quote:Originally posted by Bosswrench:
Ford began using thin high-pressure (60 psi!) spare tires in the late '80s on cars like the 4 cylinder Thunderbird. These things looked like motorcycle tires (size T-135x18) and on the 'bird, they used a forged aluminum solid disc wheel about 4 wide x 18" OD. The wheel used a 4-bolt pattern; out of curiosity I welded one of these wheels up and re-drilled it to fit the Pantera's five-bolt pattern. NO problem with clearance for big brakes with this spare. They will not fit in front trunk and barely in the rear. Never used it- 10 yrs later, sold it to an owner back east. In 2015, one authority said ALL spares seem to have been discontinued since tire reliability went up to about 99+% and everyone carried a cell phone. Way-cheaper for mfgrs, too.
Recently my younger son ran out of gas on his way home at 1am and called State Farm for road service.
The truck came for him at 7:30am. He waited all night and was suffering from hypothermia.
"I'm sorry" doesn't cut it. Carrying a spare would be the smart thing to do.