Should I buy a compact spare tire?

November 26, 2017 5:36 PM

I drive a 2003 Mazda 6, which came equipped with a compact spare tire. The rubber on my spare tire has moldered away, and I need to replace it. However I can't find a compact spare locally - what should I do?

I often use my car on nights and weekends for trips of 30+ miles. I'd like a spare because I don't want to get a flat and end up stranded somewhere overnight while I wait for a tire shop to open. I'd like a compact spare because a full-size won't fit in the wheel well. However, I can't seem to find a replacement compact spare! Here's what I've tried so far:

1) Asked local tire shops. I can't find anyone to sell me a compact spare - two shops have told me to go to a junkyard and one guy just kind of shrugged and said "online?"
2) Searched a junkyard... online. - I checked pick-n-pull and they don't show any cars of my model/year within a half-day's drive.
3) Find a replacement OEM 2003 Mazda 6 tire online - Errk. I can find 2003-era tires... but does it really make sense to buy a 15-year-old tire from someone on ebay for $80? It seems like 15-year-old rubber should have degraded on that tire too. (Granted, my tire probably degraded faster than it should have because of a gross water leak in my trunk.)
4) Find a replacement compact tire that was manufactured more recently and fits my car - I genuinely just don't know how to do this? I've tried googling but it seems like you need to find an OEM tire? But if not, how would I search for something that would fit my car's precise compact tire dimensions? (I feel dumb for asking but I am not tire-wise and need some education.)

Other things I've thought about:
1) Buying a full-size spare. However, it won't fit in the spare tire wheelwell :(
2) Buying a full-size spare and just stashing it in the trunk, separate from the spare tire wheelwell - This would take up SO MUCH SPACE in my trunk! I do use my trunk regularly for Stuff. So, that would suck, and I'd rather not.
3) Buying a 12v pump to just pump up the tire in case of leaks. This makes me far more nervous than just having a spare - what if I can't find the nail/hole, etc? Ughhhh. It just doesn't seem as useful as a spare.

I know spares can only go a small number of miles at a low MPH, but it just seems like the compact spare solution was working for me. What am I missing? How do I find a replacement spare, or how do I feel comfortable driving without one?

posted by samthemander to Travel & Transportation (7 answers total)

Best answer: I would call the tirerack.com people - I bet they could find the specs for the OEM and sell you a new compatible tire. Here is a list of temporary spares that they carry - looks like a big selection and I bet one fits, you just need them to find the right one.
posted by Mid at 5:41 PM on November 26, 2017

The size specs should be on the sidewall of the tire, you could try then searching by those on tirerack instead of by vehicle maybe
posted by TheAdamist at 5:45 PM on November 26, 2017

Have you asked a Mazda dealer? I mean, it would probably be expensive, and they'll surely want to sell you a new car. But it seems like they ought to know.
posted by mskyle at 5:53 PM on November 26, 2017 [1 favorite]

Best answer: So on the tire you are looking for three digits embossed into the rim of the tire like this:

https://www.mazdas247.com/members/pcb/IMG_20170806_143813.jpg

See where it says "T115/70D15" - that is the tire size that will fit on your spare rim - in this case width 115, aspect ratio 70, and diameter 15. You can enter the numbers from your tire into Tirerack.com or contact your local shop and they can order a tire for you. You can reuse the existing rim unless it is rusted or damaged. A mechanic will mount the rubber tire on to the rim for an extra fee.
posted by muddgirl at 6:10 PM on November 26, 2017 [4 favorites]

Best answer: And I should add that tire shops pay be resistant because they think you need a rim for a compact spare, which is going to be harder for them to find than the rubber itself. The rim HAS to match the lug nut pattern on your car, or else it won't mount. The rubber just had to be sized right for the rim.
posted by muddgirl at 6:14 PM on November 26, 2017 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: Thank you all for your help!

Muddgirl - Thank you for the detailed answers! That also helps explain why this has been so difficult when I contact tire shops..

Mid - I will do as you and others have suggested and call TireRack.com.
posted by samthemander at 7:28 PM on November 26, 2017

I have two pre-2000 cars and one 2004 with these 'emergency spares', and all are in as-new condition, albeit a bit dusty. So I think that there is a good chance that a second-hand one will be ok. I would try the local car wreckers, that way you can see exactly what condition it is in, and (for example) if it won't hold pressure you can simply take it back.
posted by GeeEmm at 3:52 AM on November 27, 2017