Does anyone actually inflate the EA82 spare tire up to 60psi? I took mine off the car while doing some engine work, and checked the pressure, only about 33psi. But since it came stock with the car back in '87, I'm a little nervous about taking it to the service station and inflating it to 60. All that air inside that little tire!?!?

What experiences do people have with this?

 

Luke

You'll be fine to inflate it to 60psi, unless your tire is really dried out and cracking. 60psi is not uncommon for spares. Just think of a 10 speed bicycle, they have really skinny tires and you inflate those to 60 +/- psi.

if you don't put 60 lb of pressure in it. it would be like running 15 lb in your full size tire and if you hit a pot hole with it it'll probably bend or blow out

Sheesh! I have a full sized tire and rim under the hood so I can actually drive if I need a spare. Temp donuts suck big time - can't drive normal speeds, can only drive a little ways before they are toast, etc. I would ESPECIALLY not trust the donut that came with the car! Rubber gets old and can fail at any time.

I have the original doughnut in my 84 Brat and have used it on more than one once. I delivered pizza one night on my spare in the snow with no problems.It is a good idea to check your spare tire's air pressure on a regular basis. I check mine when I change the oil.It is an easy thing to overlook but a flat spare just adds injury to insult.I keep mine at 60 PSI.

I meant insult to injury

I have both.. a never been used donut under the hood and a mildly used 14 inch pug on the roof.. you can never be too careful:D

the donut gets thrown out on all cars I have.

 

full size spare replaces it.

 

I think the logic behind the donut is that it is compact, light, which may accumulate into some savings over the years.

I think the logic behind the donut is that it is compact, light, which may accumulate into some savings over the years.

 

Actually, over a production run of thousands of cars, it equates to a substantial savings for the manufacturer

inflate the spare to the max. pressure stamped on the sidewall

I generally inflate tires to the maximun pressure listed on the sidewall but as mentioned, only if the tire is in good condition.

 

Interesting side note:

I went hiking one day and when I got back to the car at dusk, I discovered I had a flat tire. I pulled the space saver outa the engine bay and it was flat too. I was 20 miles back in the woods and didn't have a coat, no food, nothing. I didn't want to ruin my good flat tire so I bolted on the spare and drove on it determined to get closer to the highway. Anyway, I ended up driving all the way out on it and then another 20 miles, ON THE FREEWAY! at 50MPH. I got home and the sidewalls were damn near worn through but it didn't even break the bead! Them suckas are tough!

 

BTW-I reinflated it (not to 60PSI!) and it would hold air with a slow leak!

Thanks guys for the advice and experience. I'll inflate it to 60psi, since the rubber appears to be in very good condition. I just don't want this thing blowing up in my face at the service station.

But, now that several of you mention a full size wheel will fit under the hood, I'll add that to my shopping list for my next JY trip.

 

Luke