Drake3287

Okay, one month of ownership of a 2016 ILX and everything's still great with the vehicle but I'm not happy with having a Tire Sealant and Inflator Kit instead of having a spare tire. I knew about this when I bought the car but didn't put enough thought into it at the time. My mistake.

What happens when I get a sidewall or other serious flat that isn't repairable with this system and all tire stores are closed? Nothing, I'm stuck (or my wife) at night with no way of getting it fixed. Even a tow truck won't do any good without a spare. Even during the day I would need to have the car towed to a tire shop.

My only option was to order a $360. Spare Tire Kit from Acura for a piece of mind. Not at all happy with having to spend this kind of money after buying a $30,000+ vehicle but I had no choice. How does a person go on a long trip without the protection of a spare?

What I should have done is had the dealership add it to my car purchase from the start. They certainly wouldn't have let me walk away from a deal over the price of a spare tire kit. Do yourself a favor and make sure any future purchase include a spare, pretty simple.

usdmJON

That's rough. I cant imagine not having a spare tire. Glad the 2013 ILX came with one. Also glad you went and got one yourself.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

new cars are simply not coming with spares to save weight.
I had a 2010 Challenger SRT8 and it did not come with a spare.
simple truth.

you will need to negotiate with your dealer if you want a spare.
its the simple fucking truth.

or have insurance that covers towing to your house, then take off wheel and take to a shop.
simple fucking truth.

jpadilla

I think a spare just gives you a false sense of security. I can't tell you how many times I've seen spares being thrown on only to find out the pressure is low after lowering the car. Happened to me on the side on a highway with almost no shoulder, had to drive on the spare rim for a couple of miles before I can re-inflate. It wouldn't have helped me out if I was on I-10 between El Paso and Austin.

Drake3287

After researching the internet on this spare tire issue I also found that it was a common trend for car manufactures simply because of the weight savings. As for having a uninflected spare tire, I also have it checked when I have my tires rotated. (unlike many people!)

For us, we make several trips a year between Northern California and Southern California and many times while at night. The thought of having an unrepairable flat on Interstate 5 isn't an option.

When I ordered the spare tire kit, the parts department agreed about it being a good idea and that they sell many of them. At one point they said there was a one month wait for the kits because they were in such demand, my kit should be here within the week hopefully.

4cruizn

I not only require a spare in my car, but I require a FULL SIZE spare.

I ditched the donut in my 2013 ILX (anybody want it?) and put a full size 17" wheel & tire that matches the wheels that are on the car. Bought the wheel on Amazon for $300 and had Discount Tire put on one of my "old" tires when I had my last set of Michelins installed. The trunk floor is raised up a bit with the larger wheel stowed back there, but storage space is not that compromised.

When you drive 45,000 miles per year, that's peace of mind. 121,000 miles on my ILX and haven't had a flat tire yet (knock on wood).

mrgold35

I have a full size spare for my MDX, RDX and TSX. I used the spare twice for the TSX and once for the RDX (RDX was a no repairable flat with a rip in sidewall). Since my RDX & TSX are just commuter cars, I put the donut spare back in to save room/weight and leave the full size in the tire rack in the garage. I'm no more that 10 miles from home if I get a flat in those vehicles. I do keep a full size spare on my MDX since I travel about +20,000 miles per year. Over X-mas holiday, I had sun, rain, freezing rain, and snow in one day traveling from L.A., Flagstaff to Albuquerque. Would not want to be on a donut spare or only having a flat kit available on the way home.

Zen S14

Depending on where you live AAA could be a good option. I just tell them my car does not have a spare and they tow me to my house where my spare rim and tires are or a nearby shop. I am almost never over 100 miles from home or a tire shop.

weather

I agree with the OP....you don't buy a spare knowing you are going to need but let me tell you, at 2am in the middle of nowhere with a flat, out out cellular range - That will be the best 300$ you ever invested

aomechmarine

Rather have it and not need it, then not have it and need it.

Like extra condoms. Or a gun. Or extra emergency cash. Or that nice chubby girl's number when you're going through a slump. DON'T JUDGE ME.

ESHBG

weather

aomechmarine....LMAO

rocket_pup

What is the recommended tire size for the spare steel wheel?

johnalfa

Just checked pressure in mine. It's still at 62lbs. As it was when I got the car. I made sure the dealer added the tire kit to my car before I took delivery. Had to wait a few days for them to order it. I also still have the compressor kit that I can use to repair any small punctures. But I feel a lot more confident having the temp spare for the possible major tire damage. BTW the spare is a T135/70D17 Goodyear.

lowther420

If you have winter tires , just leave one in your trunk - Problem solved

CaptainTerror

Just bought a new ILX.
A mouse click to eBay identified the jack kit, tools and foam insert at LKQ

Civic - LKQ~137148147 @$41.28 shipped

Then another online Honda store provided part numbers 74665-SM4-A00 Adapter, Anchor Bolt and 74654-SE0-A00 Bolt, Anchor ($24.55 with shipping)

A trip to "pull a part" got a donut spare from a different model Acura for $15.00.

Now I will get a small plastic tool box for the pump, tire goo, a flashlight, amber flasher, gloves, and jumper cables.

If I can get her to keep the tool kit in her trunk, all should be well.

Since our daughter has a 2013 Civic, next up is 5 lug 5-114.3 steel wheel and take off tire to keep in the shed.

Captain Terror
My 2016 Ram 2500 has no such issues :-)