What makes the spare tire Temporary?

My spare has a sticker on the rim that reads "TEMPORARY USE ONLY". From what I can tell it is a full sized tire on a steel rim. So what's so "temporary" about it?

 

because its intended to only be used sparingly

 

The lug nuts.
Seriously……

Mag seat lugs on a steel rim.
They will work in a pinch and should only be used temporarily.

 

This! ^^^^^^^^^

 

So it was used to get me off the side of the highway. Waiting on tire shop for the replacements. So I'm assuming these lugs should only me used on the factory aluminum rim? What type on lugs do I need for the steel rim? Should I have a set I. The truck for emergencies?

 

OK I understand the idea of the spare is for emergencies. But it is a Toyo tire rotting away under the truck if I bought 3 more steel rims and tires what would be the problem of having studs installed and used for winter tires?

 

Did I damage the lugs by using them on the steel?

 

You didn't damage them just by using them.

I bought this set for my steel wheels I run in the winter. Been two seasons no complaints.

Wheel Accessories Parts 24 Pcs M12 x 1.5 12 x 1.5 Thread Bulge Acorn 35mm 1.38" Long Lug Nuts Chrome 13/16" 21mm Hex Fits 2004-12 Chevy Colorado GMC Canyon ｜ 21+ Ford Bronco (No Raptor) ｜ 19+ Ranger

$26 Wheel Accessories Parts 24 Pcs M12 x 1.5 12 x 1.5 Thread Bulge Acorn 35mm 1.38" Long Lug Nuts Chrome 13/16" 21mm Hex Fits 2004-12 Chevy Colorado GMC Canyon ｜ 21+ Ford Bronco (No Raptor) ｜ 19+ Ranger

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V44M1DF

 

Is the factory spare tire a different size from the other 4 factory main tires?
There would be problems with ABS and 4x4 operation.
And if the spare is a conical seat that wouldn’t match the pictured non conical lug nuts as mentionsd.
Along with Toyota at least distancing themself with some one thinking they can just use a crusty 20 year old tire until its wore out. It probably hasn't been inflated since installed on the assembly line.

 

Whenever I buy a new set of tires I always take one of the takeoffs and replace the spare to keep the spare from getting too old.

 

No, there is a very small tapper on the end of the mag seat lugs.
This allows for them to work “temporarily” on the steel rim.
The issue is, the surface contact area is LESS since the taper is smaller.
Which could lead to the lug nuts loosening over time. (Key word “could”)
Thus, the “temporary” warning.

All said, people run the spare for a long time with the wrong lug nuts.
Toyota has to put the warning on there. Other wise, they get sued if the lugs backed off and the wheel feel off.

Point is, if you use the mag lugs on the steel wheel.
Check them frequently to make sure they stay tight.
I believe it’s advices to check them every 50 miles until the tire is changed……

Again, most people never check them. Run them way longer than 50 miles, and never have an issue.
Most people don’t know any better.

 

"TEMPORARY USE ONLY" label usually means it's not built for long-distance driving or high speeds. It's meant to get you to a repair shop, not as a permanent replacement.

 

While that is true for some vehicles.
The truck comes with a full size quality spare.
The same tire rating and all.

It’s the lug nuts……
And some of it has to do with the fact most people never change or inspect spare tire.
But the biggest reason is the lug nuts. Not the rim or tire.

One might even argue the steel spare is a “better” wheel.
If you were lucky enough to be one of us (I am) to get a set of aluminum wheel that had the power coat issues, you understand.

My aluminum rims are corroding.
One of them is corroded at the valve stem.
I’m wait for the day the stem leaks………

Hopefully it won’t happen soon

 

@Bishop84 explained it very well recently in another thread. I can’t remember the explanation or find the thread though. Maybe he can chime in again here.

 

He did, and he said basically the same thing I said above……

 

No TPMS sensor in the spare after 2008. According to the NHTSA you'll flip the truck and die a fiery death if you drive without TPMS exceeding a temporary basis.

 

I might know a guy that waisted a lot of time trying to get his light to go off……
Only to find out it was the spare……

 

Im glad someone remembered

Thanks!

 

I have to give him credit.
He was the one that told me years ago.
Back when I made a thread about "New Lug nuts".

You haven't worked hard until you have had to beat a 21mm socket on to a swollen lug nut.
Then you have to beat the lug nut back out.......

Even worse if you are on the side of the road.......