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Spare Tire

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Arthurwg, Sep 1, 2024.

  1. Arthurwg

    Arthurwg Junior Member

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    I bought my 2015 Prius used from a Toyota dealer. After driving about 80,000 miles I had a flat, only to discover that my car did not have a spare, jack or wrench! I guess I should have looked for that when I bought it, but somehow I assumed the car would come with that equipment. I called the dealer to complain only to find that the dealership had changed hands and they were not interested. Anyway, now I'm faced with replacing the spare and tools. So what do I need? A doughnut, jack and wrench? Any suggestions where I might find that used?
     
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  2. Arthurwg

    Arthurwg Junior Member

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    As an alternative to the Donut, I'm wondering if a full-size spare will fit into the compartment in the trunk. Also, what kind of a jack do I need? Thanks for the help.
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you could try ebay, or if there are any salvage yards nearby. there should be no shortage of junked prius. i don't think full size will fit, but i could be wrong.
    you should be able to get all the part numbers and specs from a dealer parts department.
    it's just a standard scissors jack, but you couldn't go wrong if you can find a descent aftermarket, the oem is pretty flimsy.
    i hink you jack on the pinch weld under the rockers, it should be in your owners manual.
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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  5. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    I have a full size spare in my Prius. 20230205_105351.jpeg
     
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  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I'd wager the hatch floor sits an inch or two higher.
     
  7. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    What you see in the picture is how I have it, the trunk floor does not raise 1" and lays as it should.
     
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    With the black plastic sub-floor tray missing.
     
  9. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    Yes as you see it without the black plastic sub-floor tray.
     
  10. MAX2

    MAX2 Member

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    Size of aluminum wheel?
    Tires?
     
  11. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    It is a an OEM 15" and tire is 195/65R15
     
  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    OP asked a simple question in post #2.

    You shoehorned a full-size spare in there, which rides high both due to chafing the sidewall and the tire's increased width, and to compensate omitted underfloor tray and tool cradle, likely leaving the hatch floor unevenly supported.

    I've tried dropping a full size tire/rim combo in there, know what happens.
     
    #12 Mendel Leisk, Sep 4, 2024
    Last edited: Sep 4, 2024
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  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    at least we know it can be done if that satisfies your objective
     
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  14. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    No need to use a shoe horn, it was not a tight fit and has space around the tire and goes in and out very easy.

    The hatch floor has no problems staying in place as normal. I often have lots of things in the trunk with no collapse happening.
     
  15. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Well I learn something every day.
     
  16. Arthurwg

    Arthurwg Junior Member

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    The saga continues. I managed to buy a jack kit, complete with the plastic holder. I also bought a rim and tire donut that was supposed to fit a 2015 car, but on arrival it seems to be much too big! No way will it fit into the compartment. Indeed, the tire is about 26" in diameter, while the width of the spare compartment seems to be 22", max. I'm sending it back. But what diameter should the proper spare be? This is all very confusing.

    BTW, I notice that my profile lists a 2008 car. That was my first one, which was totaled with me in it while parked in Santa Fe. The current car is 2015.
     
  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    The complete specification of the temp spare tire, and the regular tires, is shown in the Owner’s Manual. They’re both about the same, within maybe 1/8”. The stock 195/56R15 is (theoretically) 25” OD.

    Have you got the Owners Manual? If not there’s PDF available, from Toyota Tech Info for one, under the Manuals Tab.

    From whom? Yo relied on them to spec the rim, size the tire?

    my 2 cents: get the Toyota spare tire rim, buy and have mounted the correct spec temp spare.

    FYI: Toyota changed the temp spare spec for Gen 4, but for inexplicable reason: the stock tires and rims have identical specs to Gen 3. Also, Gen 3 spec (16” vs 17”) is actually closer in OD to stock (195/65R15).
     
    #17 Mendel Leisk, Sep 20, 2024 at 9:38 AM
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2024 at 9:44 AM
  18. ColoradoBoo

    ColoradoBoo Senior Member

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    It's just smart to want a spare in case of a flat. I found a good price on a donut spare for my 21 Prius but didn't have any luck trying to find one for my wife's 24 Corolla Hybrid which has 18 inch tires. (Over $400 for a donut) so just bought a full size steel rim and tire for just over $200.. Her trunk is huge, though, so not too intrusive and it's just us so we don't buy huge hauls of groceries at one time, anyway.
     
  19. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    There's a phenomena 'round here, not sure if it's widespread, nor why:

    I was thinking, having a car that's build date is a solid 15 years back, to replace our temp spare tire. I contacted our loca Kal Tire outlet, asked about it, and they just shut down the conversation, saying in a nutshell "we don't do temp spares". Not sure why that would be. Thoughts?

    I suppose I should contact a few other places, but seems weird. I get a hunch no one ...ever... replaces their temp spares, at least not for "aging out".