Spare Tire Size

[sillyazz]

I have a 07 NBS Silverado Z71, the tires that are on it are 18's and the spare tire is a 17 if I ever get a flat is it safe to run a 3 18's and 1 17 ? Do I need to take it back to the dealer and find out why they put a 17 inch tire for a spare on a truck that takes 18 inch tires? Anyone else noticed this with there Z71 ?

Kenneth

[Midwestcruiser]

Ever have a car with a doughnut spare? Same principle...short term solution. Either that or they screwed up. It's worth a call to the dealer.

[sillyazz]

Just looked on the sticker that came on the window without the Z71 package it came with 17 inch tires on it . I guess they dont give you an 18 tire for the spare when you get the Z71 package. But going to call the dealer about it anyways.

[MS3DALE]

Its normal,GM's been doing this for the last few years,Read this bulletin.....

 

 

Subject: Info - Spare Tire is a Different Size than Other Tires #02-03-10-001C - (08/28/2006)

 

 

 

Models: 2002-2007 Cadillac Escalade Models

 

2000-2007 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe

 

2002-2007 Chevrolet Avalanche

 

1999-2007 Chevrolet Silverado

 

2001 GMC Sierra C3

 

2001-2007 GMC Yukon Models

 

2002-2007 GMC Sierra Denali

 

1999-2007 GMC Sierra

 

 

This bulletin is being revised to include the 18" and 22" Accessory Wheel available through GMSPO and to update the model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-03-10-001B (Section 03 -- Suspension).

 

 

This bulletin is being issued to supply additional information concerning the spare tire on the above vehicles. You or your customers may have noticed that the spare tire has a 16 or 17-inch diameter steel wheel while the road tires have a 17-inch, 18-inch, 20-inch or 22-inch diameter aluminum wheel. Although the spare tire has a different wheel diameter and may be a different brand, the rolling circumference is nearly identical to the road tires. The size difference will not cause a concern because the spare and the other tires will travel the same distance in one revolution.

 

This combination of non-matching tires is used most often on full-size trucks. These vehicles use a road tire and wheel combination that may be too large to conveniently fit the storage compartment space of the vehicle. The customer may not be able to easily remove the spare tire/wheel from the storage area because of its size and/or weight. A steel spare wheel, rather than an aluminum one, may be used since the spare is stowed under the vehicle where it is exposed to road and weather elements. A steel wheel is less likely to incur cosmetic damage while in the stowed position for long periods of time.

 

Please provide this information to your customers. Also, remind your customers of the importance of following the tire maintenance schedule as listed in their Owner Manual. Additional tire care information can be found by visiting www.gmtiresafety.com or contacting GM toll-free at 1-866-522-0505.

 

 

 

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

 

 

© Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

 

My '04 had 17" wheels,but a 16" spare wheel/tire,My '07 has 18" wheels,but a 17' spare wheel/tire.

[sillyazz]

Thanks Rich.

[silverad03]

I've often wondered about the ramifications of using a different sized spare. I have 285/70/17s in the summer and the factory 265/75/16 spare. The diameters are pretty close, but when you set them side by side there appears to be more difference than you would think.

 

I assume that using the smaller diameter spare is ok so long as I don't drive around with the spare on for weeks, or tow anything real heavy?