Spare Tires & the 2027 Silverado

A full-size spare tire is the same size category as the tires you normally drive on, so it can be used more like a regular tire. Compared with a compact “donut,” it generally offers better ride quality and fewer limitations. Many modern vehicles still choose compact spares to save space and weight.

T185 is a tire size designation commonly used for compact spare tires. It indicates the tire’s width and aspect ratio category in a shorthand format. In the segment, the host uses it to highlight that the compact spare is dramatically different from the vehicle’s normal wheel/tire setup.

An air pump (often an onboard or portable compressor) is used to inflate a spare tire after a puncture or when the spare is low. Compact spares can lose pressure over time, so having a way to reinflate it can be the difference between driving safely and being stranded. The host specifically credits having one for preventing a worse outcome.

The Chevrolet Blazer EV is an electric version of the Blazer nameplate, aimed at bringing EV power to a midsize SUV format. It was referenced as part of a driving experience (“driving our Blazer EV down to San Diego”), which typically comes up when discussing real-world usability. Spare-tire and packaging topics often matter on EVs, so it fits the episode’s theme.

“DC charge” refers to fast-charging an electric vehicle using direct current. It’s typically what roadside fast chargers use, and it can add a lot of range in less time than slower home charging.

Modern Spare is a company that sells spare tire kits, including tires and the associated jack. The speaker highlights that the kit included specific load/speed-rated components for their car.

A “weight-rated jack” is a lifting tool with a specified maximum load it can safely raise. Using a jack beyond its rating can be dangerous, especially when lifting a heavier vehicle or when the spare/tire kit includes specific hardware.

“Special size tires” means non-standard tire sizes that may be less common in local shops and harder to source quickly. That can turn a simple flat into a longer wait for repair or replacement.

Tesla is an EV brand, and the speaker uses it as an example of an electric car that might be harder to get help for if you’re stranded. The point is about tire/spare readiness during trips, not Tesla-specific hardware.

“Marketplace” here refers to Facebook Marketplace, an online classifieds platform. It’s relevant because the host is describing selling the spare kit later if it doesn’t fit the next car.

“Spares” here means keeping an extra tire (usually a spare wheel and tire) in the vehicle so you can replace a flat without waiting for roadside help. It’s a practical ownership choice that matters most when help may be far away or slow to arrive.

Spare tire pressure is the air pressure in your spare tire, which needs to be kept within the recommended range so the spare is usable when you need it. Spare tires often sit unused for long periods, so pressure can drop over time.

AAA is a roadside assistance organization many Americans use for services like towing and tire changes. The host contrasts relying on AAA versus being prepared to handle a flat yourself.

An emergency kit is a set of supplies kept in the vehicle for unexpected situations, such as breakdowns or being stranded. The host notes that it’s not only about getting out of an emergency immediately, but also about being able to manage the situation until help arrives.

The Toyota Corolla is a compact car known for practical everyday transportation and strong mainstream appeal. It came up in the discussion about spare tires and how some cars store them differently (or don’t include a full-size spare). That makes it relevant for buyers who want to understand what’s in the trunk and what to expect during a flat tire.

The Jeep Cherokee is called out as another recent vehicle the host says may not include a spare tire you can simply swap in. This is relevant because some trims/years rely on temporary solutions rather than a conventional spare wheel.

The Honda Passport is an SUV that offers a temporary spare tire option (or a full-size spare, depending on configuration). The key point is that Honda designs the storage and mounting so the spare doesn’t take as much cargo space as it would in a more basic setup.

A temporary spare (often called a “donut” in everyday talk) is a smaller, lighter spare tire designed to get you to a repair shop rather than replace the tire permanently. It typically has speed and distance limits, so it’s meant for short-term use.

The Tesla Model 3 is an EV that, as discussed here, is commonly delivered without a spare tire. That’s part of a broader EV packaging trend: space and weight are managed differently, so many EVs rely on roadside assistance or tire-repair solutions instead of a spare.

The Tesla Model Y is an electric compact SUV designed for daily driving with an all-electric powertrain. It was mentioned in the context of whether EVs include a spare tire, since many EVs package tools and tires differently than gas cars. That’s important for owners because a flat tire can be more inconvenient if there’s no full-size spare.

Run-flat tires are tires designed to keep supporting the vehicle even after a puncture, so you can keep driving for a limited distance without changing the tire immediately. They’re meant to reduce roadside hassle, but they can feel harsher and may be more expensive to replace.

A “fix-a-flat” can is a tire sealant product used to plug a puncture and allow the tire to hold air again. It’s typically paired with a tire inflator kit so you can seal the leak and then reinflate the tire to get moving.

A tire inflator kit is the air pump (often with a hose and pressure gauge) included with sealant kits to reinflate the tire after the puncture is sealed. It’s part of many modern “no spare” setups because it’s lighter and takes up less space than a spare tire.

A space-saver spare is a smaller, lighter spare tire (often with a narrower tread) intended for temporary use. Because it’s not meant for full-time driving, it typically has speed and distance limits compared with a normal spare.

The Dodge Durango is a three-row midsize SUV aimed at families that need space and versatility. The podcast noted that some American vehicles, including Durangos, can come with full-size spare tires. That’s a practical advantage because full-size spares are generally easier and safer to use than temporary spares.

The Chevrolet Tahoe is a large, full-size SUV, and the host cites it as an example of an American vehicle that generally includes a full-size spare tire. In the spare-tire debate, that’s a practical difference versus sealant kits or space-saver spares.

The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV, and the host groups it with other big American SUVs that “generally have full size spares.” That’s relevant because spare-tire equipment is increasingly being replaced by lighter solutions like sealant and inflators.

“Percentage of sales” means the data is weighted by how many units were sold, not just how many models exist. That matters for interpreting spare-tire statistics because a single high-volume vehicle can heavily influence the overall percentages.

The Rivian R2 is an upcoming electric vehicle platform discussed in the context of practical EV equipment. The podcast mentioned that there’s a spot for a spare tire, but it may not be a straightforward full-size spare situation. That’s important because EV packaging can change what you can use after a flat.

An inflatable spare tire is a compact spare that’s designed to be much smaller than a full-size tire, often using an air-inflation system. Because it’s so compact, it’s typically meant for temporary use until you can repair or replace your regular tires.

The host says car companies justify removing or not including spares using reasons like cost and “consumer taste,” rather than only weight and efficiency. The idea is that manufacturers would rather discount the vehicle price (e.g., $700 off) and assume many buyers won’t use a spare anyway.

A tire protection package is an add-on coverage offered by dealers or tire retailers that helps pay for certain tire-related issues, such as accidental damage. In this segment, the host argues it often isn’t included with new cars, which can leave buyers paying out of pocket after a puncture.

A “full size tire” is the same tire size as the ones on the vehicle, meaning it matches the normal rolling diameter and width. If the spare is not full size, manufacturers typically require reduced driving speed and distance because handling and traction can change.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV that’s known for off-road capability and family-friendly comfort. In the podcast, it was specifically referenced for having a full-size spare tire in some configurations, which can be different from “donut” spares. That detail matters for real-world driving safety and convenience after a flat.

Temporary spares (especially compact “doughnut” spares) are commonly restricted to a maximum distance and speed. The limits exist because the spare’s size, tread, and construction aren’t meant to provide the same grip and durability as a full-size tire.

The host mentions Volkswagen as an example of a brand that has used inflatable temporary spares. This matters because inflatable spares can have different traction and water-shedding behavior than normal tires.

The host cites Audi as another example of a brand that has used inflatable temporary spares. The key takeaway is that these spares often have limited grip and limited rain performance compared with full tires.

The host refers to “Alphas” as an example of brands that have used inflatable temporary spares. In this context, the point is that inflatable spares can have less effective tread and water evacuation than normal tires.

“Water evacuation ability” refers to how well a tire’s tread channels water away to maintain contact with the road. Temporary spares and inflatable spares often have limited tread design, so they can struggle in rain and increase the risk of hydroplaning.

“Snow traction” is a tire’s ability to grip on snowy or icy surfaces. The host is warning that many temporary spares have tread patterns that are not optimized for snow, which can reduce control in winter conditions.

“Premature tire failure” means the tire wears out or fails earlier than it should. In this segment, the host links it to running a full-size spare (or mismatched tire sizes) that can heat up and deform differently under extra load or different rolling behavior.

The differential is the gear assembly that lets the drive wheels turn at different speeds, especially when cornering. The host notes that mismatched tires can increase heat in the differential and reduce wear on the differential fluid (and potentially the differential itself).

Rear-wheel-drive vehicles send power to the rear wheels, so tire differences can affect how the drivetrain loads and distributes torque. The host specifically says the tire/spare management issue is something you notice more in rear-wheel-drive setups.

Tire rotation is the practice of moving tires from one position on the vehicle to another (front-to-rear, side-to-side) to even out wear. The host discusses whether a full-size spare should be included in a five-tire rotation and how that affects wear patterns over time.

A “compact” spare is a smaller, lighter temporary spare tire (often a donut) meant to get you to a tire shop. It’s typically limited in speed and distance, so it’s not a full replacement for a full-size tire.

Tire rotation is the practice of moving tires between positions (front-to-rear, side-to-side) to help even out tread wear. The host ties it to needing equipment and space, which can affect whether owners do it themselves.

The Subaru Crosstrek (Crosstrek) is a small crossover, and the host groups it with other Subaru hybrids that share the same spare-tire-well packaging problem. The key point is that the hybrid battery placement prevents using the spare-tire well for cargo or a spare tire.

The Honda CR-V is a popular compact SUV, and this segment focuses on how its hybrid battery packaging affects the spare-tire area. The host argues Honda used the same battery design as other models, so the battery couldn’t be placed in the spare-tire well without redesigning the layout.

“Corp pack” appears to refer to a corporate/standard hybrid battery pack used across multiple Toyota hybrids. The host’s claim is that Subaru likely uses a similar battery pack but didn’t rearrange it to fit the spare-tire well, instead using custom brackets and cooling ducts.

The segment calls out the “Wilderness hybrid,” an outdoors-focused Subaru trim concept, and criticizes it for being paired with all-terrain tires while lacking a spare tire. The host frames this as a mismatch between the vehicle’s intended adventure use and the practical limitation created by the hybrid battery packaging.

All-terrain tires are designed for mixed road and off-road use, typically with tougher sidewalls and tread patterns that handle dirt, gravel, and uneven surfaces better than standard highway tires. In this segment, they’re used to highlight the contradiction: an outdoors-oriented setup paired with no spare tire.

Self-reported data means information collected from owners’ answers rather than measured directly by the car or a third party. The hosts caution that “off-road” can mean different things to different owners, so the flat-tire/off-road conclusions depend on how people interpret the term.

The Subaru Outback is a crossover wagon built with an SUV-like stance and is commonly used for light off-road and rough-road driving. In this segment, it’s grouped with other Subaru models as being more likely to be taken off-road by owners than Honda’s CR-V.

The Subaru Forester is a compact crossover known for practical ground clearance and a strong reputation for handling unpaved roads. Here, it’s mentioned alongside the Outback and Crosstrek as a Subaru model whose owners are more likely to take the car off-road than owners of some competitors like the Toyota RAV4.

The Toyota RAV4 is a top-selling compact SUV/crossover, and it’s central to this segment’s spare-tire discussion. The hosts mention RAV4 hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants and then give example pricing for replacing a damaged compact spare wheel/tire and related kits.

Aftermarket refers to parts made by companies other than the vehicle’s original manufacturer. Here, it’s used to describe spare-tire wheel/tire kits for the RAV4 that can be cheaper than OEM replacements.

OEM means “original equipment manufacturer,” i.e., parts made by (or for) the vehicle maker to match factory specifications. The segment contrasts aftermarket spare-tire kits with OEM replacements, noting OEM typically costs more.

“Fix flat” refers to tire sealant used in a can to temporarily seal punctures. It’s meant to work for small punctures and then be topped up with air, but the sealant has an expiration/use date and can fail if it’s old.

An air compressor is the pump used to inflate a tire after sealing a puncture with a can. The host notes that many cars with spare tires don’t include an air compressor, which affects how you’d handle a flat if you don’t have a full-size spare.

A tire pressure sensor is part of the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that measures each tire’s pressure and alerts you when it drops. In the sealant scenario described, the sensor can still detect low pressure so you know when to pull over and reinflate.

A donut spare (also called a compact spare) is a smaller, temporary spare tire designed to get you to a repair shop. Because it’s not meant for normal driving conditions, it can behave noticeably worse—especially when underinflated—compared with a regular full-size tire.

Emergency door handle releases are mechanisms that allow occupants to open a door from inside or outside in an urgent situation (for example, if normal latches are difficult to use). The host is using it as an analogy: some safety features only matter when you need them, so you should think about them ahead of time.

TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) is a vehicle system that monitors tire pressure and alerts you when a tire is low. It helps catch slow leaks before they become a safety issue, but it doesn’t replace checking spare tires manually.

A “jump” refers to jump-starting a car’s battery using another power source (typically jumper cables or a portable jump pack). The host is looking for a solution that can both inflate a tire and help restart the vehicle if the battery is low.

A “cigarette plug” refers to powering accessories from a vehicle’s 12-volt outlet (often called the cigarette lighter socket). The host notes you may need that outlet to recharge a cordless inflator/jump device from the car.

The Toyota RAV4 Prime is brought up as an example where a full-size spare can be stored in the trunk area. The host contrasts it with other RAV4 variants where the spare may fit under the floor instead, changing how much usable cargo space you have.

The Toyota RAV4 hybrid is discussed in terms of how the underfloor storage area can be used for a full-size spare. The host points out that if you use that space for the spare, you lose access to other underfloor storage features.

The Chevrolet Traverse is used as an example of a vehicle where the spare tire storage area is tight. The host notes that the spare tire slot and well are “a little on the tight side,” which can make fitting a full-size spare more challenging.

The Volkswagen Touareg is referenced as a case where the host had to deal with an inflatable spare tire and found there was nowhere convenient to store it. This highlights how some SUVs’ cargo floor and storage layouts can limit spare tire options.

Driven wheels are the tires connected to the vehicle’s powertrain that receive torque to move the car (for example, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive). The host’s point is that putting a spare on the driven axle can affect traction and handling, since those tires are doing the most work.

The Ford Mustang is a performance-focused sports coupe known for its driving feel and strong enthusiast following. It was mentioned in a spare-tire discussion, specifically about where to place a spare relative to the driven axle. That matters because using the spare on the wrong axle can affect traction and handling.

The Chevrolet Camaro is a performance sports coupe with a focus on handling and power. Like the Mustang, it was referenced in the spare-tire guidance about placing the spare on the correct axle for the vehicle’s drivetrain. That’s important for maintaining predictable traction and stability when driving on a temporary tire.

“Stability concern” here means the car may lose traction and become harder to control during braking or emergency maneuvers. With a spare tire on the wrong axle, the car can skid because grip and braking force aren’t balanced the way the vehicle was designed for.

The “50/50 rule” is the common spare-tire guideline that you should drive only about 50 miles at about 50 mph (or similar limits) on a temporary spare. The reason is that the spare is often a different diameter and construction, which can affect driveline behavior and tire wear.

A spare tire often has a different diameter than the other tires. That mismatch can change how the wheels rotate relative to each other, which can lead to overheating and extra wear, and can be especially problematic on vehicles with traction-control or all-wheel-drive systems.

A “spare tire issue” refers to a problem with having a usable spare when you need it—either the spare isn’t present, isn’t the right type, or isn’t practical to use. In this segment, the host limits driving distance because the situation worsens at higher speeds.

Universal kits are aftermarket spare-tire solutions designed to fit many different vehicles rather than being a one-car-only package. The host contrasts this with dealer options, which may be expensive or may not be willing to sell just the specific wheel/tire you need.

A tire iron set is the set of tools used to loosen and tighten the wheel fasteners (lug nuts/bolts) when changing a tire. The host pairs it with the jack to highlight that spare-tire kits should include the tools needed to actually mount the spare.

The Volvo EX 30 is a compact electric SUV, and the host is discussing the cost and practicality of adding a spare tire. This matters because some modern vehicles don’t include a full spare, so owners may need an aftermarket kit to carry one.

The Chevrolet Blazer is a midsize SUV positioned for everyday practicality with available sportier trims. It was brought up because the discussion included spare-tire details, including a mention of a tire that was “losi…” (likely referring to losing/lowing or a temporary tire situation). That’s relevant because spare-tire setup affects how you handle flats.

A slow leak means a tire is losing air gradually rather than going flat immediately. The host uses it to explain why they’re thinking about a spare for the Volvo EX 30 while the Blazer is temporarily dealing with air loss.

A wheel’s bolt pattern is the specific arrangement of the lug holes (how many there are and the circle diameter they sit on). If a spare wheel doesn’t match your vehicle’s bolt pattern, it won’t mount correctly without the right adapters or spacers.

Wheel spacers are parts placed between the hub and the wheel to change how the wheel sits and to help it line up with the hub’s mounting surfaces. In the context here, spacers are used so a universal spare wheel can match the vehicle’s fitment.

A tire bag is a protective carrying case used to store a spare tire (especially a compact spare) without it rubbing against the vehicle’s interior or other cargo. The host emphasizes it helps protect the paint and keeps the spare easy to secure.

The Hyundai Venue is a subcompact crossover designed for city-friendly size and easy maneuvering. It was mentioned in the context of spare tire sizing, specifically comparing a temporary spare (“donut”) to the size of the regular tires. That matters because the spare’s size can affect how you should drive after a flat.

The 2027 Silverado is Chevrolet’s full-size pickup, and the hosts are focusing on how it’ll handle spare-tire practicality across trims. They specifically discuss whether the ZR2 off-road variant will include a full-size spare versus a smaller “donut” style spare.

A “refresh” is an update to an existing vehicle generation, typically involving styling changes and interior revisions rather than a completely new platform. The hosts say the 2027 Silverado is a heavy-duty refresh “inside and out,” with new interior sheet metal and tweaks rather than major sheet-metal redesigns.

Sheet metal refers to the stamped metal body panels that form the exterior surfaces of a vehicle. In this segment, the hosts distinguish between minor sheet metal tweaks and bigger changes like interior updates and bumper revisions.

A 2.7-liter turbo is a small-displacement gasoline engine that uses a turbocharger to make more power than its size would suggest. In this segment, it’s paired with a 10-speed automatic, which matters because the engine’s torque delivery and the transmission’s gear ratios work together to feel responsive.

A 10-speed automatic is a transmission with ten forward gears that can keep the engine closer to its most efficient or most powerful operating range. The host also references “woes and concerns” from the previous generation 10-speed, implying there were durability or drivability issues worth watching for any updates.

The segment says the 5.3-liter and “six liter” V8s are being discontinued in favor of newer V8 displacements. This is a meaningful lineup shift because changing engine displacement can affect torque, towing feel, and fuel economy strategy.

The host claims the outgoing V8s are replaced by 5.7-liter and 6.6-liter V8s, with a correction to “6.2 liter” mentioned in the middle of the discussion. Larger-displacement V8s typically target stronger low-end torque for towing and hauling, but the real question is how efficiency changes versus the previous engines.

The Dodge Ram is a pickup truck line known for work-capable capability and a wide range of engine and configuration options. In the podcast, it was referenced during a discussion about engines, suggesting the conversation focused on what powertrains are available and how they’re discussed by the brand. That makes it relevant for buyers comparing engine choices and expectations.

ICE stands for internal combustion engine, meaning the engine burns fuel (like gasoline or diesel) to create power. The host uses “ICE engines” to distinguish conventional gasoline engine options from electrified or non-ICE powertrains.

Hemi refers to Chrysler’s “hemispherical” combustion-chamber engine design, known for efficient airflow and strong performance potential. In this segment, the host says Ram is “bringing back the Hemi,” implying a return to a performance-oriented V8 architecture rather than relying only on smaller or turbocharged engines.

“Buick Model 27” in the podcast appears to refer to a specific model-year naming discussion tied to engine options (including a 392 and a 27 model year). It was mentioned as part of an engine lineup update rather than spare-tire packaging. That makes it relevant for buyers tracking what powertrains are offered for that model year.