hey, im just wondering if anyone knows where i could get a temporary spare tire that would fit my 2008 A4 quattro. I have the factory full size spare but was thinking i would swap it out and try to save weight (improve mpg). i know i could look at the dealer but i was hoping for a relatively cheap option.

 

Try Used Car Parts Locator Used Auto Truck Salvage Yards
You can tour the salvage yards up at the top of the page.
Since"Cash for Clunkers",salvage isn't what it used to be.
Hope this helps!!

 

Personally I wouldn't recommend this for a couple of reasons. The full size spare isn't all that heavy (in the grand scheme of things) and won't even amount to 1 mpg difference. Even if you pay $50 for one, it's going to take forever to make up that money with maybe a .1 or .2 mpg gain. Second thing is, those smaller donut tires are usually smaller in diameter, and if you have to drive with one, there's potential for hurting your trans/Quattro system (as 3 out of 4 tires are the same diameter) a smaller tire on one side will turn much faster than the others. You can't travel as fast, you'll have to limp to a tire shop. but just my 2 cents.

 

yea, i didnt post that but i was wondering how much of a difference it would make. also, i wasnt sure if audi offered a temporary spare that would be the appropriate size or if the full size tire was the only option/standard equipment.

 

I haven't seen one offered, but I also haven't been on the prowl for one I think it'd make a big enough difference for something bad to happen, if traveling a long distance. I'm not exactly sure how the Quattro system works but if its smaller on one side, the slip clutches or whatever they use to transfer power to wheel to wheel, will wear prematurely or break. I think the car would sense the smaller wheel as if it were slipping and constantly try to account for that. It goes along with it's very important to change all 4 tires at the same time, and have all 4 tires at the same air pressure etc. I'm sure you know this owning an Audi. To me, trying to get minor MPG gain from a donut tire, or same size diameter tire with thinner footprint isn't worth the potential internal damage to the drivetrain...especially when you have a nice rim and nice full size tire available for use when needed

 

yea thats a good point. thanks man