Spare Tire - Reuse

Can the OEM full size spare tire still be used after replacing the OEM tires with a different brand, but same size 265/65/R17? My concern is the different tread patterns would result in the vehicle handling erratically even though the spare would simply be used to get you home or to a garage. I don't want to over think it, but how many actually replace the spare tire in addition to the regular set of 4 tires on their truck so they all match? I didn't see anything in the manual about it and truly believe it's not necessary but wanted to hear other's opinions as well.

FWIW, I've never used the spare tire and actually pulled it down the other day just to check the PSI (it was nearly flat and expected after 5 years). BTW, it's a pain in the ass to get the tire down as you have to insert the hook end of the rod into a dark hole and line it up into the slot to lower the tire. I know how that sounds. I actually got under the truck with a flash light to line it up and then got back out to lower it.

 

It's obviously not ideal to run mismatched tires but the idea is you run the spare to a shop to get the main tire fixed. Mine are mismatched now (4 tires are the same, spare is different) and wouldn't think twice about using the spare in an emergency. Just be careful and don't drive 90 mph. Use extra caution if it's raining or snowing and you'll be fine.

 

Of course. Now, it wouldn't be a good time to go exploring the limits of tread adhesion by drifting through corners at double-the-yellow-caution-sign-posted-speed. But use your brain and the appropriate amount of caution for a normal human being and I bet you'll hardly notice a difference.

 

Cool. Yeah, I thought about that too but believe the stem was facing up to prevent any possible damage that may occur should something hit the undercarriage. Granted, it's a stretch at best.

 

Good deal.

 

Makes sense.