New 2011 HL LTD owner here and was wondering if the spare tire is a full size spare with the same rim as the other 4 tires? The owner's manual shows it to be included in the tire rotation so I assume it is but I find this to be very odd in this day and age of space saving, fuel saving, and cost saving solutions. I haven't owned a car in years with a full size spare and probably never with a 5th aluminum rim (very cool). Heck, the Cadillac SRX doesn't even have a spare tire: They give you a can of tire fix.
So, I'm wondering if anyone can confirm it is a full size tire and rim?
I'm also wondering if I can maybe remove it to save a few pounds and possibly go with the Cadillac solution? Anybody got any thoughts?
New 2011 HL LTD owner here and was wondering if the spare tire is a full size spare with the same rim as the other 4 tires? The owner's manual shows it to be included in the tire rotation so I assume it is but I find this to be very odd in this day and age of space saving, fuel saving, and cost saving solutions. I haven't owned a car in years with a full size spare and probably never with a 5th aluminum rim (very cool). Heck, the Cadillac SRX doesn't even have a spare tire: They give you a can of tire fix.
So, I'm wondering if anyone can confirm it is a full size tire and rim?
I'm also wondering if I can maybe remove it to save a few pounds and possibly go with the Cadillac solution? Anybody got any thoughts?
My 08 has a fullsize that I rotate along with all the other tires during a tire rotation. The Toyota website lists the 2011 has a full size spare. Its pretty easy to just look under the rear bumper and just look at the underside of the tire. A regular rim is pretty recognizable compared to a small size spare.
I have never trusted those cans of tire fix. Plus if its just a simple nail that can be fixed, I have always been under the impression that the foam gunks up the inside of the tire making repairs difficult.
Hope this helps.
Patrick
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2008 Black Highlander Limited FWD
Nav (with override), Rear DVD | 900+ Watt Sound System | Headlight & Fog HID Projector Retrofit | LED Interior/Puddle Lights | Rattletrap Sound Deadener | Dueler HL Alenzas 255/55R19's |Updated Modification List
Are the HL spares covered up by some plastic like most RXs? I had a full size spare stolen in Chicago on a Pathfinder. They cut the chain and ran off with it, just a plain steel wheel. (what people will do for a few dallors)
Quote:
Originally Posted by sweeneyp
I have never trusted those cans of tire fix. Plus if its just a simple nail that can be fixed, I have always been under the impression that the foam gunks up the inside of the tire making repairs difficult.
Hope this helps.
Patrick
Most tire shops (well, in my area of Texas) will not repair a tire that has any type of tire fix or gel. I also heard that those tire fix can damage TPMS; which can be costly.
Are the HL spares covered up by some plastic like most RXs? I had a full size spare stolen in Chicago on a Pathfinder. They cut the chain and ran off with it, just a plain steel wheel. (what people will do for a few dallors)
The tire is not covered with plastic, the back of it (side facing inside of car) is exposed, it would be difficult to reach in and cut the wire though, as the bracket that attaches the wire to the tire is pretty large compared to the size of the hole.
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2008 Black Highlander Limited FWD
Nav (with override), Rear DVD | 900+ Watt Sound System | Headlight & Fog HID Projector Retrofit | LED Interior/Puddle Lights | Rattletrap Sound Deadener | Dueler HL Alenzas 255/55R19's |Updated Modification List
The tire is not covered with plastic, the back of it (side facing inside of car) is exposed, it would be difficult to reach in and cut the wire though, as the bracket that attaches the wire to the tire is pretty large compared to the size of the hole.
That's a good design. Unlike mine, the hub/bore on the wheel is large on the 07 Pathfinder and they cut the chain just above the tire carrier. Cost me $40 (and some gas) for another wheel, a used tire, and weld a 3/8 steel plate as a new carrier. For sure they are not getting to it now. On the other hand, my uncle had his spare stolen on his 07 4Runner and shelled out over $800 to replace the carrier, 17" alloy, TPSM, tire, labor, etc.
As for the 5-tire rotation, I can see that giving more miles between tire changes because you're using all 5 tires but that would also mean that you would have to replace all five. At least you'll know the spare is no more than a few years old. This is still better than people who don't rotate tires at all.
That's a good design. Unlike mine, the hub/bore on the wheel is large on the 07 Pathfinder and they cut the chain just above the tire carrier. Cost me $40 (and some gas) for another wheel, a used tire, and weld a 3/8 steel plate as a new carrier. For sure they are not getting to it now. On the other hand, my uncle had his spare stolen on his 07 4Runner and shelled out over $800 to replace the carrier, 17" alloy, TPSM, tire, labor, etc.
As for the 5-tire rotation, I can see that giving more miles between tire changes because you're using all 5 tires but that would also mean that you would have to replace all five. At least you'll know the spare is no more than a few years old. This is still better than people who don't rotate tires at all.
Also, to TN William.
I rotate all five. When it comes time to replace my tires, I will keep the best of my five as the spare, replace the other four, and stop rotating with the spare. Does it really matter if, when you get a flat tire, that you need to put on a nearly bald tire? Your goal should be to get to the nearest tire repair shop, anyway. Besides, I also keep a tire plug kit in my car at all times, so as long as its not a massive blowout, I should be able to repair it as soon as I get to the next gas station with an air pump. Besides, a bald A20 does not perform much better than a brand new one.
__________________ 2009 Highlander Limited
2005 Corolla CE, Canadian Edition, Silver with grey interior, automatic transmission, CD changer, cruise control, rear bumper protector.
Does anybody thinks the spare tire on the Highlander hangs too low? You can clearly see it driving behind it.
the way it mounts (its tilted so that the part towards the back of the car is higher than the front) it is the same height off the ground as the rest of the component. It shouldn't effect ground clearance. The front of the car is very low, if the front clears an object the back will.
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2008 Black Highlander Limited FWD
Nav (with override), Rear DVD | 900+ Watt Sound System | Headlight & Fog HID Projector Retrofit | LED Interior/Puddle Lights | Rattletrap Sound Deadener | Dueler HL Alenzas 255/55R19's |Updated Modification List
I rotate all five. When it comes time to replace my tires, I will keep the best of my five as the spare, replace the other four, and stop rotating with the spare.
.
So, does the dealer move the tps when rotating tires?
So, does the dealer move the tps when rotating tires?
they shouldn't, I believe the spare has a TPS sensor in it. My tps system was going off and all my tires but the spare were full, filled up the spare, warning went away.
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2008 Black Highlander Limited FWD
Nav (with override), Rear DVD | 900+ Watt Sound System | Headlight & Fog HID Projector Retrofit | LED Interior/Puddle Lights | Rattletrap Sound Deadener | Dueler HL Alenzas 255/55R19's |Updated Modification List
the way it mounts (its tilted so that the part towards the back of the car is higher than the front) it is the same height off the ground as the rest of the component. It shouldn't effect ground clearance. The front of the car is very low, if the front clears an object the back will.
I'm not saying it effects the ground clearance but the way its tilted (ala Chevy Blazer) you can clearly see the inside part of the aluminum rim. Its really noticeable at night from the headlights shining at the metal section of the wheel. That's why I spay painted mine flat black so its less noticeable now
Thanks for the replies guys. Since I posted I have done some more reading of the manual and it clearly states that the tire flat fix will ruin the TPMS sensors and doesn't recommend it. With the other post about the flat fix ruining the tire, I think I'll just leave the spare in for now. I also learned that the Cadillac uses different tires on the front and rear so the flat fix in a can is probably one of the best solutions for that car unless they wanted to put 2 spares in there or use run-flat tires like the sports cars do.
I just completed my first long trip and averaged 27 MPG on the highway with the a/c on so it looks like the gas mileage isn't going to be a problem for me. This is impressive gas mileage since I have owned 2 Muranos and got 21-22 from the AWD version and 23-24 with the 2 wheel drive version. The Highlander is bigger on the inside, can tow more and feels and drives very European-ish (IE, BMW). Really liking it so far.
Does anybody thinks the spare tire on the Highlander hangs too low? You can clearly see it driving behind it.
I do, it looks bad down there. Since I opted for cargo bin and deleted 3rd row seats that I would never use in a million years, I thought I would be much happier with a tire compartment under the rear floor boards rather than having that hang down there.
Thanks for the replies guys. Since I posted I have done some more reading of the manual and it clearly states that the tire flat fix will ruin the TPMS sensors and doesn't recommend it. With the other post about the flat fix ruining the tire, I think I'll just leave the spare in for now. I also learned that the Cadillac uses different tires on the front and rear so the flat fix in a can is probably one of the best solutions for that car unless they wanted to put 2 spares in there or use run-flat tires like the sports cars do.
I just completed my first long trip and averaged 27 MPG on the highway with the a/c on so it looks like the gas mileage isn't going to be a problem for me. This is impressive gas mileage since I have owned 2 Muranos and got 21-22 from the AWD version and 23-24 with the 2 wheel drive version. The Highlander is bigger on the inside, can tow more and feels and drives very European-ish (IE, BMW). Really liking it so far.
wow 27mpg on the highway, thats impressive, how fast were you going like 65-70? I usually drive at 75-80 and get 22-24ish (granted my car is usually very loaded weight wise) Only way I can get that kind of mpg is if im going 60mph and mine is fwd... lucky fool haha
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2008 Black Highlander Limited FWD
Nav (with override), Rear DVD | 900+ Watt Sound System | Headlight & Fog HID Projector Retrofit | LED Interior/Puddle Lights | Rattletrap Sound Deadener | Dueler HL Alenzas 255/55R19's |Updated Modification List
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On the other hand, my uncle had his spare stolen on his 07 4Runner and shelled out over $800 to replace the carrier, 17" alloy, TPSM, tire, labor, etc.
to TN William.
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