Spare Tire Advice

[JCL12]

I always carry a can of fix-a-flat with me, even in cars that have spare tires. (my 01 has a tiny spare) I would advise you carry a can of that stuff or a compressor+can of goo. Although it won't fix massive holes or punctures on the side, it will handle most flats.

[Jaxonalden]

Ed,

Look at what the new Boxster's have in place of the spare tire, a 12v compressor and a plug kit. That's what I would suggest. You can pick up a plug kit anywhere and ether get a 12v compressor or a couple cans of Fix-A-Flat for air.
This is a link if you don't know how to plug a tire;

http://www.alpharubicon.com/bovstuff/tirepluguzi.htm

For peace of mind, check your tire's to make sure their in good enough shape to make the trip. Then give them a look over every time you stop for gas, bathroom or just to stretch your legs at those scenic overlooks. If the cars loaded, double check the tire pressure. You might also think about the time of day and time of week you travel. If you do have a flat that can't be repaired by a local (removed and patched) replacement might be another story. I have a S and finding the tire size I need (225/40-18 & 265/35-18) in the middle of nowhere would be a nightmare.
Like the past post said, if you did put on the spare tire where would you put the flat? I think if you follow the rule of 6 P's you should be fine. The 6 P's by the way is " Proper planning prevents piss poor performance". If you plan your route, have phone numbers of contacts along the way, have a plug kit and inspect your tires you will have fulfilled the 6 P's.

Have fun, wish I was going with you.

[Boxtaboy]

Again, as ToolPants pointed out for us before:
This is what the TSB Porsche published on 9-11-98 states:

In countries where it is not legally required to carry a spare wheel in the vehicle at all times, for example in Germany, the question is occasionally asked whether the spare wheel may be removed to increase the storage capacity in the luggage compartment. Please respond to this question with the following information:

"In addition to its intended purpose, the spare wheel fitted in the luggage compartment also serves to absorb some of the impact energy introduced into the front of the vehicles in serious frontal collisions. Please take this into consideration and drive with appropriate care when, in exceptional cases, the spare wheel is not carried in the luggage compartment."

In 2005, Porsche removed the spare, but they also reinforced the front section of the car to compensate.

I would just keep the spare in your car. If you're really stuck in a remote area, you could always leave the full size wheel behind hidden somewhere, and come back for it after dropping your wife off someplace to wait while you go back and retrieve your wheel. There are times when even a fix-a-flat won't be of use.

[blinkwatt]

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

In 2005, Porsche removed the spare, but they also reinforced the front section of the car to compensate.

What did they do to reinforce the front end of the 05'+.

[Boxtaboy]

Originally Posted by blinkwatt

What did they do to reinforce the front end of the 05'+.

I can't find the documentation now (as I've packed away all of my Porsche brochures...I'm moving in 2 weeks), but here's something I think pointing to what I read. IIRC, they reinforced the pedal box area...

Read the last paragraph all the way at the bottom of this article:
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/porsche/2005-porsche-boxster-987-ar1019.html

[RandallNeighbour]

Had the same thoughts when my wife and I drove to CA from Texas. Keep the spare? Where to put the flat when the spare is changed?

A. I kept the spare, insuring it was inflated to 60 psi or whatever the requirement is. I hate the thought of being stranded in a Porsche in the middle of nowhere and at the mercy of a wrecker driver that thinks I'm a rich snob because I didn't buy a Mustang GT.

B. Take a couple of bungee cords and a bath towel along. In the unlikely event of a flat tire, one can put the spare on the car and then do the following:

1. Drop the top.
2. Remove the roll bar inserts and center windscreen.
3. Place the towel on the clamshell.
4. Put the rim on the towel.
5. Secure it to the car with the bungee cords.
5. Drive cautiously to a tire repair shop or to get the tire replaced (preferred).

Someone on the forum recommended this years ago and I still like the idea. I never had to try it thankfully, but it is a good way to get your wife AND your rim away from the roadside mess in which you find yourself.

I had thought of leaving my wife with the rim to go get help, but that didn't fly. And of course, I didn't even speak aloud the idea of leaving the wife and taking the rim in the passenger seat because, well, you can image the trouble that would create! :troll:

[Lil bastard]

One thing to check out beforehand is whether or not your Road Wheel will actually fit in the Front Boot or Trunk. This could be an issue with those running 19's, 20's, and possibly even 18's - especially if you're loaded with Luggage.

If not, keeping the spare would mean leaving the expensive Road Wheel at the Roadside or gracing the Passenger's lap.

In that case, it may be better to carry a padlock and chain (to secure the Road Wheel until you can retrieve it), or a can of Goop, or an emergency plug kit (considered an improper repair without an internal patch, emergency only), or just a good old AAA Card !

Also, be sure to compensate for the extra load with your tire pressures !

[PaulDash]

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

If you're really stuck in a remote area, you could always leave the full size wheel behind hidden somewhere, and come back for it after dropping your wife off someplace to wait while you go back and retrieve your wheel.

Or, leave the wife behind hidden somewhere, and go back for her after dropping off your wheel.