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Flat Tire Question

Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 1:06 pm
by avera01
Hi,

This a is a two part question looking for guidance and advice.

First, the other night I hit a pothole, large and deep enough to bend the lip on the stock rim around 1/4" deep between the spokes; the smooth bend is approximately covering a 3" arc. The impact was very fast, hard and loud, pretty sure I hit the bumper stop, no apparent damage underneath. The car did not bottom out. So far the damage seems just to the rim, the tire stayed inflated.

State Farm is paying to fix the rim and replace the tire plus alignment and perhaps any hidden damage once the alignment is done and car road tested. Currently with the bent rim it drives straight with only a sight vibration at 45-50 mph (drove the car to the dealership for repairs). The car only has 3900 miles on it, 2016 GT

1) So the first question, with the new tire mounted in the rear and the three old stock tire with 3900 miles on them, do I need to have the tire "shaved" to match the diameter of the worn tires or the difference doesn't matter since it is going on the rear (no limited slip on the GT)? Replacing the second tire will be at my expense.

2) Does repairing/repainting the rim present any danger or further suspension problems?

For the second part:

Is there a doughnut spare that will fit within the trunk? I carry a plug kit, better compressor and will soon be buying a scissor jack (Mazda 2 probably) to carry. But a bent rim with a blown out tire presents another challenge only a spare would do. I do have AAA, but with long Miata club road trips, there is a concern of waiting a long time for a tow let alone to find a place with the rim and replacement tire.

Any advice or suggestions?

Thanks in advance

Andrew

Re: Flat Tire Question

Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2017 7:56 am
by avera01
Hi,

I was hoping for someone to chime in regarding the the need (if necessary) of "shaving" the tire as I have to make a decision soon with the repairs.

As for the spare tire, it is more of an idea and planning concern for long or distant trips. Just trying to consider all options.

Re: Flat Tire Question

Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2017 9:58 am
by Brian
Much of our team at the Super Lap battle this week, but I don't know of spare that fits. I have seen threads on that at Miata.net, might search there. I never like to replace just one tire, but drive the result and see if you get any sensor issues. Some cars (like new Audi), do require all four tires get replaced or the speed sensors get confused. I just don't know if that would happen on the ND. My guess is that it would not happen, because I have put on a few mixed sets of tires for purposes of driving to photo shoots for new wheels and not seen any codes so far with that.

Re: Flat Tire Question

Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2017 5:06 pm
by avera01
Hi Brian,

Thanks for the reply. I agree and normally would replace both tires, but given the relatively lows miles on the other 3 tires and the car is more of a weekend driving vehicle, I just prefer to minimize my expenses without compromising safety or compounding any other problems.

As for a spare, probably order one of your wheels to act as an emergency tire to be kept in my garage. To keep things similar, are any of the rims you carry a comparable to the stock rims with stock GT tires? I would use the tire/rim for only to get the car home and minimal use while the stock rim/tire is repaired or replaced.

Thanks Again,

Andrew

Re: Flat Tire Question

Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 2:26 pm
by JovencioS877
For my ND-derived Fiat 124 Spider Abarth (standard brakes), I picked up a used spare tire from a 2012 Prius C. It has the same hub bore diameter and bolt pattern.

Clears the front calipers, but not the rear. For my jack, I bought one from Harbor Freight.