABS and TCS systems so you'll get down the road safely.

People who experience damage from donut spares are those who either through economics or laziness drive huge distances on a temporary spare. Drive thousands of miles and you'll hurt the transmission eventually, tear up some bearings, or even snag the suspension on something.

Thanks to storm damage earlier this year, and a roofer who put more nails in the parking lot than in the new roof, I've had to use the donuts on all three HHR's and the Challenger....no ill effects except to my tire repair budget....and a new nickname at the tire shop where I'm know as Mr. Roofing Nail.:cry:

right on Mr. Roofing Nail - they are a "get ya home" kinda thing and used with common sense there should be no problem at all. I prefer to use the donut on the rear axle with a front-driver, which would mean moving the good rear to the front, if the front goes bad. It just takes an extra few minutes, but makes me feel better. :)