Mini Spare

[Dano944]

The other day one of my 944 tires went flat. Luckily I was able to re-inflate it using the portable tire pump that came with the car to get to the tire shop. But this made me question the mini spare. Has anyone used this thing? It looks very iffy. If I took my 944 on a long road trip I think I’d rather carry a full size spare under the hatch. If that mini-spare gets inflated, it won’t fit back in the wheel well, and can it be reused, or is it a one-and-done? And what an uncomfortable way to learn about using the portable tire pump and possibly using that little donut tire.

[944 Ecology]

If you have used your mini spare, you can collapse it by removing the tire valve core and using a large ratcheting strap around the perimeter, force the tire back into its original shape.

That said, if you are going to take a long trip and have a flat, the best tools are a cell phone and a AAA premier membership (good for a 100 mile flatbed tow.) Cash is good, too.

[Dano944]

Originally Posted by 944 Ecology

If you have used your mini spare, you can collapse it by removing the tire valve core and using a large ratcheting strap around the perimeter, force the tire back into its original shape.

That said, if you are going to take a long trip and have a flat, the best tools are a cell phone and a AAA premier membership (good for a 100 mile flatbed tow.) Cash is good, too.

Is the mini spare reusable once it is used? And yes, I have AAA but not the Premiere level. If one doesn’t need a lot of space for luggage, can I just buy another 944 wheel with a cheap tire and keep it in the back? Seems like a better option than that tiny donut.

[wwdwgs]

some people just replace the collapsible tire with a full-sized one and cut the floor carpet to accommodate the new "tenant".

[Tony V]

I carry a plug kit for flats when Im out there. Yes, I have the AAA extended towing but the car has center lock rims and the plug is safer than someone trying to remove the wheels without the proper tools.
Tony

[djnolan]

I have concerns about the general direction this thread is heading most 944s are driven sparingly and since tires only last 5 years before the rubber starts to dry rot and they should be replaced, the e tires on those cars are probably nearly brand new from a tread perspective and the chances of having a flat are greatly exaggerated.

In addition to the collapsible spare and air pump you could carry a can of slime to reinflate a punctured tire and if you're really handy some tire plugs.

However I favor the AAA idea.

[Dano944]

Originally Posted by djnolan

I have concerns about the general direction this thread is heading most 944s are driven sparingly and since tires only last 5 years before the rubber starts to dry rot and they should be replaced, the e tires on those cars are probably nearly brand new from a tread perspective.

Yes, my 944 is driven sparingly, but my flat happened locally and I really worry if I take a longer drive (to the Pelican Parts Cars and Coffee) and get a flat.
So my spare doesn’t look like it’s ever even used. Since tires dry rot and need replacement after years, why should I depend on my tiny spare that’s 40 years old?

[GHEN]

A full-size spare looks pretty cool centered under the back hatch...just saying.

[walfreyydo]

Originally Posted by Dano944

Since tires dry rot and need replacement after years, why should I depend on my tiny spare that’s 40 years old?

I wouldn't. I dont even keep a spare in my car.

[TheSecondChris]

I think the 40 year old spare could really help a lot if you had a bad tire issue and needed to get off the road and/or limp over to a nearby tire shop.

Porsche sells new spares that fit the 944.

[Mr. Merk]

When road tripping my Carrera, I pack a lightweight 951 collapsible spare, an aluminum floor jack, a good 12v compressor, a plug kit and a bottle of slime. Luckily, the only flat I've had on my car was while it was parked in front of my shop.

[Dano944]

Should I fill the spare with air to test it? And why does the spare have what looks like two stems? Is one for inflate and one for deflate?

[wwdwgs]

I also asked myself "to inflate, or not to inflate". I didn't. If you do inflate it, you have a chance to inspect it and see if it holds air. The rubber of the spare tire may be of better quality then today's tires. I know a few Porsche owners from the late 90's and I don't recall anyone mentioning using a spare tire.

[djnolan]

To further revise and extend my comments Yes you probably should test your collapsible spare to make sure it holds air you should test your pump to make sure it works and you should test your jack but frankly if my 9:44 experience a flat tower in the middle of nowhere I would call a flatbed and I wouldn't risk my life trying to change it on a deserted highway where I might get hit by some distracted cell phone driver.

And to get with reality I have a '06 Cayman and it does not have a spare tire or a jack or a tire pump The only thing it has in the repair area is a can of Porsche slime and a few miscellaneous tools such as the lug nut key and wrench.

[Dano944]

Originally Posted by djnolan

To further revise and extend my comments Yes you probably should test your collapsible spare to make sure it holds air you should test your pump to make sure it works and you should test your jack but frankly if my 9:44 experience a flat tower in the middle of nowhere I would call a flatbed and I wouldn't risk my life trying to change it on a deserted highway where I might get hit by some distracted cell phone driver.

And to get with reality I have a '06 Cayman and it does not have a spare tire or a jack or a tire pump The only thing it has in the repair area is a can of Porsche slime and a few miscellaneous tools such as the lug nut key and wrench.

First, i did all my tire work in my driveway (thankfully), and I was surprised to find that both my portable air pump and scissor jack worked. The twisty hanfle thing I needed to raise the scissor jack was almost useless as it was bent in odd ways. Geez how I wish my father-in-law was still alive so I could ask him what the heck he did with this stuff.
Second, my thought about having a spare is that if I did have a flat tire, whether I changed it or AAA, I would have a tire to get to a destination. A flatbed might not be able to take me where I need to go.
Third, my 944 has its original tool kit, but after struggling with my tire experience, I realized I better bring better tools with me if I ever go on a long trip.
Fourth, I’m not sure I’ll ever take the 944 on a long trip. I really enjoy driving it locally, where as you say, I can get a flatbed to get me home. But if I ever do start driving it on long drives, I may just buy a spare 944 wheel and get a full size spare. I’ve needed to use small donut spares on other cars, and with good luck, but I’ve never seen one like I have and it kinda scares me.

[Monkey Wrench]

maybe carrying a can of flat fix would help I believe they can inflate the tire as well as fill it with goo they sell them in wally world. for the stupid lighter socket pump, I think a bicycle pump is arguably more reliable and usually lightweight. its a bit more effort perhaps but how often will you need it? the old kind where you step on the bottom and pump , I like those ones better than the piston style ones. more volume per pump.

[stre]

The mini spare is definitely not ideal for long trips, it’s really just a temporary fix. If you inflate it, you’re right, it may not fit back in the well, and once used, it’s often considered a one-and-done since they’re not meant for long-term use or high speeds. A full-size spare is a much better option for peace of mind, especially for road trips. Definitely something worth considering if you do a lot of driving!

[Monkey Wrench]

other cars use small spare tires are there any with a similar bolt pattern? maybe somethign more common?

in any volvo , they came with a "special spare" I call the the "stupid spare" but usually Id just toss them and the compartment was always big enough for a real spare instead.

I should have acloser look, maybe they will fit in a porsch tire well. or fit the rim of a porsche "silly spare"

one day I saw a young kid pulled over wiht a full set of them, I guess he figured it was a cheap way to lower his car ;-)

how about carrying an inner tibe? seldom used these days but an old fix was sometimes ot install a tube and carry on , like after running over a nail. the other way was the plugs that can be inserted from the outside of the tire.

i just replaced the tires i my ford van it has a weird tire size so I bought two spares thinking Il probably actually use them if they are a pair rather than just 1.

problem is if you do get a flat, good luck getting a spare real tire on short notice. the silly spare might get you to a local service center where they say I can order it in give me a week or two..

especially now, China actualy supplies most tires and most of the aftermarket replacement parts,, Things are looking tough for the availability of aftermarket parts..

is there curently a US maker of tires that will fit a porsche 944 ?

in my case I bought lots of stuff prior to digging in and my efforts were delayed so my own plan is to do as best i can with what parts Ive already bought I hope the crazy political situation improves soon..

[Dano944]

Just out of curiosity, I look online for a spare wheel (mine are the 15” Cookie Cutters), and geez, $150+ for one. Maybe I’ll just stick to the 50 mile radius of driving.