When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
If you're driving a Second Gen TL and you still have the original spare tire in the trunk, I would recommend you replace it now if you want it available in case of emergency. A while ago I opened my trunk to check the pressure on the spare. I found the tread had dry rotted, and the internal pressure had split the tire casing right open. Not surprising after 20+ years, I suppose. I don't think I've ever run on this spare more than a couple of miles, so it was not due to previous damage. I'm sure if I'd tried to use the spare before this happened I would have had an almost immediate blowout. The photos tell the story...
Additionally, make sure it's not overinflated! Ours was overinflated (summer?), and the same thing happened. As it's Firestone, it's likely the original, too. We currently have the spare spare (main spare was an extra wheel--not sure why we had it) from our old 1998 Chevy Lumina in there. Not an optimal solution, mind you. It's better to replace the proper spare
Additionally, make sure it's not overinflated! Ours was overinflated (summer?), and the same thing happened. As it's Firestone, it's likely the original, too. We currently have the spare spare (main spare was an extra wheel--not sure why we had it) from our old 1998 Chevy Lumina in there. Not an optimal solution, mind you. It's better to replace the proper spare
So I'm resurrecting this thread because I had to order mine online (and it's bias, not radial, but the only one that matches the original otherwise), but am having a hard time finding someone to mount it. Apparently, compact spare tires are BAD! (they claim it's a liability issue). Who would've thought? Depending on the condition of your car, you might want to spend the extra on a matching full-size.
