Quote:
Originally Posted by thebear
Your tire probably failed due to underinflation which is why it `felt wierd'. The proper tire pressure is ~65psi. When was the last time you checked it? There should be no reduction in traction or control with a properly inflated `spare' up to the recommended 55mph. Handling will of course be comprimised and the corner with the spare will sit a little lower.
As to their `existence' it is primarily for weight reduction. Cost reduction is another reason. The proliferation of alloy wheels as standard equipment with their wider cross sections require even more expensive tires. I would hope you replaced yours with one from a junkyard. Chances are those have never been on the road.
Our "Government" in it's mandatory Motor Vehicle Safety Standards uses the weight of the vehicle as one determinant of crash survival acceptability. That originally resulted in slightly smaller fuel tanks as less fuel carried also reduced the weight of the vehicle. Gas mileage has increased slightly so the lower fuel capacity has not caused grat `outcry'.
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Thanks for the reply and the information. I should have known money is always the answer. I still have a ten gallon tank, but now I have a normal sized tired in my trunk.