GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

We ran over something and punctured a tire. Put the temporary spare on and found that it only had 25 PSI. I carry a small compressor but we were only 3/4 miles from home so we just drove on the low tire.

I need to remember to check my spare occasionally but it is a pain because the thing has to be unbolted and removed from the well in order to check.

Just thought I would give a reminder that it needs checked annually if not more often. Don't get caught with an unusable spare.

I have never checked the spare pressure with any cars I had. but like you I usually have a compressor just in case. I might have to have it checked when I get my tires swapped.

beemerphile1 wrote:I need to remember to check my spare occasionally but it is a pain because the thing has to be unbolted and removed from the well in order to check. Don't get caught with an unusable spare.

+1

Also, you can use a little Meguiar's Hot Shine on the spare's sidewalls to prevent dry rot.

It is definitely a PITA to remove the spare tire, but it is very important to check the pressure on it on occasion so it's ready if and when you need it.

I try to check ours at least every other month or so. Whenever I check them, they never seem to be more than a couple pounds low.

I always check at oil change time.

The 4 on the ground seem to never loose pressure but the spare does.

I know this pop-ups every now and then but just a reminder to everyone, check your spare pressure.

I just checked mine after four years of ownership and it was down to 22 PSI.. touching wood.

Thanks for the reminder. The spare in the Vibe has often needed attention, so....

15 PSI!

The other four stay right where I leave them. Costco nitrogen filled.

Amen to checking your spare. Last I checked it had a nice chunk missing on the thread...unuseable. Havent looked for a spare yet. Thankfully I have a air compressor & tire plugs

cptnsolo77 wrote:Thankfully I have a air compressor & tire plugs

I need one too. Mine practically exploded last time I used it. I hate shelling 40$ on a cheap portable compressor when I have my huge compressor in the garage.

Any recommendation on a good portable compressor that will last?

cythraul wrote:[quote="cptnsolo77"Thankfully I have a air compressor & tire plugs

I need one too. Mine practically exploded last time I used it. I hate shelling 40$ on a cheap portable compressor when I had my huge compressor in the garage.

Any recommendation on a good portable compressor that will last?[/quote]
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-in-1-jum ... 69401.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

had mine for 3 years now and use it frequently to fill things like mattresses and kiddie pools. I always take it with me on trips to be safe. It had a car charger, but the kids seem to have moved it.

Funny. How apropos. When trying to stuff something else in the middle of the spare, under the "cargo tray package" I noticed that a quart of Mobil 1 0w-20 had leaked out and down through the tire and well. A real fun cleanup job. Since I had the spare out, I checked the pressure. 28psi. Interestingly, written in a yellow marker on the side of the tire was a "36". Cold maximum side pressure says 60. It is a Firestone. States 60psi in a couple different places. Wonder what the deal with the yellow "36" is about. Do they only fill it to 36 from factory? I filled it to 60-62 depending on what gauge I use.

On a side note, that Mobil 1 has been there a long, long, time. Never needed to top off. Last oil change, did go over 8000 miles before a change and probably could of put about a half a quart in,......and I guess I actually did, just unintentionally in the wrong place! I did not see any verified performance gains....or losses from adding oil in that unique application, although seat of the pants measurement says she still purrs like a kitten.

Only have about 31,000 miles on it so far, but mileage will be racking up faster in the next few years.