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Spare tire

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by djphill, Jul 7, 2008.

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  1. djphill

    djphill Master of The World

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    I no it might be a little risky, but do you think it would be worth it to drive without a spare tire. The reduction in weight could help mpg, probably not by much but any increase that is at least over a couple mpg's is good.
     
    #1 djphill, Jul 7, 2008
  2. sdtundra

    sdtundra Senior Member

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    This thought has crossed my mind a few times. I think i may do it for local driving, and put it back in for longer trips seein as i didnt renew my AAA
     
    #2 sdtundra, Jul 7, 2008
  3. djphill

    djphill Master of The World

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    does anybody know how much of an impact this will have on mpg
     
    #3 djphill, Jul 7, 2008
  4. ceric

    ceric New Member

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    Well some people did that for performance reason.
    Assuming that the spare is 20lb, you are looking at 2/3 of 1% reduction in weight,
    which is 0.4mpg assuming 60mpg as a base line and mpg proportional to weight with small delta. Carry a plug kit instead if you really want to get rid of it.
     
    #4 ceric, Jul 7, 2008
  5. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    In real terms that is a theoretical saving of 0.03 litres per 100km, that is every 100 miles you travel you will save a massive 0.048 litres or 1.62 fluid ounces or 10 teaspoons. or every 7,800 miles you will save a gallon of gas. All this just for being stuck, helpless on the side of the road for an hour or more.

    Or you can have a spare tyre in the back of the car in case you get a flat tyre.
     
    #5 patsparks, Jul 7, 2008
  6. Tchou

    Tchou Member

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    that way, putting everyone on a diet will also have an impact on MPG...
     
    #6 Tchou, Jul 7, 2008
  7. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    ... or you could avoid one hard brake application per day.
     
    #7 patsparks, Jul 7, 2008
  8. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    It would make getting in and out of the car much easier and ease working on the car.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #8 bwilson4web, Jul 7, 2008
  9. bac

    bac Active Member

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    It's not worth the risk for a return of almost nothing.

    ... Brad
     
    #9 bac, Jul 7, 2008
  10. djphill

    djphill Master of The World

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    k thx i guess i'll keep it but does anybody know any other positive affects it could have except for getting a little extra space (that i don't need).
     
    #10 djphill, Jul 7, 2008
  11. Jiipa

    Jiipa MGySgt USMC (Ret)

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    You could probably get a couple of bucks for it on ebay.:D
     
    #11 Jiipa, Jul 8, 2008
  12. Bob64

    Bob64 Sapphire of the Blue Sky

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    Keep in mind:
    a plug kit will NOT work on sidewall punctures.
    Also, do not use a can of fix-a-flat, it'll destroy the TPMS sensor.
     
    #12 Bob64, Jul 8, 2008
  13. Tchou

    Tchou Member

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    maybe you could remove all 5 wheels and the seats too, it will be much lighter...
     
    #13 Tchou, Jul 8, 2008
  14. djphill

    djphill Master of The World

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    thanks that really helps
     
    #14 djphill, Jul 8, 2008
  15. sta bene

    sta bene Junior Member

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    #15 sta bene, Jul 8, 2008
  16. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    One good thing, if you don't have a mobile phone it could lead to more exercise (while you walk to find a phone) therefore better personal fitness!
    Does that do it for you?
     
    #16 patsparks, Jul 8, 2008
  17. Stefx

    Stefx Member

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    Use a bicycle once a week, you'll save more gas than by removing the spare.
     
    #17 Stefx, Jul 8, 2008
  18. Sheepdog

    Sheepdog C'Mere Sheepie!

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    You guys are tough! anyway, Have you tried P&G, warp, or highway warp yet? Cruise Control doesnt help me very much on the rolling hills of the interstate.
     
    #18 Sheepdog, Jul 8, 2008
  19. GatorJZ

    GatorJZ Member

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    #19 GatorJZ, Jul 8, 2008
  20. rfruth

    rfruth Member

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    Is the spare (& jacking equipment) near the rear - if so its good to have a little more weight in the back (helps handling characteristics) + like others have said you paid for it and may come in handy.
     
    #20 rfruth, Jul 8, 2008
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