DopeAcura

Now that I have 20s on my TL does the 17inch spare make sense anymore? I don't want to add more weight and get a 20 inch spare but god forbid if I ever get a flat and need to change it will it damage my car driving it with 3 20s and one 17?
I guess I want to know if I should just remove the spare and tool kit and put it in storage to save weight to help compensate for getting the 20s.
I have no problem just paying for a tow if I get a flat, I'm always in a suit and I hate changing tires.

Edward'TLS

How about switching the 20" to run-flat tires ? Then you'll never need to mention the word "spare" any more.

DopeAcura

Thanks I will look into those

ShadeTreeMech

Driving with one 17 is perfectly fine and won't hurt anything. Any difference in overall tire diameter will be compensated by the differential.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

awd or Fwd?!?

run flats are generally really expensive.

potmilkz

honestly running on a 3 x 20's with 1 x 17 is not bad.. if your only doing about 30 miles to get home or a few miles to get to the nearest tire shop your fine.. only thing you probably have is camber on a few tires if you drive for long distances with a spare.. otherwise i dont see a problem

CerberusKy

iTrader: (1)

keep the spare in the car... it is a big hassle to get a flat w/o a spare.

Edward'TLS

..... and are also heavy like hell, which will seriously compromise performance.

But it's the only way to go without carrying the spare tire and tire changing tools inside the car.

Pseudomaniac

iTrader: (1)

Runflats if you want to rattle your teeth out while driving it....

Find a $100 a year roadside assistance deal or something along those lines. an AWD car's diff for sure won't be happy with the major mismatch.

DopeAcura

Its the FWD. But It sounds like the run flats don't have a nice ride so I'm going to take everyones advice and keep the spare in.

I looked around the threads and it seems like all I can do to compensate for my 20s is change the crank and underdrive pulleys and change the exhaust system.

I got my rims from tirerack and they are 27 pounds each. All the other ones on the site were between 30 and 33 pounds each. But now Im saving for forged wheels that fit the tires I already have. I think if I get down to 22 pounds per wheel I will be good.

Edward'TLS

^^^^^

Going for lightweight forged wheels is a good start to reduce unsprung weight for more performance. But also don't forget about the weight of the tires.

Even in the same stamped size, some makes/models of high performance tires can weigh in as many as 4-6 lbs lighter than other makes/models.

So after you've spent much $$$ on expensive lightweight forged wheels in order to save a few hard-earned lbs in weight, don't let the weight of the tires ruin it all for you.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

I'm sure you know if you get a flat on the front, you should move the rear 20 to the front and put the spare on the back.

Mr Marco

I kept a full sized spare in my SHO because I had an extra wheel. What a pain in the ass. Used up 20% my trunk space and got every peice of light colored clothing that my girlfriend put in there dirty. And I never had to use it.

If your not going on safari, keep the mini.

DopeAcura

I didn't know that but I do now. Thanks. This board is great.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

because, since its FWD the car relies on the two front tires.
This is where your ORIGINAL question comes into play.
the car will need two of the same diameter tires up front.
then on the rear, you can run a smaller diameter wheel, since the rear isnt "driving" the car.