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Replacing Tire Repair Kit with a Donut

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by 155, Jan 24, 2016.

  1. 155

    155 Member

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    I was wondering if anyone knew what parts I would specifically need, if it's feasible to replace the tire repait kit in the back of my Four Touring with a real donut and have it look somewhat nice. I couldn't figure out how to remove the sytrofoam cover to look at what was under it and see if there was a spot to even hold a donut.

    Also the touring models have larger tires, so they might need a different size wheel/donut?
     
  2. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    No, the emergency spare is fine with either the 15" wheels or the 17" wheels. The overall diameter of the two wheel/tyre combos is almost the same.
    You will need to learn how to remove the styrofoam, because you will have to get a new piece of it for the emergency spare parts to fit in. You will also need to remove it to see if the tyre holddown is in the car (I suspect it's under there). Note that the "stuff" that's in the rear of each car is designed to help with collision energy absorption, so if you change it you need to be aware of what you might be loosing. This is why you should stick with the entire stock setup for each option. In other words, if you want the emergency spare, replace all the parts that you currently have with the parts that come with the vehicles with the emergency spare.
     
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    don't the models with no spare have the lower hatch floor?
     
  4. 155

    155 Member

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    Under the hatch, they have a large styrofoam piece that seems not designed to be removed, which holds the tire repair kit.

    Does anyone who works for a dealership know what parts I would specifically need to replace in the back to replicate a stock with a spare tire?
     
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  5. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Here are some graphics from Tideland Prius ...not too much detail. I am not thinking you have much space under the styrofoam.

    With spare (or E-Four AWD)

    [​IMG]

    457L = 16.1 cu. ft.

    Without spare:

    [​IMG]
     
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    @155 Did you know going in it didn't have the spare? 3T does I think.
     
  7. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    I see a few German automakers have a collapsible donut spare that needs to be inflated. Also they have storage bag for donut spares so you can put in your trunk a little more neatly.
     
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  8. DallasGuy

    DallasGuy Junior Member

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    Great idea. Any links to these parts please?
     
  9. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    Yes, sounds good idea.

    For a bag - when I had a car with the tyre [tire] exposed in the boot [trunk] in my first VOLVO 164, I simply got a large plastic bag and put the tyre in it. It was very handy when I had a flat on a wet/muddy road - the contents of the boot didn't get muddy.

    Like this - only with the tyre in a bag (GOOGLE image).
    upload_2018-4-18_8-8-31.png
     
  10. Since2002

    Since2002 Senior Lurker

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    Couldn't you just put it in a box?

    box-you-deserve-a-donut-2-dozen.jpg
     
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  11. SneezyKevinA

    SneezyKevinA Junior Member

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    Do you NEED a spare?

    Just asking. I have not needed a town or a spare since I think in 94 when I had my truck. That was probably half a million miles ago.

    Also, most people forget (and not all dealers really check) the air in a spare anyway.

    2 of 4 cars have inflation kits.

    I'm not trying to be a jerk or anything, just trying to figure out why people get hung up on not having a spare, that's all.
     
    #11 SneezyKevinA, Apr 18, 2018
    Last edited: Apr 18, 2018
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  12. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    When you need it you need it. It will happen.

    As for never checking the pressure in the spare, Toyota, in their "wisdom", store the spare in Pearl S with the valve -down-. You have to remove it to check it! I guess nobody's perfect?
     
  13. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Honda does that too. :(
     
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  14. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    Suspect it's so they can fit bits and bobs in the cavity of the wheel and they never even considered the pressure check.:whistle:
     
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  15. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    I suspect the valve is down to protect it if (when?) the driver tosses stuff in there on the tire.

    A spare is sure cheaper than roadside assistance, and usually way faster. I have needed and used a spare three times in the past five years.
     
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  16. Priifan

    Priifan Member

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    Right on, Jerry! A spare may add years to your life depending on your location at that time. Especially for a woman on a rainy night in Georgia or wherever. AAA only works if you have cell service. Please bring back spares, Toyota.
     
  17. RobH

    RobH Senior Member

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    Is this a report that Georgia is less civilized than North Carolina? Just checking...:LOL:
     
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  18. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    That would be rough.
    From what I have seen, North Carolina is less civilized than Virginia .;)
     
  19. Since2002

    Since2002 Senior Lurker

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    I would comment but I've got to go get my clothes off the line before it rains :D
     
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  20. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    LOL!! Not to worry. I think I got your reference. ;) But I wouldn't like changing tires in the rain in any state.
     
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