Prius Plugin's lack of spare tire.

I got a donut from a bone yard $35, free air comp. 12v from a friend, few extra tools small stuff in back. I only put spare in if going out of town. I don't want to have to wait for service to get to me I'll just change it my self. It's just me! I haven't had a flat in 30 years, now I did it. The big Hex.

 

. Sounds like you are prepared, but, try using that jack before a tire goes out. It is a MF!

 

Got my doughnut spare from a salvage yard, no cleaning needed, it had never been used.

 

Thanks for the jack update!

 

That is why I'm also a proponent of being adequately equipped to spend the night in the car (should the stranding occur at night in foul weather), then walk out for assistance the next day. Or two.

I have had to walk several times. The longest was a couple miles, with the future spouse after her car broke down, fortunately in good weather with plenty of daylight. (While predating cell phones, that area still lacks cell coverage.) When I was younger, a couple in prom attire knocked on our rural door at about 2 am, having walked 3/4 of a mile after getting his truck stuck in the ditch.

 

If a person wants a light jack, Harbor Freight has a aluminum one 1 1/2 ton, 27# for around $90. Aluminum Floor Jack - 1.5 Ton Aluminum Racing Jack

 

My 85KW Tesla Model S doesn't come with a spare either, so it's a trend on high end cars as well. I'm not buying a spare for it, though I am going to get a set of 4 19" alloy wheels and a set of snow tires for it, before next winter, I suppose if I was really worried about it and going on a long trip, I could put one of those in the frunk (if it fits) or the trunk, would also require putting in a jack and lug wrench.

I do have a tire patch kit/inflator I bought on Amazon for now.

 

i just looked under the rear platform. not only is there no spare, there isn't even an under the rear platform!

 

I do believe the size of the battery has something to do with all of this

 

. I bought a Elec Jack, at HF for around $60, works on all cars, from the 12V non cig

They also carry a 12V Jack that works great, on all cars , about $60.

It's between the body and the undercover, exactly inline with the carburetor, to release, push brake pedal and throttle all the way, with engine OFF, while opening left front door.

 

When buyers refuse to buy a car without a spare the trend towards spareless cars will reverse. Same thing if a manufacturer sells some vehicles with, some without: if and when the "without" languish on lots they will get their engineers in gear to address the issue, or discontinue the vehicle.

 

There just isn't room for a spare in the Plug-in Prius, unless you eliminate most storage in the hatch.

The Plug-in does come with a 12V tire inflator, but the inflator works only to inject a bunch of flat-fixing tire goop into your tire. This goop might ruin the TPMS sensors.

My remedy was to purchase a small 12V air pump, a tire plug kit, a set of pliers and diagonal cutters, and some gloves. That will let me fix a flat without using the goop, unless I have a sidewall gash or more serious flat.

If I lived in backcountry, where a flat could pose a risk, I might carry a donut spare, but the Plug-in doesn't seem to be the sort of car for people living in rugged areas like that anyway.

 

Lol bisco is just kidding, don't take him too seriously

 

thank you. humour is all too scarce around here. except for andy, retired and what's her name... oh yeah, prius kitty.
btw, andy? it didn't work.

 

it would be nice if toyota offered a compact spare at a reasonable price as an option, instead of $400. in parts.

 

There's no room for it as an installed option due to the size of the battery. For less that $100 you can get one to carry with you as you feel the need.

 

Yep. If I end up buying a PiP for some reason, I'd likely buy a donut or full-sized spare and carry it w/me if I go on a long trip.

 

agreed. but it would still be easier for everyone if toyota offered one.