I saw some threads and articles that people are removing spare tire and jack out of their trunk to lessen the weigh of their car in order to save gas. Is this worth it ? Do you recommend ?
2007-05-15 16:10:24 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
The weight of the tire and jack have already been factored into the vehicle's fuel efficiency rating. So while it will lessen the weight of the car (or truck) and essentially reduce curb weight, it has no effect on rolling resistance or the coefficient of drag that also impact your fuel economy.
Like everyone else wh already answered..... Keep it in your car!!! It is much cheaper to change your own flat if you're able to. Keep your vehicle tuned up with oil changes, proper tire pressure and pay attention to your driving style. Avoid the "hurry up and stop" method where you are drag racing red light to red light, it is easier to coast up to a red light gradually and in many cases it turns green by the time you get to it.
2007-05-15 18:07:56 · answer #1 · answered by Porterhouse 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
LOL absolutely not.
Your spare/jack is an important safety device, which must be in your car at all times.
The tire+jack weighs... maybe 50 pounds. TOPS. That is not going to make any difference in gas mileage. In a year, it might cost a dollar to carry that spare around.
The best way to save gas is:
1. Use the type of gas recommended in your vehicle's manual.
2. Inflate tires to proper pressure. The proper pressure is posted on the sicker on your driver door frame. DO NOT use the pressure on the tire, as that is the MAX the tire will hold, and you will only end up wearing out the tires very early, and you risk a catastrophic blowout, which could cause a rollover and death or serious injury.
3. Change oil and air filters on time.
4. Slow acceleration.
5. Slow deceleration. If you see a red light 500+ feet ahead, let off the gas.
6. Windows UP and A/C on is better then windows down and A/C off.
2007-05-15 16:22:27 · answer #2 · answered by Mike 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, this is not a good idea. The amount of gas you'd save would not be noticeable if even measureable. Then what do you do if you have a flat?
Think about it - a small sedan weighs 3000 pounds, big SUV's weigh anywhere from 4000 to 6000. What does a tire and jack weigh? 20, maybe 30 lbs? and removing these items has no effect on aerodymanics, which are a bigger factor than weight when you're at speed.
Whoever told you this would help is pulling a fast one on you.
2007-05-15 16:20:59 · answer #3 · answered by PMack 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In reality, Yes you are saving gas by doing this, but it is not worth it. If you do get a flat, you are, summed up, screwed. For the amount of gas you will save, the effects are not worth it. You will be saving maybe $0.01 a tank, probalby less, and that to me is not worth not having a tire and jack. You never know when you're going to have a blowout/flat. The people who recomend this, in my opinion, are stupid. By removing it you are opening up a can of worms. When you don't have it, you will need it.
On some inspections, it is an automatic fail if the vehicle does not have a working and safe jack and spare tire.
2007-05-15 16:19:40 · answer #4 · answered by gregthomasparke 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sound like you have what I call "A Boat" usually 8 cylinders. If it a "Sled" it not worth much and you can modify your engine. IF, you know what Cylinders to "Drop" you can make it run on 4-6 cylinders instead of 8. Remove the Valve cover and Disconnect the Appropriate Valves so they not open and remove the spark plug wires. You can remove the Plugs, but, that can get noisy. What you doing is similar to the old Cadillac 4-6-8 Engine, which was a flop, but, good collector car. It would start with 8 cylinders running and as it got up speed it would shut down cylinders until it only ran on 4. This just a thought and offered as educational purposes and I not take responsibility for whatever. LOL. Hope this helps and Happy Sputtering.
2016-05-19 16:02:46 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bad idea. The less weight will help save gas, but I doubt if you'll really see any difference at all. Your driving habits have abigger affect on mileage than the weight of your spare tire will.
Think of your spare as a safety item. If you are ever stuck on a long dark desolte road, you'll be glad you have the jack and spare.
You'll do better making sure your tires are full of air, I like to run mine about 2 or 3 pounds below the max pressure rating on the sidewall. You give up a little on ride, but make up for it with better mileage. good luck
2007-05-15 16:22:26 · answer #6 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you are trying to save money by getting .001 more miles per gallon by removing your spare and jack, think what a tow will cost you first.
If you are trying to save the planet, 86 the tire and jack.
2007-05-15 16:20:27 · answer #7 · answered by whiner_cooler 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could possibly get a small increase in mileage. It would be a problem if you got a flat tire though.
I would recommend keeping your car tuned up, inflate the tires to the maximum recommended pressure, and adjust your driving style to maximize your fuel mileage.
2007-05-15 16:19:40 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think one flat tire and subsequent tow bill would far exceed the money you would save. Bad idea.
2007-05-15 16:32:09 · answer #9 · answered by servant 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Great Idea!!! Please call me when you get a flat, I would love to charge you $300 to come out and tow you in. But with the .000001 cents per gallon you will save, there will be plenty of cash in your pocket to pay me.
2007-05-15 16:16:40 · answer #10 · answered by de3ne 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋