one rim smaller than the rest

[torchard]

I've got sixteen inch rims, but the spare is the stock 15". In the event that i needed to use the spare, would this be a problem to get from from a to b? I'm thinking it wouldn't matter up front, but if it were used on the rear, would it cause some driveline issues due to turning more RPMs than the 16" wheel?

[marsgal42]

Do you have a limited slip differential?

If yes, your spare may be a problem.

If no, you're OK.

Just like any other vehicle.

...laura

[torchard]

It's open, so i'm thinking it would kind of drag along behind like a tired dog but wasn't sure.

Do you have a limited slip differential?

If yes, your spare may be a problem.

If no, you're OK.

Just like any other vehicle.

...laura

[Green1]

I'm in the same boat here actually (well, sorta, my spare tire is smaller, but the rim is the same diameter (though different width)), it's never advisable to use a different size tire, but at the same time try finding a new vehicle these days that actually comes with a full size spare...
I tend to hope that if I ever need to use it that it will get me far enough to get to a tire shop, but better yet, I hope never to need it...

[BCDelica]

In the same boat here, but there's allot to be said for the handy-ness of a emergency tire patch kit. Though you should always carry a spare, when the leak is just coming from a rock or nail (in the tread area), insert the sticky rubber plug with the special tool and drive to the nearest tire repair shop. Yes you do need to have an air compressor, which can be found cheap and of compact dimensions easily. Yes those 215 sized spares look pretty small next to a 30 inch A/T.

Surprisingly a number of times trucks out there, with much larger tires then there original spare, have had flats and used my kit, even happened with a 4Runner at the hot springs during the first Delica meet.

Be on the look out for a tire shop that can set you up with a cheap rim and matching tire to your other tires.

[Green1]

I've used those patches several times, and I've never had a problem with them, done many thousands of kilometres on the patched tires.
Always carry one of those kits and a compressor (and a multi-tool to remove the screw that caused the hole in the first place....)

[torchard]

thanks fellas, I've never used the patch kits before but may. Typically I've had slow leaks - just had not one but two leaks patched on the same tire. Picked up some nails somewhere along the way and they worked themselves in deep. Anyway, I was just checking on the odd size rim/tire, but as you pointed out, spares these days are typically those wee ones so that should have answered my question.

[EnviroImports.com]

in a pinch you can drive on your smaller spare, even with your lsd rear diff, its not a locker and its not a spool so its not much different than driving with your regular tire. its best to have all the same tires, but the rim size matters very little, its the actual tire size that matters most.