Changing from Compact spare to full sized - 2015 Golf ?

[scooperhsd]

Ok - so we would need a full size rim (of something that will fit) and the proper size tire on it - any ideas on where to acquire a rim (or at least find out what we would need ) ? Also, will it fit to replace the compact spare ? (yes I realize it may require using the upper setting on the rear cargo floor) ?

 

[badufay]

Should be pretty easy to match up with any bolt pattern offset and tire size from a junk yard or used tire place. I have picked up used tires with steel rims in the past for around $20. You could get real lucky and find some dude on the vortex selling his brand new OEM rims to put on aftermarkets too. I'm Keeping an eye out for an extra OE Dover rim for a spare (and back up in case my wife curbs a rim)

Ben

 

[Mike 01Hawk]

Why the need?

 

[scooperhsd]

I'm not especially fond of compact spares, especially on a road trip. I'd prefer a spare that I can go normal highway speed for 200+ miles. My Beetle has one.

 

[eav]

I'm not especially fond of compact spares, especially on a road trip. I'd prefer a spare that I can go normal highway speed for 200+ miles. My Beetle has one.

Agreed, compact spares are completely stupid.

 

[Michael Moore]

Agreed, compact spares are completely stupid.

Respectfully, I'm not sure I agree with you.

There is a significant difference in weight between a full size spare and a compact spare. There's also a difference in diameter, which means that a larger (and thus heavier) structure is required to house a full size spare.

In the past 45 years of driving, I've only ever had one flat tire. But, I've driven many hundreds of thousands of miles.

I'd rather take the fuel savings (and performance improvement) that comes from having the lighter compact spare than the questionable benefit that comes from carrying around a full size spare.

In Europe, many cars don't come with a spare tire at all - instead, they come with an air pump and a can of goo to temporarily plug holes. I think that a compact spare is a good compromise between a full size spare and the air pump / goo.

Michael

 

[andyman7931]

Since everyone is posting their opinion here I will too. I would rather either no spare (with fix a flat and a pump) or a full size spare. Most of my flats have been on distance driving where a small spare does no real good. Luckily we all can be correct on this one. Once my original tires wear out I will convert one to a full size spare.

 

[eav]

A major advantage of a full size spare is that you can include them in your tire rotation schedule.

 

[badufay]

The full should fit fine seeing how you're supposed to put the flat full size one in the trunk after you change it... I carry a repair kit w/valve stem and a small electric pump. It is quicker just to patch and refill than it is to change the tire... As long as it isn't in the sidewall.

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

I just hit 300K miles on my '02 Jetta Wagon, and thinking back over the life of the car I can only recall getting one flat tire. And it was 3 miles from my house. The big thing for me is to occasionally check the air pressure in my spare tires. I use them so infrequently they could be flat when I need one.