honda0105
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Tallahassee
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Message Posted: Sep 29, 2012 10:00:26 AM
Arrow: it is, I'm just saying, I know plenty ppl who cannot (even w/ proper torque) get the situation remedied b/c they don't have the strength (even w/ proper tools) to get the bolts out.
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StArrow68
Champion Author
Oakland
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Message Posted: Sep 27, 2012 11:41:08 PM
Having run flats is a priority for the wife. I don't worry so much.
As for the shop that puts on my tires, the work sheet calls out the spec for torque and the changers use torque sticks with the impact wrenches any get it right every time. If that isn't the procedure at your shop, look around.
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honda0105
Champion Author
Tallahassee
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Message Posted: Sep 27, 2012 11:04:48 PM
jetski: maybe.
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jetskijerry
Champion Author
North Carolina
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Message Posted: Sep 26, 2012 11:06:47 PM
any way for a manufacturer to make an extra buck at our expenses
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honda0105
Champion Author
Tallahassee
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Message Posted: Sep 26, 2012 11:01:39 PM
gaz: I know plenty of elderly folks (and working aged women) who do not have the strength to pull a lug nut off. Even if properly torqued.
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gazguzzler11
Champion Author
Ontario
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Message Posted: Sep 26, 2012 12:58:12 PM
@ honda0105 - Your comment about the lug nuts is because many places over torque them, which will eventually cause damage. If the installer has an IQ higher than a box of rocks he will have his air gun set to the proper torque. Having said all this, the 1st thing that I do after I get home anytime that a garage has had any wheels off my car is I check to see if I can loosen all the lugs. I have had to take my car back to the garage to have them loosen a few. The current garage where I get all my work done knows how to properly torque the lugs.
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honda0105
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Tallahassee
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Message Posted: Sep 26, 2012 4:55:23 AM
since modern tires are put on via power equipment, not everyone can change the tire alone. However, regular tire inspections, incl. pressure checks, and a can of fix-a-flat product usually make flat tires a non-event. More often than not it's an object in the tire that causes a flat. Thus, the fixing can provides usually enough air to roll slowly to the next spot w/ cell phone service if one cannot get the lug nuts off (elderly, teenagers, women, come to mind here).
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honda0105
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Tallahassee
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Message Posted: Sep 26, 2012 4:53:13 AM
wow, the amount of government conspiracy theorists on this list is amazing.
While those worry about the government having dictated the loss of a spare tire (in lieu of a donut or none), I don't worry about the flat tire anymore in the age of cell phones.
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teafortwo
Champion Author
Washington
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Message Posted: Sep 22, 2012 3:04:25 PM
Excellent ideas truvoice1. Thanks for sharing ;0}
On this one folks;
it really helps to read the article, as TustinDad pointed out to divebomber below :0\
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truvoice1
Champion Author
San Diego
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Message Posted: Sep 22, 2012 2:42:36 PM
This is ridiculous! What if you have a flat in the middle of nowhere and there is no cell coverage? And it is the middle of winter?
What I have done with many of my vehicles is to find the exact same alloy wheel at a junkyard or wrecker: mount a good used tire on it and throw away that silly temporary spare tire. In this way I don't have to worry about going only 50 miles at 50 mph; I avoid my suspension being ruined from the temporary spare, I can still go 65+ mph, and the car still looks the way it should. Oh, yeah, don't forget! If you have a teenager, TEACH them how to change a tire! They're sure to have a flat at the worst possible time!
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07skydriver
Champion Author
Ohio
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Message Posted: Sep 22, 2012 10:27:05 AM
My car has no room for a spare of any size. Carrying a compressor and plug kit plus a cell phone has it pretty much covered. Although I have never had to use them on the road.
Those of you that feel you need a spare go right ahead and buy one and throw it in the trunk. You don't get one "free" with a new car anyway.
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sts808
Veteran Author
Honolulu
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Message Posted: Sep 22, 2012 9:48:25 AM
ok
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remay
Champion Author
Houston
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Message Posted: Sep 22, 2012 9:22:29 AM
"Car manufacturers maintain the tire repair kit reduces the weight of the car by 20-40 pounds to improve gas mileage"
Then might as well reduce the size of the gas tank, too, so there is less weight when "full".
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99dakota
Champion Author
Providence
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Message Posted: Sep 22, 2012 5:59:20 AM
Another thing to check.
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BEGTWO
Champion Author
Maryland
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Message Posted: Sep 22, 2012 5:43:39 AM
I know that is crazy
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NOTSOGRN
Champion Author
Michigan
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Message Posted: Sep 22, 2012 12:44:43 AM
.
.
Many Americans come with a spare tire...just need longer seat belts...
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PDQBlues
Champion Author
San Diego
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 10:32:48 PM
At one time, it was lifesaving to have a spare tire. With cell phones and AAA, ditching the spare actually is a good idea.
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carranco
Champion Author
Georgia
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 9:52:29 PM
It's an Obamanation!
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TustinDad
Champion Author
Orange County
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 9:42:06 PM
divebomber shouted: "FUNNY, I DON'T SEE TOYOTA KICKING OUT THE SPARE!"
Oh, really? Maybe you should read the article:
"Manufacturers with some models without a spare tire include Acura, Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Lexus, Lotus, Mazda, Mercedes, Mini, Nissan, Pontiac, Porsche, Saturn, Scion, Smart, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo according to AAA."
See what's third from the end in that list? Just because your Toy comes with a spare, doesn't mean all of them do.
[Edited by: TustinDad at 9/21/2012 10:42:44 PM EST]
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TustinDad
Champion Author
Orange County
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 9:38:40 PM
mikesr11 shouted: "TOTAL STUPIDITY - WHO'S IDEA WAS IT OBAMA'S OR BIDEN'S?"
No, it was yours. Were you too drunk to remember?
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bston
Champion Author
Oklahoma City
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 9:08:45 PM
Our spare definitely has come in handy!
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YumaFellow
Champion Author
Arizona
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 8:15:37 PM
I like having a spare, but our Odyssey doesn't have room for one. I like it better when the spare was on the underside or trunk of other vehicles instead of inside the rear cargo area sidepanel.
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Mark8601
All-Star Author
Bakersfield
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 8:12:44 PM
Roadside service is pretty much standard on new cars now days, so call your car maker and let them figure it out. Also Those wierd looking spares they put in cars can do more damage than good. If you put it on a drive axle it will screw up velocity joints and drive shafts. It is a TEMPORARY tire and rated at 50 MPH.
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RitaVespa
Champion Author
Oregon
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 7:12:09 PM
I like having a spare. Especially since I drive in rural areas.
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HorizonChaser
Champion Author
Montgomery
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 5:43:30 PM
No longer Standard, I guess.Sad.
and stupid
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bigbing64
Champion Author
Memphis
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 5:02:35 PM
What are you supposed to do in your brand new care if you have a blow out? Leave your nice new car on the side of the road until you can get back to it with a repaired or new tire? How stupid...
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PathfinderSC
Champion Author
South Carolina
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 4:35:39 PM
You will find a spare tire in my car.
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BuckyTJones
Champion Author
Salt Lake City
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 3:47:14 PM
Reducing weight is fine and dandy as long as you don't loose you mind in the process.
I hope they reconsider this one.
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Jeff4U
Champion Author
Atlanta
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 3:42:07 PM
No spare tire, no more vacations, and more control over your life.
America is allowing herself to be destroyed by our growing intrusive government.
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GatorGuy
Champion Author
Columbia
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 3:25:32 PM
NBD, until you get a flat.
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Taxrefugee
Champion Author
Arizona
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 3:24:24 PM
Haven't used the spare tire in many years. Alternatives that buyers can choose from,make,ssense
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marsbars
Champion Author
Alaska
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 2:43:00 PM
This saves them money too. Also where are drivers going to be when they get a flat tire in the middle of nowhere?
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DozenSpeed
Champion Author
St. Louis
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 2:26:42 PM
Been going on for a while, don't agree with it...
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teafortwo
Champion Author
Washington
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 2:11:53 PM
I personally believe it has little to do with weight and much more to do with money.
This is just one more way to charge you separately for something that used to be part of a car.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO TAKE AWAY FROM THE ARTICLE:
"AAA recommends everyone buying a new - or used - car check the trunk for a spare tire and learn what the ramifications are if it has been replaced by a tire sealant kit," said Holcomb. "If sealant is used, car should be driven no faster than 45 miles per hour and no farther than 50 miles."
"If there is room for a spare tire, AAA recommends buying one," said Holcomb, " because sealant won't work on a blowout or a flat in the sidewall or tread larger than one-quarter of an inch."
Eliminating spare tires help reduce the cost of the vehicle and can increase trunk space. However, tires that have used the sealant may not be repairable, require an extra cost to scrape out the sealant before repair and may damage the tire pressure-monitoring gauge, requiring replacement.
While some drivers will continue to drive on tires repaired with sealant beyond the recommended distance and speed, the more the tire is driven on, the more compacted the sealant becomes, making repair more difficult and costly.
"Cleaning the sealant from a tire costs between $50-$80; replacing and resetting the tire pressure monitor can range from $60 to $100," said Holcomb.
The tire repair kits utilize a pressurized sealant and inflator applied through the valve stem of the tire. If the puncture wound is too big, the tire won't inflate. The vehicle must be driven to distribute the sealant to the tire interior, thus blocking the leak.
Manufacturers with some models without a spare tire include Acura, Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Lexus, Lotus, Mazda, Mercedes, Mini, Nissan, Pontiac, Porsche, Saturn, Scion, Smart, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo according to AAA.
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newman26
Veteran Author
Milwaukee
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 2:02:16 PM
My wife bought a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. I believe the spare was $450. She got instead a fix a flat kit and free towing by Hyundai
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CatMan623
Champion Author
Houston
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 2:01:33 PM
The "Law of Unintended Consequences" at work again. Shifting the cost of a spare, if you want one, to the consumer on top of the cost of the car.
Thank your federal government and their CAFE standards.
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bullfrog42
All-Star Author
Texas
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 1:57:28 PM
O no
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thirstyauto
Champion Author
Milwaukee
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 1:56:37 PM
No spare tire?? Now what do you do when you get a flat??? Are they going to give me a can of 'fix-a-flat'?!!!
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pa79th
Champion Author
Pennsylvania
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 1:55:03 PM
Things the salesman never tells you.
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Kato51
Champion Author
Atlanta
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 1:54:50 PM
What will it do? Raise the mpg by a tenth of a mile?
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PoohMcGoo
Champion Author
Alabama
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 1:54:34 PM
Bigger impact for them is not having to buy spare tire and reducing their costs/increasing their profits.. they've just spun it as a gas saver.. follow the dollars.
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Bud122CA
Champion Author
California
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 1:52:29 PM
No spair tire is stupid. What happened to common sinse?
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DickAAA
Champion Author
St. Louis
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 1:49:55 PM
In other words, the auto industry too, is gaming the system.
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PithyOpiner
Champion Author
Stockton
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 1:49:49 PM
Well, then, why don't they remove all the tires. That would really increase gas mileage.
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jb107
Champion Author
New Jersey
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 1:48:32 PM
I have been aware of this for some time.
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bigrigAZ
Champion Author
Phoenix
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 1:47:55 PM
If they are doing it to try getting up to EPA standards (plus they are saving money-lots) by not providing a wheel, tire, and more then it is not reasonable to do so.Ever get stuck with a flat tire and no spare? Means tow truck time. So to car dealers and mfgrs "If it does not have a full size spare tire then Goodbye- going to a dealer that provides one -american made first then whatever is available. EPA rules -*&&^%$$.
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dieselgus1
All-Star Author
Montana
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 1:46:43 PM
fixing fuel economy shouldn't come at the cost of safety. the price you are paying and what you expect to get for that price should change if this is going to continue. sneaky way of accounting in my mind.
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snappytom2
Champion Author
Corpus Christi
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 1:46:14 PM
Here is a chance to get rich by selling car crutches.
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FJCruiserCA
All-Star Author
California
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 1:44:07 PM
Yep... Not consumer friendly... It is not they they reduce to cost to us... But will sure charge you if you want one.....
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RAC110
Champion Author
Massachusetts
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Message Posted: Sep 21, 2012 1:43:58 PM
great news when you get a flat in a rainstorm
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