VUE Spare Tire

[twostirish222]

I recently had an issue with a flat tire. I went to a local place to get it plugged and was told the tire had three nails in it. So they wouldn’t plug it. I went to where the spare was and to my surprise it was a donut. I could have sworn when I first purchased the VUE I was told they no longer gave donuts I got a real spare tire.

Now let me back track I had my car inspected at Saturn back in April and was told I needed a new tire. So I paid for a new tire. Is it possible that they would take my spare switch it with the donut and charge me for a new tire? I did question Saturn on this and they said a full size tire would not fit in the wheel well.

I have a 2003 VUE.

[f3qu3t]

The spare on the VUE is indeed a 'donut'.

[vuefrommidwest]

I was told by the salesman also that it was a "full-size" spare.

Later, I asked the service manager why it had the "do-nut"

He said it qualified as full-size because it was the same diameter as the regular tire.........

UH-HUH!!

[DesertPuma]

This is about the only complaint I have about the VUE.

It is my understanding the GL has no spare, something to do with needing the extra space for some of the compenents necessary for the Hybrid system.

[Tom92SCm]

The VUE spare tire is what I would call a "full sized donut". It has the same overall diameter as a normal tire, but only a fraction of the tread width. Most donuts are smaller in diameter which can lead to odd handling.

Spare tires in general are starting to disappear from cars. My only guess would be that it's an easy weight savings. Less weight equals better gas mileage numbers. But that's just a guess as to why this seems to be popular on non-hybrids. Most hybrids need the spare tire well for batteries and motors and stuff.

[stew32]

Like everyone else said, it is "full size" only in respect to being the same diameter as the regular wheels. It was probably required for the ABS equipped or AWD models. If you've ever driven on a spare that's a smaller diameter, you'll appreciate the "full size" one!

I'm not sure if it's recommended, but it makes it possible to use the spare on the front. I tried that with a smaller donut on a different vehicle and it was exhausting fighting the steering wheel the 10 miles to the tire shop. I knew the manual said I was supposed to put the spare on the back, but 10 miles didn't seem so far...

As why they're disappearing, I don't think they're needed very often. I've only had 2 flats and have driven a total somewhere between 175k-200k miles. Both were slow leaks from nails or screws. If I'd had a small compressor, I could've filled them up and driven to the nearest service station to get them patched. When the vehicles have no spare, they usually have a compressor thing with sealant? That works for me as long as the sealant doesn't make the tire unrepairable or mess up the balance. I guess the more expensive ones may have run flat tires good for 50-100 miles.

[D C]

What they all said. It's a nearly-full-diameter spare. My guess at the reason why is the AWD system. Put a small tire on one wheel and the AWD system will see the difference in rotational speeds and the AWD system may engage.

[binkybaby]

i've never tried it before but will a fullsize tire (not the spare "fullsize donut") fit in that area?

[JPDucketts]

Originally Posted by twostirish222

I recently had an issue with a flat tire. I went to a local place to get it plugged and was told the tire had three nails in it. So they wouldn’t plug it. I went to where the spare was and to my surprise it was a donut. I could have sworn when I first purchased the VUE I was told they no longer gave donuts I got a real spare tire.

Now let me back track I had my car inspected at Saturn back in April and was told I needed a new tire. So I paid for a new tire. Is it possible that they would take my spare switch it with the donut and charge me for a new tire? I did question Saturn on this and they said a full size tire would not fit in the wheel well.

I have a 2003 VUE.

Do you really think they woud do that? seriously

[stew32]

Originally Posted by binkybaby

i've never tried it before but will a fullsize tire (not the spare "fullsize donut") fit in that area?

Nope. Too wide. If I remember correctly, the spare is at an angle. Part of the tread for spare fits in an opening that's about underneath the latch for the hatch. The tread of a regular tire is too wide to fit in that opening. Also, a full size tire and wheel is too wide to fit under the cargo floor.

[KCW]

Interesting! I also had three nails in the back tire on my Vue. I was able to plug two of them with the tire plug kit from Walmart, but the third nail went in at an angle on the edge of the tire, so I took it to a local gas station.

The guy was able to plug that hole too. I figured, since these tires are about $150 a piece it was worth a shot. That was 6 months ago - no problems.

BTW, I am very impressed with the Bridgestone tires that came with my Vue. They have a layer of soft 'rubber' inside that seals punctures. I dont know how long those 3 nails were in my tire before I noticed the TIC TIC TIC on the road, but the tire did not lose any air.

[rdalton]

I've been driving around with a screw in my tire for the last 6 months. The tire looses a few psi a week but it's no big deal to top up. I just haven't had the time to go and get the screw removed and plugged.

[Tom92SCm]

Originally Posted by KCW

BTW, I am very impressed with the Bridgestone tires that came with my Vue.

WOW! I do believe you are the first person to publically admit that. I've had some foreign objects in my Bridgestones as well with no issues, but at no point would I ever say that I was impressed with the tires.

[KCW]

If you had seen that one 6 inch long, rusty old scraggly nail after I pulled it out, you would understand :^)

BTW, I forgot to mention, that self sealing thing only works if you leave the nail in the tire.

[Ritz]

Originally Posted by Tom92SCm

WOW! I do believe you are the first person to publically admit that. I've had some foreign objects in my Bridgestones as well with no issues, but at no point would I ever say that I was impressed with the tires.

I have to agree. I think he's got very low expectations. The Duelers are quite possibly the worst tire I've ever experienced on a new car since bias ply tires from the 60's and 70's. Also, I don't recall reading anything about them having any special puncture sealing capabilities. I think the other poster was just lucky. Sometimes nails leak, sometimes they don't.

Cheers,

[KCW]

Originally Posted by Ritz

... Also, I don't recall reading anything about them having any special puncture sealing capabilities. ...,

I dont know what years they had the puncture barriers in tires, but its definately in the tire info that came with my Vue manual.

I specifically checked the documentation to see if there was a road hazard warranty on the factory tires - thats when I learned about the sealing barrier.

[Ritz]

Originally Posted by KCW

I dont know what years they had the puncture barriers in tires, but its definately in the tire info that came with my Vue manual.

I specifically checked the documentation to see if there was a road hazard warranty on the factory tires - thats when I learned about the sealing barrier.

Interesting. Ya learn sumthin new every day.

Cheers,

[djb383]

Originally Posted by rdalton

I've been driving around with a screw in my tire for the last 6 months. The tire looses a few psi a week but it's no big deal to top up. I just haven't had the time to go and get the screw removed and plugged.

You need to take the time to get the tire repaired. Wouldn't you think it could be a safety issue for others around you?

[mellissam]

Originally Posted by KCW

BTW, I am very impressed with the Bridgestone tires that came with my Vue. They have a layer of soft 'rubber' inside that seals punctures. I dont know how long those 3 nails were in my tire before I noticed the TIC TIC TIC on the road, but the tire did not lose any air.

I wouldn't say I am impresed with the tires, but unlike some folks who think the tire is the devil's handi-work, I find the tires alright. I only have driven them on dry, tar paved roads, or (very) wet roads with no signs of hydroplaning....

Funny enough, I pulled out a 1/2 - 3/4 inch screw out of my tire on the crown of the tire, without any leakage....lucky me.....

Nice to know about the self-sealing, and the fact the spare is full-size (in diameter only)....I hate little donuts!! If it wasn't for the space alloted to the AWD system, we could have a full-size tire in the back.....

[Venomized]

The old donuts were limited to 50MPH and 3000 miles. I would have to look and verify but I remember my dealer telling me the speed limit on the new style donut is 65MPH.