Currently running the spare tire after a flat. I noticed the side wall is severely rubbed in spots.

Are those rubbing marks from the undercarriage a weak spot for the side wall of the spare tire?

My stock tires only had 11k miles on them. But the flat tire had a small puncture near the edge that Costco refuses to patch for safety reasons.

Has anyone replaced all tires due to the “AWD” or did you replace just the one or two?

the Costco guy told me I could just buy one tire and just put the spare tire and the new tire in the back wheels.

finally can I remove the Toyota emblem in the center of the wheel from the flat tire wheel and put on the spare?

 

I had an OEM tire on my jeep that had marks like that after 20 years as a spare. Needed a tire that size, and it ran fine for several years.

 

It looks like those spots are where the tire contacts the frame. Shouldn't be an issue unless you see it wearing thru.

 

If you look without the tire mounted there are u shaped metal bars that act as the tire mount at the top. You tighten the tire up against those so they will have those marks.

 

Looks more like those spots are clean rather than damaged.

I buy (2) tires depending on the tread on the other side. If the other side is newer I just buy one.

 

no uv/oxidization there, from not being exposed like the rest of the tire was

 

I had to run a spare like this. It's rub marks from the undercarriage where it sets against it. I ran my spare for 2 years and it was fine but the marks don't go away. They were always there.

 

the rubber in these spots are grooved in by a significant amount.

 

Sounds like you're convinced you need a new spare...

 

When I rotate tires every 5K, I also rotate spare with them.

 

Your last pic you can still see the raised part a little. Can't be any worse than your soccer mom curb rash.

I still say leave it.

 

Look at it as "character" marks.

 

I just performed my first rotation on my 2020 and did a 5 tire. My spare had them same spot. I assume it was over tightened from factory as they are marks from the frame. I wouldn't worry.

 

Have the tire store take the tire off the rim and remount it in the opposite direction so the marks aren’t visible. Assuming the other side looks better.

PS: Lots of 4Rs come with an ugly steel rimmed spare, so this isn’t an issue. Maybe all Limiteds have five aluminum wheels.

 

For those with a spare that comes on a matching rim (as mine does on my Limited) what do people think of the idea of rotating the spare in every 5000 miles? I imagine the dealer rather not, but presumably one could force the issue. But is it a good idea? 5000 miles isn't a lot, but you'd always have one of your four tires being that much taller. Pros and cons?

 

I think I’ll ask the dealer to do so in the future. I’m wondering if it’s better to buy a set of four tires with minimal use, since I’m sure I’ll get another flat at some point, and a set of four used is only about double the cost of a single new tire anyway. Luckily for me, so many folks seem to get rid of the stock tires immediately and there are ads all over fb and Craigslist for 2020 stock limited tires with le:/ than 500 miles lol.

 

I’d do what the Costco tire guy said. Buy a new tire. Put that and the blemished spare in the rear locations. (Remount so the blemished spot is on the inside). Keep the good 11K tire as a spare.
Don’t bother with 5 tire rotating, since the spare is worn. Whenever you get new tires, buy 4 and keep the best as spare.

There are several tire rotation methods. I do not cross rotate anymore. I just go front to back, keep tires on the same side. If they are balanced properly and your alignment is good you won’t get any unusual wear. This may be recommended for you anyway since you would have two pairs with different amounts of wear (11K difference).

Whatever you decide, keep that same rotation pattern. Draw out the pattern on a sheet of paper and show it to them to follow each time. Who knows what pattern a shop tech would use on their own. Mark each tire with a sharpie pen before you take it in for a rotation so you keep track of tire positions and verify their work. Better yet, do it yourself. It’s good to practice the jacking and tire change procedure so you’re familiar in case of a flat on the road.