Mini spare fits Prime?

I'd say it'll probably fit so keep it. Worse case scenario sell on EBay.

 

Since my new Prime doesn't have a spare tire (although it has a jack, lug wrench and jack handle), I am thinking of going to a local wrecking yard that specializes in Toyotas. Does anyone know if a donut (mini spare tire) from a 3rd generation Prius will fit a Prime?

 

I recommend a temporary spare from a late model Corolla so the rubber is still fresh. A temporary spare is a narrow tire having approximately the same diameter as the OEM tire so there is no issue with ground clearance, ABS, VSC, traction control ect when mounted. I looked these up in the online owners manuals at Toyota. Seems as though the small diameter compact spare has gone out of favor probably for the reasons I pointed out.

My 03 Chevy Cavalier has the same size wheels as the Prius and Corolla and came with a mini/compact spare. I use it when I rotate the tires. Last time I took a good look at the ground clearances all around and really didn't like what I saw given the poor local road conditions. This was with an unloaded vehicle. It rubber looks OK but is 14 plus years old. Not much call for spare tires at my local salvage yard. If the spare was damaged the car it was in was likely rear end totaled so what would you need it for?

 

I how do I find what year and model has the same size and bolt pattern? Do all 15 inch Prius wheels fit the primes?

 

I'd speculate yes. And the temp spare has same Outside Diameter, btw. Either regular Prius or Corolla temp spare should be fine.

We're using Corolla rims with snow tires on our 3rd gen, works fine.

 

I got a Prime for my wife and saw the lug wrench in the back but not the jack & jack handle. Where are they located?

 

maybe under the driver seat, but not sure.

 

Look in Owner's Manual? My guess would there's a removal panel in hatch wall somewhere, it's in behind there?

 

The jack in the Prime is located under the BACK seat on the driver's side. There's a pop-out panel to access it!

 

Thank you! But I still don't know why they give you this stuff without a spare tire. I just ordered a set of Bridestone Driveguard tires. Not taking a risk of the wife getting a flat w/ no spare tire. At least with the run flats, she can drive to a garage or somewhere to get it fixed. Well, that's if she doesn't blow the sidewall out on a curb. If that happens it is not my fault, it's hers! Had the Driveguards on her 2012 PIP and they worked well.

 

you need them to facilitate the oem flat tyre repair gunk and compressor. did you find them?

don't the drive guards kill your ride and mpg's?

 

There is no difference in the ride. We aren't nit picky about the mpg. If we lose a few miles per gallon that's fine with us. I bought my wife a little portable air compressor/pump that plugs into the cigarette lighter. This way if the tire does get low or flat she can put some air in it and get home safely. It's more for peace of mind than anything.

 

Just don't get this: brand new, Toyota's flagship Prius, and immediately you need to swap-out the OEM tires (at considerable expense), for something that'll knock down your mpg, and still isn't a proper substitute for a temporary spare.

When Toyota's engineers get the thumb out and manage to design an incorporated spare tire I might get interested.

 

Spare tires are going away, little by little. Unless you drive around in new construction and constantly run over a bunch of nails, the chances of needing one are quite low. I'm just going to do a compressor and plug kit.

Another reason not to include a spare is that lots and lots of people either don't know how to change one or don't have the physical strength to change one. I recently came across a teenager in a BMW who couldn't do it. He called his mom, she showed up and she couldn't do it, so I did it. Not having a torque wrench is another reason. Very few people could tell by feel even approximately how tight to make the lug nuts, and if they aren't at least close, it's not a safe situation.

 

humbug.

 

Hummmmm,

I'll pickup a tire plug repair kit after I get the car. I've not had to use one but the instructions are clear enough and it looks like I would be able to treat it as a proper repair with full speed.

I briefly thought about tossing a donut tire in the back for the trip back. But a full size spare would take the same space and bulk. IF I decide to go that way, it will be after I get a receiver hitch and spare tire holder. I need to test the tire patch kit first before spending any big bucks.

Bob Wilson

 

Plugs are not the proper way to repair a flat. Tire Tech Information - Flat Tire Repairs

 

Plugs are a perfectly legitimate way to make a temporary repair. Some people have them last the life of the tire, but the idea is to seal the leak long enough to get to a tire shop where the tire can be unmounted, inspected, and either properly repaired or replaced. Properly done, it has a far higher chance of success than using the goo and a far lower chance or ruining the tire or the TPMS sensor.