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Gen6 Full Size Spare Tire

4.9K views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  Osburh  
#1 ·
I recently purchased a 2024 Outback Premium. This is my first 4WD/AWD vehicle, so I haven't had to deal with having to exactly match tires.

I am looking to replace the temporary spare with a full-size spare, because I don't want to deal with doing two tire changes if I have a flat tire on the front. I plan on using the full-size spare like I would use the temporary spare, just to get to a tire shop to get the flat tire repaired. When using the full-size spare in the same way as a temporary spare, do I need to include the spare in the tire rotation? If I don't, can I use a steel rim and a tire that is not the same as the other tires, but same type (A/T, M+S, etc.)?
 
#2 ·
All the tires you regularly use on your car need to have the same circumference (within 1/4 inch, I think). So if you do not include the spare into the rotation, you still have to do two changes - to replace the flat tire, and to replace the now mounted spare, which has too big a circumference when the other tires are worn.
Like this, you could keep your donut wheel.
 
#3 ·
I need a little clarification, when using the temporary spare when there is a flat on the front, I must put the temporary spare on the rear and put the tire from the rear on the front. Do I have to do the same with a full-size spare that is not included in the rotation, or can I put the full-size spare not included in the rotation on the front?
 
#4 ·
Ah, now I understand. No, it is not necessary.

There was a discussion about the temporary spare a few months ago. In theory the temporary spare should be mounted in the back, but there were split opinions: When I personally have to change the front tire on the shoulder of a highway, I would not spend another fifteen minutes to play wheel Tetris, but get out of there quickly.
 
#5 ·
I like you, thought the same way. 22 Premium with a doughnut spare. Pass on that. I opted to get the exact same wheel tire combo I upgraded to for the spare. No TPMS, I'm not including it in the rotation schedule. It's a spare, only to get me to a tire shop for remedy. Didn't really need to get the exact same setup, but I did and have no regrets.

My ride

Image


The spare. No more thoughts of playing "Tetris" on the side of the road..

Image
 
#6 ·
You don't need to include the spare into the rotation, but realize if the tread depth doesn't match you'll need to minimize the amount of time it's used as a spare. The full size spare on my 20 has about 8/32 tread depth, so about half way between new and old. My 20 will not accommodate a fifth tpms, but your 24 will. So if you're willing to spend the extra $$ to get a matching wheel and tire, a 5-tire rotation would work out great for you.
 
#7 ·
One should never have a doughnut spare on the front for any vehicle. The skinny HARD tire impacts steering control and with FWD or FW dominant cars, impacts traction and braking as well.

And, yes, if you put a Full size spare on the car and it has New (deep) tread, you run into trouble if you other tires are worn. I believe the safe spec is within 3/32" variance for the AWD system to be happy. Damage to the AWD system from running with one 11/32" and three 6/32" will not be covered. My recent tire purchase, the shop had a package for Road Hazard specifically for AWD vehicles. If one tire is irreparable, and the wear is beyond 3/32" from the new tread depth...all 4 tires are replaced.
 
#8 ·
One should never have a doughnut spare on the front for any vehicle. The skinny HARD tire impacts steering control and with FWD or FW dominant cars, impacts traction and braking as well.

And, yes, if you put a Full size spare on the car and it has New (deep) tread, you run into trouble if you other tires are worn. I believe the safe spec is within 3/32" variance for the AWD system to be happy. Damage to the AWD system from running with one 11/32" and three 6/32" will not be covered. My recent tire purchase, the shop had a package for Road Hazard specifically for AWD vehicles. If one tire is irreparable, and the wear is beyond 3/32" from the new tread depth...all 4 tires are replaced.
Why would a full-size space that has more than 3/32" variance from the rest of the tires and is used just to get to a tire shop cause any more problems with the AWD system than a doughnut spare cause?

Where did you buy your tires at?