I recently decided to upgrade to a full size spare for my o1 accord. Unfortunatly 14x5.5's are impossible to find this week. Anyways I went a 14x5 with a 185/65. Closest match I could find to the 14x5.5 195/70's, Its still a little bit smaller than the full size but kicks butt over the stock donut. Haven't driven on it yet and I'm wondering if using this tire for long term (thousands of miles) could have any immediate serious effects on drive train or suspension/brakes. I plan on keeping it in the rear, and rotating as necessary. anyone ever tried this before? Maybe I will just sell it when a 14x5.5 comes around.

 

all of my previous full size spares were identical to the factory wheels, and rotated with the tires and when i got new tires, i bought 5. if the tire isn't the exact same height, it can cause uneven wear on the other tires.

if you just go with what you have, and fix the damaged tire as soon as possible, you'll be fine. i wouln't run a smaller tire long term.

I'm in a similar situation. my problem is the tires on my 01 accord are directional, so i can't really get a matching spare. instead, i'll just match the height and width and not rotate the tire. but needing a 5 lug makes my search even more difficult, and i'll also match the factory rims, further complecating my search. in know somewhere, there is an 01 accord in a junk yard with my rim and a good tire... i just need to find it.

 

yes, and also add the fact that the dealer wants 170+ for a stock replacement steel wheel, about 40$ used. I could get a painted racing style rim for at least half that, but I thing I would rather be seen with the donut instead.