Spare tire vs. tire mobility kit?

[wuzzzer]

My car has informed me that the 4 year shelf life of the tire mobility kit has expired. Instead of getting a new kit/sealant can I'm thinking of getting a temporary or full size spare.

Couple reasons why I'm considering this:

-Watching a video on how the tire mobility kit works, it mentions that after using the sealant the TPMS sensor and valve stem need to be replaced. Obviously that will cost some decent money. Plus knowing people who used to work at tire mounting shops they hate cleaning up the foam from sealants.

-The tire mobility kit will only repair punctures, not cracks of any kind.

Obviously a full size spare would be the best choice, but will a temporary spare fit? eBay has a 17" Taurus spare. Would that clear my brakes?

 

[SHOdded]

Quick Q: Is there a part number stamped on the foam insert in the spare well? I know someone who is looking to lighten their non-PP and is looking for just that piece. TIA.

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

I am not 100 percent sure of the 2011 models but in my 13 the cutout IS NOT deep enough to accommodate any spare other than the "Donut" spare that the model comes with. My 19" Goodyear Eagle physically fits in the well but the carpet and backing board wont fit. The 17 would probably fit in the well but be prepared for it to be HIGHER than the spare wheel well opening. As for it fitting over the brakes, 17" is the standard wheel I believe for SE models. I guess the only way to find out is to try. If the salvage yard has a reasonable and liberal return policy you might be able to return if it doesn't fit.

Another option is to head out to yard and leave trunk open including the piece of carpet and backing board out and available. They may let you "Test Fit" the new wheel and if it doesn't work then not a major loss.

 

[SHOdded]

On the '13 PP models, the 17" spare rubs against the caliper. Don't know if the same is true for the 2010-12.

 

[integrity6987]

2010 insert p/n

Quick Q: Is there a part number stamped on the foam insert in the spare well? I know someone who is looking to lighten their non-PP and is looking for just that piece. TIA.

For a 2010 it's 19H364

 

[Sleeper4SHO]

In any AWD vehicle if you run different diameter wheels (ie: a stock 20" wheel on one side and a 17" wheel on the opposite side) you run the potential of messing up the diff. The smaller wheel will be turning faster than the larger wheel. I believe that is why the PP SHO's have the fix-a-flat system rather then a wheel well large enough to fit a 20" spare

 

[wjayg]

tire

I have put full size tire in every car since 1993
Also check out xtra seal web site part number 12-100
Best plug kit I have ever used
I have sidewall plugged for 2 years still holding

 

[SHOdded]

Pretty amazing that a sidewall plug holds that long! Daily driver?

 

[jdarq0h]

In any AWD vehicle if you run different diameter wheels (ie: a stock 20" wheel on one side and a 17" wheel on the opposite side) you run the potential of messing up the diff. The smaller wheel will be turning faster than the larger wheel. I believe that is why the PP SHO's have the fix-a-flat system rather then a wheel well large enough to fit a 20" spare

so why on earth would ford include a 1.5 inch shorter spare on an all wheel drive? i think this is true on some awd/4wd systems but i think it is more of a scam / myth that tire sellers use to get people to buy tires nowadays

 

[Ta2dResqr]

so why on earth would ford include a 1.5 inch shorter spare on an all wheel drive? i think this is true on some awd/4wd systems but i think it is more of a scam / myth that tire sellers use to get people to buy tires nowadays

A spare tire is meant to be used at lower speeds, for a very short distance, without "spirited driving". Take the same size difference, drive it for 30k miles, at freeway speeds, and driving how most of us looking for performance drive, it is not going to be a good day for your driveline components.

 

[kryptto]

2011 Ford Taurus Spare Tire

Matching diameter compact spare tire kit for a 2011 Ford Taurus that doesn't have one.

sparetire.com