Have you hugged your temporary spare today?

[silverhobey]

jsut took mine off for the winter ----2 1/2 year old spare and the rim shows
a little surface rust ..Oiled the Mechanism and Cable and oil sprayed the heck
out of the area where the tire covered the under-carriage. I will soak with more
oil in a few days and then leave the Spare in the bed for the winter.I will
probably tie it down with 1500 lb ratchet strap rather then buying a Spare Tire
mount for in the bed for 4 months. Brian

[SurrealOne]

My spare tire and rim are matched to the other four shoes one sees on my truck. The spare is lowered at least every 6 months just to work and lube the mechanism that holds it in place. Tire pressure is checked at that time. I also carry a puny inflator (for now) in case I need the spare and need to add pressure.

As to the OP's original inquiries -- Spare tire pressure should really be checked as often as other tires, if able. You can get away with a lot less if you carry an inflator to use and know to check pressure before relying on the spare -- such that you can add pressure if needed before you drive on it.

Should you replace the donut? That's your call. Most cars come with them to save weight -- which provides some fuel economy -- so understand that some mpg may be lost if you move up to a full-size tire. (This assumes the vehicle can carry a full-size tire, as many, today, don't have spare tire wells that will hold a full-size tire.) Tossing a pressure gauge and a can of fix-a-flat with the intention that both be used (as needed) prior to driving on the donug might be the best bet in terms of cost and weight. After all, who cares if the steel rim (of the donut) has its insides gummed up with fix-a-flat?

[1953bowtieguy]

also in the winter I drive in 4wd when ever it snows

Why do you do that all the time. Your tires are just that bad or what?

[Conlan Rose]

Why do you do that all the time. Your tires are just that bad or what?

Well really only on the side streets cuz they do bad job plowing. Also the snow here is wet and very slippery.

- - - Updated - - -

Why do you do that all the time. Your tires are just that bad or what?

Well really only on the side streets cuz they do bad job plowing. Also the snow here is wet and very slippery.

[1953bowtieguy]

@Conlan Rose Don't the tires jump if you turn real sharp tho. And my dad has the same problem with his 95 GMC. But i know that that is the tires fault. Cuz if you give it gas on a lil bit slipery road. It will just sit there and spin.

[Conlan Rose]

I rarely have a problem with that. My tires do need to be replaced tho.

[Curky]

My spare tire, hahaha. It is too small. If I get a Flat I will just fix that, then by 4 for the truck and keep the one I bought for the spare. It is just the way I bought it. So I will deal with when the time comes or I hit the lottery. This is why I keep a low limit on my sears card. Emergency’s.