Tire diameter difference/rotating in spare (2 Viewers)

[jrpitdog]

I have a newer set of tires on the Lx. We are about to go on a road trip. Planning on balancing and rotating before we leave. I want to rotate in the spare to get the life out of it. I haven't measured the tread depth difference yet, but how much would be acceptable. Any definitive specs? The way I look at it if I don't do it now then I won't ever want to, the differences will just grow. FYI, spare is the exact same tire as ones mounted.

 

[nukegoat]

I think you'll be ok unless bald/new or different manufacturers. Even then, probably fine.

 

[gnob]

You generally want to keep tires between 2-3/32 of each other. Especially on awd.

 

[jrpitdog]

You generally want to keep tires between 2-3/32 of each other. Especially on awd.

Just curious, but where did you get that number from?

 

[gnob]

Anywhere that talk about it.
Think i pulled that number out of an acura owners manual.
I imagine the info is available on tirerack

 

[jrpitdog]

So if it's that small of a tolerance, does anybody feel comfortable using their spare?

 

[gnob]

Spares are meant to be rotated in all the time or for temp use only.
Almost no cars come with full size spares, if any at all.

 

[1911]

That's what differentials are for, they allow wheels on the same axle to go different speeds. Works around corners, works for different diameters of tires. Nothing to worry about.

 

[Armed in Utah]

Age of the spare tire ?

 

[Eighteen11R]

Age of the spare tire ?

Great question @Armed in Utah . Dry rot can be dangerous...