Spare tire

[Handyman58]

Greetings all! I wanted to post on the subject of the spare tire. Mine was 25 years old, flat and generally nasty. I decided to remove all spare-related parts. Tire, plastic tray and metal hanger. I probably saved around 40 lbs. from the rear of the car. I plugged all holes after the removal. If I have a puncture, I would not use the spare anyway, so for me, I’m satisfied. My car is strictly a hobby car, and isn’t a daily driver. I’m interested in the thoughts from the forum. I’m debating tossing all the parts rather than store them. Dumb idea? Thanks in advance.

 

[Z Victor 1]

I did the same when I had Z3 s. If you get a flat the wheel won't fit in the boot/trunk anyway. Many cars, like the Z4, don't have spare wheels anymore so just carry a 'puncture can' that seals the tyre.

 

[John_B]

Check your insurer is not going to call that an undeclared modification and screw you in the event of a claim.

Personally I hadn't thought about removing mine, although similar to you, wouldn't plan on using it if I got a flat anyway. I carry a can of sealant in the boot and have recovery cover. I read that BMW used weighted rear bumpers on the Z3 to give perfect 50:50 weight distribution, so you'll be undoing the effort they went to with that, although probably no more so than people whose boots/trunks are full of crap anyway.

Now if somebody came up with a long range fuel tank extension that went in place of the spare, then I'd be interested!!

 

[Ianmc]

Removing the spare does degrade the handling IME. Renew the tyre and it may get you out of trouble some day.

 

[andyglym]

My spacesaver has saved me twice and got me home, 190 miles on the first occasion.

 

[mwpe]

My spacesaver has saved me twice and got me home, 190 miles on the first occasion.

Same here but it was only on one occasion but 300 miles. A can of goo isn't going to help much if you catch a rock or some thing and wreck the tyre at the weekend.

 

[andyglym]

Same here but it was only on one occasion but 300 miles. A can of goo isn't going to help much if you catch a rock or some thing and wreck the tyre at the weekend.

Indeed Mike. My wheel was cracked.

 

[Z Victor 1]

Breakdown cover. Re; 'the spare got me home' is ok if you're on your own and put the flat in the car, but most of us can't. I know you can fix it on top of the boot, but it's not ideal. As I said, Z4 s and many new cars don't have spares. Just dodge those Lake District potholes Mike.

 

[ExMX5owner]

I carry a standard 165 in the tray the space saver came in, with slightly lengthened hanger cage uprights so it fits, It makes no difference to ground clearance, and I can do hiway speeds on it, The boot is reserved for my wife in the event of a flat, because a 295/20/30 wont fit in it in the event of a flat, that has to go on the front seat..

 

[Pond]

So many people bemoan the fact that new cars don't have a spare wheel anymore, due to 'run flats' or 'manufacturers being cheap skates'; yet there are some of us throwing them away just for fun!

TBH though, after 23 years of never being used, It took me about an hour to remove my spare from the Z3 with many tools and lots of WD40. I wouldn't want to do that at the side of a busy road in the pouring rain in the dark.
Then I wouldn't have wanted to drive home on it either.

 

[hard top]

Here you go @Pond :-

Preventive Maintenance .... ....

Wheel Carrier Restoration [PICTURE HEAVY]

This weekend was spent restoring the spare wheel carrier. Not the most interesting or exciting job - however I was bored and thought to make good use of my time. Whilst not everyone agrees to using the spare wheel, I feel that once restored, if the wheel is properly maintained (i.e. check the...

zroadster.org

 

[Pond]

Here you go @Pond :-

Preventive Maintenance .... ....

Wheel Carrier Restoration [PICTURE HEAVY]

This weekend was spent restoring the spare wheel carrier. Not the most interesting or exciting job - however I was bored and thought to make good use of my time. Whilst not everyone agrees to using the spare wheel, I feel that once restored, if the wheel is properly maintained (i.e. check the...

zroadster.org

Cheers but a bit unnecessary for me. I cut my spare wheel carrier to bits 18 months ago. I still have the spare wheel in my shed, though.

 

[Smudgemanuk]

Here you go @Pond :-

Preventive Maintenance .... ....

Wheel Carrier Restoration [PICTURE HEAVY]

This weekend was spent restoring the spare wheel carrier. Not the most interesting or exciting job - however I was bored and thought to make good use of my time. Whilst not everyone agrees to using the spare wheel, I feel that once restored, if the wheel is properly maintained (i.e. check the...

zroadster.org

I am currently in the process of restoring mine. I am choosing to go with some Hammerite Direct to Rust, doesn't look as good but will hopefully hold up well

 

[Pond]

I am currently in the process of restoring mine. I am choosing to go with some Hammerite Direct to Rust, doesn't look as good but will hopefully hold up well

Hammerite is OK but doesn't last long IME. The 'direct to rust' boast is true; you can paint it on rust, but the rust is still under there trying to get through.
Get the rust off, use a good quality self-etching primer then you can use any good exterior paint for metal. Stone guard paint is good IME.

 

[JonnyBravo]

It actually only occurred to me today whilst out with the missus enjoying the sunshine that in case of a flat and fitting the skinny spare - she has a long walk home as I can’t get the 17” wheel in the boot !

I carry a puncture repair strings kit and a small compressor.
Same as I have been using on my motorbike for decades. Got me out of many a puncture situation.

 

[John_B]

I keep meaning to chuck a small ratchet strap and bunch of microfibre cloths into the boot, if I ever needed the spare and had a passenger I'd strap the wheel to the boot lid.

But I have been meaning to do that for months and still haven't got around to it. I must do it this weekend now though, because sod's law now I have said that, it's going to happen on my next journey!!!

 

[Trevor /chedder]

I frequently leave the spare at home but have left the hanger on. I can then use a spare on longer trips. (Also took out the bumper weights ).