slightly smaller diameter tires, spare useless?

[jim97gst]

I just went from 205/55/16 to 245/40/17, which is a slightly smaller diameter (~.2"). If I had to use my spare, would I be pulling bad to one side, or would I hardly notice it? Should I ditch the spare and throw a can of fix a flat in the car?

 

[Attack Eagle]

I'm running 225/45/17 rims and I had to use the spare for over a month waiting for a tire to come in. no problems except it was squirrelly if I forgot I was on the spare and tried to corner hard, but that is to be expected.

that little of a difference, .2 inches?
you can probably get more than that by having an under inflated tire!

 

[jim97gst]

That's what I thought. I guess I was just hoping it was useless so I could ditch it. Thanks for the input.

 

[PaulPDX]

The smaller diameter is only a problem under braking if you have ABS. Spare is only meant for limping home or to the nearest garage at no more than 50 mph so you're not stranded. Not meant for long term use.

If you use Fix-a-flat, your tire store will hate you when you get new tires. The sticky goo the can sprays inside the tire is really a PITA to deal with and tire shop guys really do not like dealing with. If your tire has a small puncture, they can usually fix it for you. Some places like LesSchwab will even fix it for free. Just limp to the tire shop and have them fix the tire.

 

[cuttheduck]

Actually, your spare IS SMALLER then the stock tires anyway. It's just a compact spare and thats why the manual says don't use it in the front of the car because you will be closer to the ground on that side and risk hiting things. So smaller diameter tires would defintly have no effect.