looking for some advice- stuck with a compact spare for now

[merlinq2]

good afternoon folks,late Friday afternoon, I hit a piece of steel on the highway and had a puncture on the driver side side wall. So long story short, I had to drive (not very far) off the highway and park the car.

I have the compact spare on the car and now my awd light is one. All other lights are off, just the awd light is lit. Because I have to order the tires (no one carriers them on hand) I am stuck waiting between 3 and 10 days for new tires; depending on the type and brand.

The compact spare is good shape and inflated to the proper psi, so from that perspective all if is in order.

Can I drive the car for a few days using the compact spare? I am sure I can, the manual does not have any warning advising otherwise. So based on what is in the (or what is not in the manual) it should be okay for me to take the car to the local tire shop for replacement tires.

Any other thoughts? Warnings, experiences etc to share?

[yomoms16]

I. drove on a spare for 3 days and the awd light came off as soon as I put the regular size wheel on.... my vdc light was on as well. that came off as well.... so you should be fine... just try and not to drive too hard... lol

[svard75]

Is the compact spare the same size diameter as the other tires? The awd m's should all have a larger spare not the typical donut. I'll take a picture of mine when I pickup the car tomorrow night.

[merlinq2]

Not sure have not taken the time to take detailed measurements. I have to apply some logic and figure that the spare should be very close to the o e m diameter.

I have assumed that if I should not use the compact spare there would be a warning that states the risks and potential damage etc.
Thanks for the replies

[svard75]

Lol. Stupid autocorrect. What is the size of the tire?

[merlinq2]

T185/65/17 I think

[szh]

Also, please make sure that the compact spare is at the correct pressure ... most tend to need 60 psi to get to the correct diameter. It should be marked on the side ...

I check the pressure, and inflate it as needed, periodically - once every 4 to 8 weeks or so.

Z

[merlinq2]

Thanks

I will double check before i drive the car today.

Thanks agian

[svard75]

My spare reads 145/80-17.

[svard75]

I ran the two sizes through a comparison calculator and there's a 0.6" difference in diameter.

[merlinq2]

Thanks it is all good, inflated the tire properly and all warning lights went away, new tires will be installed thursday- took a while to find a set.

Thanks again

[The00Dustin]

Most compact spares say they are only good for 100 miles or something. I'd say the number of miles is a lot more important than the number of days'. I'd also guess they'd go a lot more than 100 miles (maybe not in one trip), wit the warning there for liability reasons. I have even seen full size spares that say they are only good for 100 miles. That having been said, while I can't recommend exceeding manufacturer's limits, I think you'll be fine, but I'd replace the temporary when you get the new ones on just in case there is a next time.

[svard75]

The00Dustin - The newer compact spares suggest to not exceed 80 KM/H while driving but there isn't a limit to 100 Miles then replace the tire. Obviously the spare will wear quicker but I'm sure it'll last longer than just 100 miles haha.

[The00Dustin]

The00Dustin - The newer compact spares suggest to not exceed 80 KM/H while driving but there isn't a limit to 100 Miles then replace the tire. Obviously the spare will wear quicker but I'm sure it'll last longer than just 100 miles haha.

I'm sure it'll last longer than that too. I'm also sure I've read the 100 mile (not mph) limit on the side of newer temporary spares. As I stated in my post, though, that may mean in one trip, and regardless of what it is supposed to mean, it is most likely there primarily for manufacturer liability limitation.

[merlinq2]

Problem solved, donut tire off new continentals purecontacts on. Car feel new and quiet, so all is good now. Will write a bit of a review around December when I switch to my dedicated winter rims and tires.

Thanks for the feedback