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? (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.

 

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?

, 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.

 

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.

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...
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

 

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.