Is the Prado's spare tire full-size?
3 Answers
Prado's spare tire is full-size, which means it has the same dimensions as the regular wheels and tires. A full-size spare can replace any temporarily or permanently unusable tire, whereas a non-full-size spare is only suitable for temporary use. Since the spare tire and the original tires are produced at different times, their aging, hardening, and deformation levels vary, making prolonged use unsafe. The spare tire should be replaced with an original factory tire as soon as possible after emergency use. The Prado is a mid-to-large 5-door, 7-seat SUV under FAW Toyota, with dimensions of 4840mm in length, 1885mm in width, and 1890mm in height, a wheelbase of 2790mm, and equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
I've been driving a Prado for two years now, and the spare tire on my vehicle is a full-size one, exactly the same model and size as the main tires, prominently mounted on the rear door. The advantage is that in case of a flat tire, you can just replace it with the spare and drive normally, unlike smaller spare tires that are only meant for limited speed and short distances. I recommend regularly checking the spare tire's pressure since it can lose air over time when mounted outside, and the rubber is prone to aging—top it up every six months. Before long-distance road trips, it's best to lift the spare tire cover and inspect it to ensure there are no cracks. Some higher-end Prado models come with a full-size all-terrain spare tire, which is great for rough roads, but the one on my model is sufficient for basic needs.
I've been repairing cars for over a decade. The spare tire on a Prado is generally designed to be full-size to match its off-road capabilities. Lift up the rear door panel and check the sidewall markings on the tire - if it matches the main tire size (e.g., both are 265/65 R17), then it's full-size. Non-full-size spare tires are rare on Prados, unless some base models have been modified. Don't neglect spare tire maintenance - keep the pressure around 2.4 bar, and rust/dust prevention is also important. Otherwise, prolonged storage can make it brittle, and using it in an emergency could be dangerous. Checking the spare tire pressure during routine maintenance can save you trouble.
