It looks like the spare tire has to be completely removed from the boot to check the pressure & inflate it. Is that correct? Has anyone fitted some kind of extension to the valve stem?

 

If you overinflate the spare while it's in the trunk, you might not be able to get it out of the trunk unless you deflate it a bit.

If you don't keep a 12v tire inflator in your trunk, you should get one. I recently bought this for my daughter and it works well. It's fast and shuts off automatically when the set pressure is reached.

 

Thanks.

So, the plan is to not worry if it's flat, just pump it up when you need it? Goes against my nature, but I'll think about it.

 

I haven't had a flat-flat in probably twenty five years, but I have had low pressure many times in various vehicles. An inflator like above would be more beneficial nowadays I'd think.

 

Many flats are slow leaks caused by running over a nail. The plan is to not use the spare unless the flat tire won't hold any air. If you have a flat, try using the 12v inflator to pump it back up so you can drive to a tire shop and get that tire repaired. Removing the wheel with the flat tire and replacing it with the temporary use donut spare is the last resort. Why do all that work if you don't have to? Plus, your wheel and flat tire won't fit in the spare tire well, so where are you going to put it? If you have a convertible it'll fit in the trunk but the lid might not close fully, plus it's really dirty so you don't want stow it in the back seat.

My wife can't do any of that by herself. For that reason, we have AAA so she has peace of mind and knows she can call for help and be towed, if needed, if I can't come to her rescue.

Keep a Bible in the car and pray you never get a flat. But if you do, a 12v inflator could be the answer to your prayers. How much time did it take you to decide to buy one?