WhiskeyBurner
Rookie Author
Illinois
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Points:480
Joined:May 2013
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Message Posted: May 17, 2013 2:52:56 AM
Only time I have ever done that is because one of the normal tires was getting patched and I was running to and from work on the spare those two days.
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playtimeCLE
Champion Author
Cleveland
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Points:1,541,450
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Message Posted: May 11, 2013 11:36:08 AM
Quite the opposite here. I'll go buy a real rim and a real tire & throw the doughnut away.
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Jmac2008
Champion Author
Missouri
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Message Posted: May 10, 2013 1:17:08 AM
never
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ricebike
Champion Author
New Jersey
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Message Posted: May 10, 2013 12:44:48 AM
hotrod, if you have AAA plus, you still can get it towed to your house up to 100 miles, then it's extra for anything over that mile cap
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streetirsx
Veteran Author
North Dakota
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Message Posted: May 10, 2013 12:26:59 AM
my 2013 fusion didnt come with a spare tire, just a fix-a-flat kit. Most new cars are doing this to save on weight also
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HotRod10
Champion Author
Wyoming
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Message Posted: May 7, 2013 2:31:07 PM
Anybody know for sure that getting a flat and not having a spare qualifies as a covered breakdown by AAA? After reading their coverage exclusions, I'm still not sure. Somebody with AAA will probably have to answer this.
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HotRod10
Champion Author
Wyoming
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Message Posted: May 7, 2013 2:23:03 PM
"...eliminate the air conditioner motor load, you will see huge improvement in mpg and possibly your health."
...well, until you die from heat stroke, anyway.
Can't believe this topic is still kicking around.
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51stovi
Sophomore Author
Nashville
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Message Posted: May 6, 2013 10:24:03 AM
No
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IAMCANADIAN73
Champion Author
Ontario
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Message Posted: May 6, 2013 7:25:37 AM
No
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diesel8888
Champion Author
Salt Lake City
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Message Posted: May 6, 2013 2:42:43 AM
I would never do this.
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dontuknowOH
Champion Author
Ohio
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Message Posted: May 6, 2013 12:58:00 AM
I once owned an old pickup truck, it's bed was in poor condition, and I removed it off the truck frame. Afterwards that truck felt like it had 70 more HP. on performance, the start-off was brisk but even on good pavement the rear tires would loose traction on punching it.
Quite dangerous on wet pavement, still it moved out very easily, not knowing how mush weight was removed, and drove it a few times to the work site with better mileage noticed also. Gas was less than a dollar per gal. then so I didn't do any calculations for the savings benefit.
A month later I replaced/adapted the different step-side good older style bed then sold the truck to a work friend.
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suchont
Veteran Author
Los Angeles
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Message Posted: May 5, 2013 9:10:29 PM
(continues from post below)
i forgot about the power seat. there are 2 to 3 motors to move your power seat and adding load to your engine electrical systems. - most people only move their seat once in a long while, so a manual one are fine.
you could attempt to remove the power steering and power brake (load & weight) but this could be a safety issues.
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suchont
Veteran Author
Los Angeles
Posts:308
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Message Posted: May 5, 2013 9:06:25 PM
every little weight saving help, but where do you stop?
1 - if you are removing spare tire, don't forget to remove the jack and tool kit (wont be needed)
2 - you can save just as much weight by removing the carpets from the trunk & interior (no safety or emergency issue here)
3 - remove/replace power window & door lock to manual (removing all the motor and weights - not safety issue)
4 - you will see even more gas and weight saving by remove the air-conditioner, tubing, and motor load on the engine (not safety issue)
5 - removing sound proofing material from the engine compartment will save additional 20# (not safety issue)
6 - on the commuter, you dont need passenger seats and accompanying seat belts & tensioners (this could be safety issue is you carry passengers), these items could save 100#
7 - you can also go on diet (this would improve your health) and could save additional pounds
If you remove the above 500# of weight, reduce the power motors load, eliminate the air conditioner motor load, you will see huge improvement in mpg and possibly your health.
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mybigtruck
Sophomore Author
San Jose
Posts:117
Points:196,910
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Message Posted: May 5, 2013 5:44:32 PM
All 3 full-size spare tires of mine sit on the garage floor. The car does feel a little more perky without the extra weight. Been doing this for 20yrs with no issues. If I get nail in the tire like I have a few times, it's usually a slow enough leak where I can drive for quite some time to get it patched on the way home.
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davisadm
All-Star Author
Los Angeles
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Message Posted: May 5, 2013 4:07:43 PM
That would be very foolish.
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cougfanSC
Champion Author
South Carolina
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Message Posted: May 5, 2013 10:06:58 AM
If you have to ponder this to save money - you can't afford to drive in the first place.
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IAMCANADIAN73
Champion Author
Ontario
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Message Posted: May 5, 2013 7:35:16 AM
No
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sks1586
All-Star Author
New Jersey
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Message Posted: May 5, 2013 3:55:12 AM
borsht - thanks a million for providing the information to support your conclusion (I agree with you).
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hptd
All-Star Author
North Carolina
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Message Posted: May 4, 2013 6:58:51 PM
No. As soon as I removed it, I would get a flat tire.
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dontuknowOH
Champion Author
Ohio
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Message Posted: Apr 25, 2013 8:26:11 AM
I've noticed that the bigger factor here about the need to remove or not the spare tire/wheel for saving fuel, or any other transported vehicle weight is a stumper.
Seems the spare is a vital item to select for removal, being a greater issue even to think of discarding and creating the "Stranded Fear" for some drivers/owners, simply a flat tire.
I can agree about the 40-70 # of weight factor reduced from a vehicle not creating often a noticeable savings just by not transporting that lesser amount of weight to expect a savings.
The savings comes by how many times 40-70# weight would have to be put into motion, accelerated then this pattern repeated over and over during city traffic conditions many times. Many times of starting motion/and accelerating > being compounding the advantage of removing that amount of weight or even more weight reduction, say up to 200#.
Rolling friction for that small amount of weight is only noticed if placed in a wheelbarrow which then must be pushed across a lawn by an individual which walks normally with a cane about everywhere, no pun intended.
It's all about Fuel energy/motion energy/inertia/rolling resistance/more...and how many times over an interval of time for to be a fuel savings, Etc...... = $ Like flying a Kite some can & some can't.....
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borsht
All-Star Author
Oakland
Posts:783
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Message Posted: Apr 24, 2013 12:00:27 PM
That's about the silliest suggestions I've heard.
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/transportation/consumer_tips/vehicle_energy_losses.html
It would affect the rolling friction. Which is a minor loss compared to other losses, rolling friction is about 4% of energy produced by the gasoline. and if a 20 pound tire in a 3000 lb car is less than 1% of the weight of the car. So that means that you could get maybe 40 parts per million fuel economy increase. This is an awful small price to pay for not have the protection of a spare tire.
Other things that do save a little more but hardly significant, is leaving the tail gate UP on a pickup. Some morons think that lowering the tailgate saves gas. Myth busters ran some wind tunnels tests to destroy this myth.
If you really want to save gas, change your air filter in a timely fashion.
DOn't do jack rabbit starts from stop, drive in moderation.
Change your oil in a timely manner.
But not having the spare tire, or driving naked in not the way to save gas.
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giwan
Veteran Author
Michigan
Posts:476
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Message Posted: Apr 24, 2013 10:39:11 AM
It will but can you handle the flat when it happens?
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IAMCANADIAN73
Champion Author
Ontario
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Message Posted: Apr 24, 2013 8:43:43 AM
Never
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IAMCANADIAN73
Champion Author
Ontario
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Message Posted: Apr 24, 2013 8:43:34 AM
Really?
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the1roadhog
Champion Author
Atlanta
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Message Posted: Apr 24, 2013 8:25:09 AM
C'mon now!
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Z12
Champion Author
Toledo
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Message Posted: Apr 23, 2013 8:52:08 PM
I wouldn't
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davisadm
All-Star Author
Los Angeles
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Message Posted: Apr 23, 2013 1:41:38 PM
It would be foolish to drive without a spare.
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weddy11
Champion Author
Phoenix
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Message Posted: Apr 23, 2013 9:56:29 AM
removing the spare will not show a measurable savings in gas.
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geezer
Champion Author
Albany
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Message Posted: Apr 23, 2013 9:18:41 AM
Keep the spare. Driving naked will save a few pounds, though.
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IAMCANADIAN73
Champion Author
Ontario
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Message Posted: Apr 23, 2013 8:46:16 AM
Absolutely not
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IAMCANADIAN73
Champion Author
Ontario
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Message Posted: Apr 23, 2013 8:46:01 AM
Never
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oilpan4
Champion Author
Virginia
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Message Posted: Apr 23, 2013 2:16:14 AM
"might as well take out the back seat"
I already did.
Took the 3rd row seat out of the suburban. It weighed at least 120lb. It never got used, I have much better use of that space to hold 2x4 and other construction material.
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roadkingfl
Rookie Author
Orange County
Posts:13
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Message Posted: Apr 23, 2013 2:04:15 AM
That's being a little ridiculous, might as well take out the back seat, only run as much gas as needed to get where you're going, and go to every other extent to lessen weight :)
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Norm1947
Champion Author
Flint
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Message Posted: Apr 23, 2013 12:47:26 AM
Silly
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gassprite
Champion Author
Toms River
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Message Posted: Apr 22, 2013 3:14:26 PM
No. I would never give up the spare. You never know. I've had times when I've gotten many flats.
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ace12012
Champion Author
Phoenix
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Message Posted: Apr 20, 2013 1:15:03 PM
new cars are coming without a spare anyway.
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dontuknowOH
Champion Author
Ohio
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Message Posted: Apr 20, 2013 10:48:04 AM
The thing that got my attention was a few years ago, I started noticing oem alloy rear suspension arms on FWD vans, the shiny material stood out with a clean look from following behind one of those vehicles.
So weight reduction already was important to those manufacturers, for at least fuel savings. My surprise comes from many drivers who claim they have never had the experience of actually changing a flat tire out successfully, and safely. I know how I rate ****+ but that doesn't count...
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WEDDY
Champion Author
Phoenix
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Message Posted: Apr 20, 2013 10:36:44 AM
No
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blckwolf
Veteran Author
North Carolina
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Message Posted: Apr 20, 2013 10:12:34 AM
I prefer not to hassle with tow trucks or insurance. I keep my spare in my vehicle.
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hyeglenn
Champion Author
Fresno
Posts:1,065
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Message Posted: Apr 20, 2013 10:04:39 AM
not a good idea when you don't have it is when you will need it.
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dontuknowOH
Champion Author
Ohio
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Message Posted: Apr 13, 2013 12:52:45 PM
I've needed my spare on my daily driver for the last 13 years now and maybe wore it out by needing it, I might check on it next time I do the Tire pressure thing (storage wear) Great! Bridge-Rock I think?....
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BartandLisa
Champion Author
Newfoundland
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Message Posted: Apr 13, 2013 12:20:02 PM
I will keep my spare, as a spare. Had to change it in a McDonalds parking lot once, so you never know.
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oilpan4
Champion Author
Virginia
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Message Posted: Apr 13, 2013 1:09:30 AM
"no..start doing this nonsense and you can remove your trunklid,bumpers and other needed things too..to save fuel "
The aerodynamic advantage given by the hood and bumper are much more than you would get out of removing them.
Plus the OEMs are already removing spare tire to save weight. About 13% of new cars that were sold in 2012 left the dealer lot with out a spare tire and jack set.
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L98
Sophomore Author
Ontario
Posts:180
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Message Posted: Apr 12, 2013 12:25:21 PM
no..start doing this nonsense and you can remove your trunklid,bumpers and other needed things too..to save fuel
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geno700
Veteran Author
British Columbia
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Message Posted: Apr 12, 2013 10:24:48 AM
no it wont help. less foot pressure on the throttle is the best advice
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dontuknowOH
Champion Author
Ohio
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Message Posted: Apr 12, 2013 9:05:17 AM
RalphHightower; I'm just guessing about your experience with no improvement in mileage after removing some van parts, but wondering when you did the test, referring to the extra cargo weight maybe replacing the weight of the removed van parts.
The vehicle being a 15 passenger probably has a large hefty engine/drive train components/gearing , all designed for normal adding extra weight loads. These vehicles are not by design to be econos whether loaded or not, gearing for highway, plus the heavier constructed vehicle weight then empty during city driving has no fuel advantages.
Just saying that watching a large bus even empty of passengers, when pulling away starting motion, that roar from the engine trying to pick-up speed is evident of heavy energy usage. Even if your van had a 4 cyl. engine that wouldn't help mileage when put into normal use.
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RalphHightower
Champion Author
South Carolina
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Message Posted: Apr 12, 2013 8:14:08 AM
I had a 15 passenger van; I removed two of the rear seats because I needed more cargo space than passenger capacity. It didn't make any difference in my gas mileage.
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dvx4002004
Sophomore Author
Medford
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Message Posted: Apr 12, 2013 4:50:44 AM
No
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dontuknowOH
Champion Author
Ohio
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Message Posted: Apr 11, 2013 10:38:41 PM
One important factor I see about this weight reduction idea for saving a bit of fuel is; > Vehicles with small size engine HP/Torque power will have a more noticeable savings than a larger V6 or V8 powered engine.
For example; Talking about 50-70 lbs. of weight reduced when carried on a Kid's back, Adult Human, Horse, Small vehicle, Tractor, Compact car, then a Larger suv, finally a truck designed to haul heavier loads similar to the tractor, simply the more powerful types of conveyance equals ability by design with hardly any effort for an Energy loss over that amount of weight being discussed.
The Smaller energy source notices that 50-70 # of less weight as bigger advantage to its ability to perform than larger ones( Engines/drive-train) that is where the savings of fuel varies among different vehicles handling the lessor amount of weight.
A final thought is 50-70# on/off a Army tank wouldn't even "bat it's eyelash" if it had one, about where fuel usage is concerned. Space rockets might! Hope this helps.......... Rain !
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oilpan4
Champion Author
Virginia
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Message Posted: Apr 11, 2013 5:34:32 PM
Removing the 70+ pound full size spare and 3rd row seats I never use has saved me at least 200lb.
200lb should return about a half MPG improvement, or use about 1L less per 100kms driven.
But the spare goes back in if I go more than 15 miles from home.
[Edited by: oilpan4 at 4/11/2013 5:37:12 PM EST]
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