Random PSA: CHECK YOUR SPARE!

[BRUIN8124]

After a bit of wheeling yesterday... I was hearing a rattle from the rear the whole trip and just figured the spare tire was a bit loose.

Upon checking... My spare wasn't loose but it was in really bad shape and COMPLETELY FLAT!

That would have sucked if I needed it!

You may want to go take a look, it can be easy to forget about.

 

[m85476585]

Was your TPMS tire pressure light on before airing down/after airing up? I though all 4th gens had TPMS sensors for all 5 wheels.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Was your TPMS tire pressure light on before airing down/after airing up? I though all 4th gens had TPMS sensors for all 5 wheels.

I think in '03 it was optional, those first year vehicles tend to be a bit odd sometimes (i.e. FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, ect.)

As for the spare tire... almost no one ever checks their spare tires and then when they need them they're flat. Glad you're getting in the habit of checking the spare tire, most owners don't take the responsibility to do that. I would air the tire to it's maximum operating PSI (usually about 44psi) as you can always let air out when you need to use the tire vs. needing to air it up when you need it most.

 

[JBurt]

Or you can carry a small compressor. They work great.

 

[cacarbuff]

When I bought my truck used from a dealer, it came with a spare. When I needed it, however, I found out that it was on a 16" rim from the sr5 trucks and because mine was a Limited, it didn't fit over the calipers...

Don't go to Toyota Place in Garden Grove....

 

[Ruff]

That is one reason I switched the spare for a full size tire. Also, I use it when I do the tire rotation. That way I am sure the tire has pressure and in working condition.


Ruff

 

[BRUIN8124]

Just gonna throw this out there again...

 

[MedicBob]

Always a good reminder before winter hits to check it.

 

[manesfesto]

Prior planning prevents piss poor performance. :horn:

 

[leftyguns21]

im surprisingly pretty good with keeping my spare aired up. keep it at 40psi.

but..im probably still screwed. its factory size and I've upgraded the other 4. I don't have the full time 4wd, I might be ok for a short distance on the spare in 2wd in a pinch.

 

[JBurt]

Just get a small compressor and you're good to go.

I used a $10 harbor freight cig lighter one for a long time. As long as you're not in a hurry though.