Steven wrote:
>Always wondered about the "limited use" spares that say to use for a
>maximum of 50 miles. When you're done, do you put it back in your trunk
>and it's good for another 50 miles? Is it just a matter of letting it
>cool down, or do they think the thing is consumed and needs to be replaced
>at that point? Or maybe they are saying that your car can probably handle
>50 miles of mismatched sizes before the differential or whatever fails.
Temporary spares have treadwear bars just like regular tires. You
can use them until the tread is gone.
I think the 50mph/50mile limit is there for a couple of
reasons. The temps are smaller, so they'll run hotter than the regular
tires. They will negatively affect ABS, traction control, limited slips,
differentials and AWD systems, so they want to limit the usage of the spare.
I think the main reason is psychological. The manufacturers don't
want you to just throw on the temp and go driving around forever on
it. The speed and mileage limit encourages you to get the flat
repaired/replaced pronto. Car guys like us would fix the flat as soon as
possible because we know what is good for our cars, but the great unwashed
non-car-nut masses probably wouldn't.
Todd
Seattle,WA
'86 GTI, Red of course. (exciting racey car) 270,000 miles
'01 Golf TDI, silver. (new work car) 212,000 miles
'87 Golf, Polar Silver. (retired work car) 654,000 miles <- Gone to a new
home :(
http://www.pureluckdesign.com <-Ferrari & VW stuff
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