Porsche Boxster 986 Spare Tire size and available option

[L1ttleBastard]

It’s never really talked about until it’s too late. Our spare tires.
I guarantee everyone of us has our original spare tire. It’s as old as your car.
You wouldn’t put 10 or 15 year tires on your car would you?

Have no fear replacements are available from tire rack in a T115/95R17 for $89. It’s slightly taller than the 105-sidewall

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&tireModel=CST+17&partnum=195MRCST17&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

[Brian in Tucson]

The tire is also available at Dodge dealers. For more money. I'm planning on getting a new replacement, but have so much other Boxster stuff going on that it's on the list for summer.

You're right tho, any tire older than 6 years should be considered a time bomb.

[Ciao]

I removed my spare tire and carry around a fix-a-flat inflator along with a compact air pump; saving weight and trouble of changing a flat tire

[BruceH]

Originally Posted by Ciao

I removed my spare tire and carry around a fix-a-flat inflator along with a compact air pump; saving weight and trouble of changing a flat tire

Same here, along with keeping my AAA membership current

[rick3000]

Just an FYI, the spare tire was designed with the 986 to be part of the front end crash protection.

[BruceH]

Originally Posted by rick3000

Just an FYI, the spare tire was designed with the 986 to be part of the front end crash protection.

Yes, I know, thanks

[Ciao]

Originally Posted by rick3000

Just an FYI, the spare tire was designed with the 986 to be part of the front end crash protection.

Any data on crash tests?

The spare wheel in place, will have the damage carried through closer to the passenger cell and the spare wheel once you cut away the mangled metal is more often than not barely damage if at all, which suggests to me the spare wheel merely transfers the impact across the spare wheel well and further into the car.

Data suggests Seat Belts saves lives; I wear mine religiously since obtaining my license over 3 decades ago

[Anker]

It distributes the impact over a larger area because of its stiffness which leps absorb the impact energy.

[10/10ths]

...I had a sidewall blow out in the middle of west Texas, during a PCA event, at 3:00pm on a Saturday, and fix-a-flat didn't work. I only made it home Sunday because I DID have a spare tire.

[Burg Boxster]

Originally Posted by rick3000

Just an FYI, the spare tire was designed with the 986 to be part of the front end crash protection.

And with enough force / impact in 'correct' spot, the screw holding a 9x6 spare et al could pierce the fuel tank (right behind) and thus recreate a 70's Ford Pinto.

[Ciao]

Originally Posted by 10/10ths

...I had a sidewall blow out in the middle of west Texas, during a PCA event, at 3:00pm on a Saturday, and fix-a-flat didn't work. I only made it home Sunday because I DID have a spare tire.

I blow out is distinct from a puncture, but I'm certain a PCA member would come through in an event

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by Brian in Tucson

The tire is also available at Dodge dealers. For more money. I'm planning on getting a new replacement, but have so much other Boxster stuff going on that it's on the list for summer.

You're right tho, any tire older than 6 years should be considered a time bomb.

A tire exposed to UV light that is. Basicly sunshine or flourisent light. I have used my 2000 spacesaver 3 different times as I drive my tires until cords are showing here in sunny SoCA.

Check for cracking rubber especially next to the rim, insure it is holding 60psi & don't exceed the speed on it's sidewall.

[Boxstard]

Spare tires would not age like normal tires on the car over time when sitting under the hood well protected from environment, not as much deterioration from heat, UV, oil, etc. My 20-yr old one looks like brand new, holding air tight, and I have no concern to use it when needed. Check them out and judge on your own.

[Anker]

You can't prevent the rubber from simple aging or the ozone in the air from invading the rubber.

[Geof3]

Mine is original and looks fine under inspection. Fine is a relative term. I saw no signs of rot or cracking, holds pressure properly etc. I wouldn’t want to drive 1000 miles on it, but to get home or to a garage, I wouldn’t hesitate.

[Brian in Tucson]

I got the spare from Tire Rack, with shipping it was about $101, $10 to have it mounted and a new valve was included. IMO, a 17 year old tire is most likely got a bit of dry rot. The distances between cities here in the desert South West can be pretty vast, and I'd just rather not worry. It sometimes gets kinda hot here. $110 is cheap compared to almost everything else on my Boxster.

The replacement tire looks so much like an old VW Bug tire. Took me way back.

[L1ttleBastard]

Thanks for the feedback! I'm ordering my tire soon. We take long road trips, and I don't blame you.