cougar hunter

I've asked this question once before but didn't get any answers...long story short is I have OEM 20" wheels on my MDX and have a 17" spare tire. The spare tire size is 165/80D17. I've always been under the impression that using a different sized wheel will mess up the transmission. My question is is there a spare tire that is designed for the OEM 20" wheel options?

I've found 06421-TZ5-A51which says it is a 20" spare tire kit, but after calling a few dealerships, they say that it's actually a 17" spare wheel. Out of the three dealerships I've called, two are saying that the 17" spare tire that I have is all that is made for the MDX and that since I should only be driving on it for a small amount of time no damage should occur. Also, I could get a full sized spare, but it likely won't fit in the spare tire compartment. I just want to make sure I'm not setting myself up for larger issues but using the 17" spare tire with three 20" wheels.

Donn0128

Measure the overall diameter of the two tires. You might find them nearly the same.

cougar hunter

I did that already. The 20" wheel and tire is 29.6" while the 17" spare and tire is 27.4". A difference of 7.4%. That seems a little high IMO>.

thoiboi

But it's a spare, not intended to be used for a long period of time.

cougar hunter

Agreed, but I'd rather not put the differential at risk for damage by using an incorrect sized wheel.

ShortKarateGi

Try buying a same sized OEM wheel from ebay. I bought one for my 2018 Hybrid Tech Package.

cougar hunter

Does yours fit in the spare tire well?

mrgold35

I did the same as ShortKarateGI for my MDX sport hybrid. The sport hybrid doesn't come with a spare tire, no tools to change a flat, or crank/cable to mount under the MDX. Found a black 20" Berlina rim and slightly used OEM Conti tire on eBay. I haven't mounted the spare yet because I just got everything in; but, had to go out of town for 2 weeks (took my 11 MDX with full size spare). I can be +500 miles from home and the speed limit is between 70-80 mph on the interstate hwys. Recommended of 70 miles max range at 50 mph max speed for a donut wouldn't work for me in the southwest.

mrgold35

I just added a full size spare to my 19 sh-sh-awd. I had the dealership install the spare tire kit minus the donut spare at purchase. I purchased the 20" Berlina rim ($210) and Conti CrossContact tire ($80) on eBay. I wrapped the spare in the bag Discount Tires used after they mount and balanced. Purchased an universal spare tire cover on Amazon, $15, to cover the tire to hide and keep cleaner under the MDX. Combo worked extremely well for my 11 MDX with a full size spare for the last +5 years.

Amazon spare tire cover:

Amazon

Amazon

cougar hunter

Looks great! This is what I plan on doing also. Glad to see it fits and doesn't stick out too much.

VKVazh

New member and owner of a 2019 Sport Hybrid Tech here. To summarize this discussion, you all recommend getting the spare tire kit minus the donut spare and then get a tire elsewhere? Is the kit available online for a DIY? Anyone knows what are the parts needed for that?
Much appreciate all the helpful responses!