Why is Full Size Spare marked "For Temp Use"?

I just replaced the spare on my '13 Taco with one that had the same wheel and tires that I am running on my truck. I just bought the wheels and tires 3k miles ago so it is good timing, I can start rotating the spare too.
Anyway, when I pulled the factory spare, it has the factory alloy wheel (minus the chrome cover) and a Bridgestone Dueler H/T 265/60 R18 tire. There was a sticker on the lip of the rim that said "For Temporary Use". I don't get it, this looks like a regular tire and rim. Why would it say "For Temporary Use"? It has been balanced, so the only thing I can think of is that it is missing a TPMS. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Ken

 

You are probably 100% correct about the TPMS sensor. If the tire itself isn't branded as temporary use only, then that would be it

 

i don't see why the spare wouldn't have a TPS in it. my 2008 has one in the spare

 

I'm with landphil and believe it's because the spare doesn't have a TPMS. (I don't think the '14's have them in the spares.) I have a Limited with the same wheel at home and I'll take a look at mine tonight and post back if it has the same sticker.

 

I think that 2008 was the last year with 5 TPMS sensors.

 

Which was a PITA, because Toyota mounted the spares so the valve-stem side of the wheel was up against the truck bed. That was an annoying cold morning trying to figure all that out.

On the plus side, it did teach me the patently ridiculous Rube Goldberg system for lowering the spare tire down so that I didn't have to figure it out on the side of the road. Also, the wheel fits back in the spot flipped over, so the stem is now accessible without having to drop it again.

 

personally I think a tpms on the spare is a good idea for those who don't EVER look at the spare.....most of America most likely...until they need it at the side of the road and it's flat..

 

Agreed.

 

I'd be willing to bet it's because of the TPMS or lack thereof. I don't believe my 2007 spare had that sticker but it did have the sensor in the spare.

 

Thanks guys for ALL of the feedback! I don't think it has a TPMS on the spare, but I DO think it should. I get that it could get low setting off the TPMS light which is a PITA, but it is more of a PITA to pull out a spare tire only to find it to low to run. I did have a TPMS put on my new wheel that is now installed in the spare tire location and plan on running one of these:

that I purchased to a convenient location to check the spare.
I do remember looking at the TPMS system through Techstream and cannot remember if it had a 5th sensor or not, but did overhear the guy at the tire place say that it didn't. Either way it is stupid not to have the option. You used to be able to look at the software and select 4 or 5 tires, so the spare didn't have to have a TPMS, but at least you had the option.
Anyway, good to know that is probably the only reason for the sticker.
Thanks again guys,
Ken

 

We should consider ourselves lucky that we even have a spare. I know some newer cars to save money and space have a can of Fix-A-Flat and a small air compressor instead of a spare.

 

I am one of those "rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it" guys so I carry a

$17 Tooluxe 50002L -35 Piece Tire Repair Universal Heavy Duty Tire Repair Kit with Plugs, Fix A Flat Tire Repair Kit, Ideal for Tires on Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, Tire Plug Kit (Pack of 1)

tire plug repair kit and a 12v air pump, so hopefully (depending on the type of flat) I should be covered. I have used it a couple of times before and the kits like the one I have the link to work very well and have saved my bacon a couple of times. If I owned a vehicle with NO spare, I would definitely invest in the heavy duty plug kit and the portable 12v compressor.
Just my 2 cents.
Ken

 

Great Option for 4 or 5 years, 'til the hose starts leaking,
then you're on the side of the road with a deflated spare anyway.
Check it, along with the other four, weekly.
I opted for one with a stainless braid, hopin' it would last longer.


CC

 

my 2011 had tpms in the spare.

 

Oh, agreed. I'm glad the sensor is there so I don't have to worry about the tire. I just like to complain about things that are stupid. And mounting the tire from the factory with the valve stem up is one of those things.

 

I totally agree. Actually, I was wondering if the damn thing would leak right off the bat. I decided to give it a shot anyway and if it does not work I would try to find a more permanent solution (steel braided line, aluminum tubing, etc.).
Ken

 

More of a weight and MPG thing...