Spare Tire Size

I just upgraded from the stock 16" wheels to aftermarket 17" wheels. Do I need to get a 17" spare wheel/tire? I'm just not sure if its ok to drive on two different diameter wheels.

 

It won't hurt to temporarily drive on the different size spare. A larger size spare may not fit or come really close to the exhaust.

 

When I switched to size 17's" I had no problem storing the spare underneath.

 

My second question would then be, where can I find a cheap 17" spare?

 

Cheap 17" tire/wheel?......keep in mind that you get what you pay for......with that being said check any local tire fix-flat tire shop, they should have a good to not-so-good 17" tire?

But for starters that's just the tire itself, good luck trying to find a matching size wheel/rim from one of those places-not impossible-but very difficult locating just one to match the 17" tire size!

How I did it was when I first purchased my wheels and tires from Discount Tire, I went ahead and purchased a spare tire (at the same time) along with the same style rim/wheel as all the other four that I had just replaced from my original OEM wheels/tires.....that solved it for me.

 

The wheel size doesn't matter as much as the outside diameter, if they are close in height you should be ok for short emergencies.

 

Remember that while driving normally, you essentially have an open differential. You can drive with different overall tire and wheel diameters without issue. It is not ideal to drive with different tire sizes for extended periods of time, but in emergency situations (such as getting a flat, and driving to your house or local tire shop) using your smaller/larger diameter spare will not cause any issues. You may experience pull in one direction due to the difference in overall tire size.

Now, if you have to drive extended distances (lets say you off road in remote areas) and get a flat, it would benefit you to have a full size spare, or a spare that is the same overall diameter as the rest of your tires, as to not cause excess wear on your differential.

 

17" wheels are not cheap. Try craigslist or eBay. There are vendors that sell aftermarket spare wheels. I bought a 2nd OEM aluminum spare wheel from eBay ($80) and went to a local used tire shop to buy an used LT tire. I carry the 2nd spare in the bed when I go on extended road trips or go the dez; that way, changing a flat is easier/quicker than the one under the bed.

 

craigslist

 

hmmmm, self serving but still applicable

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/17-trd-sport-wheels.389873/#post-10962750