Chevy Bolt Spare Tire under $20.

Chevy Bolts do not have a spare tire. Here is my solution for a spare tire and jack for under $20 and how I mounted them in the Bolt.

[@fredbowman8307]

Thank you Sir! Bought a 2020 six months ago and it never seemed quite right not having a spare. Will definitely use your suggestions and get one. Really appreciate your sharing! 😃

[@eddylauterback1312]

I rotate my tires I knew one jack would lift 2 tires but hadn't thought about keeping my donut spare off the front axle! Glad you told us.

[@evprof8617]

Glad it was helpful.

[@noteevanbro8054]

I like that you mention the risk of flying object while you're with them in the car.

[@evprof8617]

As a physics professor, I know the danger of objects in motion.

[@GenXtra65]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share this! I had a heck of a time installing a spare in a car that didn’t come with one. Wish I would have had a video like this!

[@evprof8617]

You are welcome. I am just sorry it wasn't soon enough for your needs.

[@JWY]

At 5:20 looks like you could deflate the tire for storage and reinflate when needed.

[@paulguzyk2978]

Excellent and helpful video. It would be great if EVProf could edit the description above to list the source of all parts he used in making this happen.

[@hulong0205]

Thank you sir! I'm thinking about using some bungee cord and find a place to latch the spare. So I don't have to drill holes through the carpet. But your way of doing it is definately more secure.

[@stanpiers247]

That is a great video. I have a full size spare in my 2017 Bolt EV. I bought a brand new rim off of Ebay and a tire from Walmart and I have had a flat and used the full size spare tire. I stand the tire up in the back and there is plenty of room left for luggage. I like having a full size spare tire with me all the time. There is room for a full size spare even though Bolt EV owners say there is not room. Thank you for the information on the Cruze donut spare. That is a good idea if you want a donut spare.

[@evprof8617]

I really do prefer a full size spare too, but I like the lighter weight of the donut spare and how it fits under the false floor. Either way, we don't have to wait on a tow truck if we have a flat.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

Hopefully, you have that full size spare secured tightly in the back. Otherwise, in a collision, that tire would become a high-speed and heavy projectile.

[@jamesburian5203]

The 2023 Bolts have enough room for full sized spare under false floor. Was able to fit spare, jack, lug wrench, compressor and spare dual charge cord there.

[@evprof8617]

That works too. I went with the mini spare to save weight, space, and money.

[@jamesburian5203]

​@@youdontknowme2915 Mine was an 2LT model with all options except for adaptive cruise and charge port light. When I ordered mine last year, I can't remember Super Cruise being an option for the Bolt (non EUV).

[@maj429]

​@@jamesburian5203 supercruise is not an option for the EV only the EUV. I think what he meant is if you have a 2 LT with the upgraded audio package the subwoofer lives back there. That's what I have.

[@mathtrixmusiclix4248]

Dear Professor; PLEASE do a quick video of how to safely jack up this car (including detailed shot of the the lift points). God bless you!!!!

[@davidroper3830]

Enjoyed your video very much. I have a set of snow tires I used on my Chevy Sonic which also fit my Bolt, now all I need is a jack.

[@evprof8617]

How convenient! The S-10 jack I got at the pick and pull junkyard works great.

[@ohya101]

I had a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV, and I was able to keep it underneath the carpet by slightly deflating the tire, and squeezing it in. To make sure it won't come out, I re inflated the tire a little and it was friction fit, and not going anywhere. I was able to squeeze a jack, pump, level 1 charger, jumper cables, and some other tools underneath is well. I now have a 2023 Bolt EUV with super cruse and Bose, and it does not have room for the spare due to the extra computers there. I rely on the extra storage under my false floor and can't put a spare there. I was able to fit the level 1 / 2 charger that came the car, a pair of jumper cables, and a jack under the carpet. I would love to find somewhere non-intrusive to fit the spare. There is some extra space under the hood, but even if it fits, it's scares me to have it near the sensitive high voltage components. I was also thinking of maybe mounting it underneath the trunk, but I'm worried the ground clearance will be to little, and it might mess with the aerodynamics as well. Any ideas would be great.

[@evprof8617]

That's too bad that the 2023 Bolt doesn't have the space available. Maybe run flat tires or a AAA membership? Although I have always been able to change a tire before AAA would even arrive. My son had a sidewall puncture in his 2020 Bolt in the first year and waited 4 hours for a wrecker to arrive.

[@troyperry1231]

Thanks for the very informative video. 🎉

[@professormartin3668]

Glad it was helpful.

[@raitchison]

I actually was left stranded on the side of the road in my Bolt just ~500 miles after I got the car. Took me the better part of the afternoon to get back on the road. Since I'm not a fan of the temporary spare tire I ended up getting a 15" steel wheel and a 205/65-15 regular (non temporary) tire. Cost me ~$150 shipped from Tire Rack (already mounted and balanced) but it has the exact same diameter as the factory tire size and I can drive on it as fast as I want for as long as I need to.

[@evprof8617]

That works too.

[@laura-ann.0726]

I bought a full size spare for my Prius Prime. Those compact donut spares are no good if you get a flat in a really remote area, that's maybe 75 miles from the nearest town, and there's no cell phone service. Yes, I do in fact drive in areas like that: Death Valley National Park for example. You absolutely MUST have a full size spare to drive anywhere in the Southwest. Towns can easily be 100 miles apart, with no cell service over large areas. I carry the spare either in the right rear passenger footwell, or in a Thule cargo pod on the roof. The solution shown here would not work for my car, as the traction battery occupies the space under the rear cargo floor, and there's no way to drill into it for anchoring hardware.

[@stepaukob]

It's amazing people don't get flats more often. The last time I got a flat when driving and needed to fix roadside was over 25 years ago and I drive a lot miles.

[@KR-ll4dj]

An amazing solution! I've got a 2023 EUV, and I had been wondering if the full wheel and tire I'd bought for my late lamented totaled Volt (it had seemed precarious to embark on any long trip with only that puny inflator) would fit in back. It does--just barely--with the false floor removed. I was ready to deflate it significantly if not, but it wedges in quite nicely. I don't think this would work for the EV with its 7" smaller length. Not an inexpensive solution, but one where I can do a regular tire change on any wheel and keep on driving, and I live off in the country with a lot of dirt roads. Apparently no spare is the norm these days for most cars--that's what the guy who ran the junkyard where the Volt was towed told me for pretty much all regular-road cars made after 2015. I figured he'd know.

[@evprof8617]

I'm glad it fit. My son and I have both had tire blowouts on our Bolts and a tire inflator didn't help. A spare tire saved a lot of time and frustration.

[@mhsidibe1]

I made the mistake to put the donut in front driver side, and the abs brake was stuck couldn't move had to tow it. If one of your front tire gets damaged rotate with one the back tires (regular size) and put the donut to back tire not the front. I would also recommend getting a car scan to erase the ABS signal

[@evprof8617]

I agree. I recommend using the donut spare only on the back.

[@gudfarfar]

The scissor jack can be a mixed blessing. I had one that actually collapsed sideways on itself, but I guess the build quality was crap. It was cheap but very flimsy. Luck would have it that I had brought along my bottle jack and was able to salvage the car by jacking in several stages using some logs. The scissor jack got dumped in the first dumpster I came across.

[@evprof8617]

That is why I like the s-10 truck scissor jack as it is a much heavier duty jack than most car scissor jacks.

[@trevorlambert4226]

Another option one can consider is a cannister of tire slime. You'll need a mini compressor, but every car should have one of those regardless. I've rarely had a completely flat tire, but slow leaks that you don't notice until you're out an about are extremely common.

[@odomn]

Slime does work for slow leaks but I don't use it out of respect for the tire guy that has to deal with it when repairing the tire. I do carry a 12v inflator though that I stole from my beloved leaf.

[@dmitryd7159]

Thats excellent work! but i would probably just get that spare and dump it in lower compartment with stuff around it. Thank you for the info on what fits!

[@evprof8617]

Glad it was helpful.

[@codyrogers8342]

Don't know if anyone has added this to the comments for reference, but the wheel he uses is a "mini spare from a 2011-2014 Chevy Cruze" and the Jack is from a chevy s10 truck or blazer suv.

[@evprof8617]

That is correct.

[@j.a.7721]

I'm at the dealership waiting for my Chevy bolt to get a tire flat tire replaced. Definitely getting a spare

[@evprof8617]

That definitely can ruin your day.

[@j.a.7721]

@@evprof8617 it did a day and half wait. But now I'm second guessing getting the spare. I got plugs and I already have a tire inflator.

[@evprof8617]

@@j.a.7721 That will work for a tread puncture like running over a nail. I have actually had several where I drove home and plugged the tires. However over the years I have had tire blowouts and a sidewalk puncture and plugs and an inflator won't work for them.

[@anselrod5699]

well done and most informative video. Thanks for sharing!

[@evprof8617]

Glad it was helpful.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

It's weird that they would have a space for a tire down there, but it's too small for even a donut spare. Carmakers nowadays save a few bucks by not giving you a tire, but instead just giving you a "kit" that comes with a tire pump and some Fix-A-Flat foam. Not too helpful if you have anything but a very simple nail in your tire. I did something very similar to what you're doing here for my 2016 Kia Soul EV.

[@evprof8617]

It is unfortunate.

[@iwannacutube]

Really brilliant prof. Thanks!

[@evprof8617]

You are welcome.

[@christopher01221]

I bought a full size spare from a Chevy Sonic LTZ trim. They have the same size as the Bolt 17x6.5

[@evprof8617]

That should work too.

[@tjam4229]

Nice job professor!

[@evprof8617]

Glad you liked it.

[@mosfet500]

Thanks for sharing. I have a spare I bought when I owned my first Bolt in 2017. I think it might have been a Sonic tire? I have Chevy roadside assistance for 5 years on my new EUV and I figure if I carry my spare they'll come out and put it on if I get a flat but I might buy one of those jacks you plug into your 12V outlet. I also have a repair kit and pump I carry around.

[@evprof8617]

It sounds like you are well prepared.

[@ledzeppelin1212]

Thanks for the video, Sir. Very helpful! I may be ordering a 2023 Bolt soon and this was a concern for me. Could you share the size of that tire so I can look for a spare? Thank you!

[@evprof8617]

The mini spare tires from 2011-2014 Chevy Cruzes should work. Mine is a Maxxis Temporary Spare. It is a T115/70R16.

[@ledzeppelin1212]

@@evprof8617 Excellent. Thank you so much!

[@markstipulkoski1389]

My 2017 Bolt came with Michelin Enerrgy Saver Self Sealing tires. I never had a flat with them even after 4 years and 30k miles, so I replaced them with the same. I think in later model years, GM dropped the self seal version of that tire. Also, the car came equipped with an inflator and a cannister of emergency sealant. But I've heard the emergency sealant creates a mess, so some people might rather have a spare. So thanks for the video, but I think I will risk it. I just wanted to let owners of the newer models that the self sealers are another option and they have worked out for me.

[@evprof8617]

Yes, Mark the sealant makes a real mess. My son also has a 2020 Bolt and with less than 10,000 miles on it the sidewall was damaged and the sealant won't work for a blowout or a sidewall puncture. He waited over 3 hours for the tow truck to show up. However, you are correct the chances are low of this happening but I can change a tire in about 15 minutes so I like the piece of mind.

[@ledzeppelin1212]

Great tips from both of you. Thanks! I think I will put a spare in my trunk and will take it out whenever I need space to pack a lot of things, thus "risking it" only on occasion.

[@scavanger1000]

My mother had a blowout in my first car, I have had a flat with my own tire once, so yeah a spare tire would've been nice, I get free towing with OnStar but it's still a hassle to need to wait for a tow truck

[@evprof8617]

I agree. I can always change a tire quicker than a tow truck would even show up. Even after you get towed in you still have to locate a new tire and have it put on before you can be back on the road.

[@UnknownUser-zt8tl]

If I understood you correctly the jack is from a Chevy Blazer. What year? Any additional information you can give me to help me identify them would be helpful. Thanks for the video.

[@evprof8617]

Actually it is from an S-10 truck which is the same as the GMC Sonoma. I believe the Blazer used the same jack back in the years of the S-10. I don't know what year the truck was. I just made sure it had the round raised knob at the lifting surface so it would fit into the hole at the Bolt front lift point.

[@joebidendidthat5121]

Just fyi….. if you deflate the spare to about 30 pounds it will fit in the lower wheel well.

[@evprof8617]

That sounds like another solution.

[@denaj6711]

Tire blow out yesterday. ID4...no spare. 5 hour wait for flat bed. Not a fun day.

[@evprof8617]

It definitely can ruin your day.

[@taylormorgan867]

I have a 2022 Bolt EUV and don't like the fact that it doesn't have a spare. After watching your video, I did some research and found that the Chevy Aveo has the same lug pattern and the spare tire on those is 2.8" smaller in diameter than the Cruze spare tire (105/70 14 vs 115/70 16). Do you think that would be enough difference to fit down in the bottom well where the spare tire should go? The only thing I would be afraid of is the tire not holding up to the extra weight of our cars, even for a short distance.

[@taylormorgan867]

Sorry, I was looking at the older Chevy Aveo's. They were four lug. The newer ones that are five lug have the larger spare like the Cruze. Plus I don't think that smaller 14" wheel, even if it had the correct bolt pattern, would clear the disc brakes on the rear of the Bolt.

[@evprof8617]

I knew I had seen some 4 lug Aveo wheels but didn't realize they switched to 5 lug.

[@Mr5Stars]

Geart video Mr.Martin. I also have a Bolt EUV. Any suggestions on "Better All Season Tires" for wet and occasional snow? Best regards

[@evprof8617]

I have a video of what I did for my 2020 Bolt EV. I bought Goodyear Assurance Weather Ready tires which are all weather tires. These are better for snow than all season tires. Here is the address. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fn6XfYhuZq1kqMU

[@penumbranm]

I have a 2023 Bolt EUV. I am looking for solutions for a full sized spare or a compact spare tire. Does anyone have any suggestions? 2023 Bolt EUV. It's a 17inch, P215/50R17 tire with a 5X105 bolt pattern.

[@edbenti5007]

I would expect a physics professor to consider the difference in weight between a Chevy Bolt and the Cruz. The space saving spare from a Cruz is a limited service tire designed for a much MUCH lighter vehicle than the battery weighted Bolt. The Bolt weighs something like 3,600 lbs. I believe. I would admonish those using the space saving spare to be extremely cautious in driving it even for emergencies.

[@evprof8617]

Yes, I did consider the extra weight of the Bolt. The Cruz mini spare is rated at 1389 pounds (630 kg). The Bolt's OEM Michelin tires are only rated at 1356 pounds (615 kg) so the mini spare has a higher weight rating. Of course the mini spare is only to be used in emergency situations and limited miles.

[@edbenti5007]

@@evprof8617 Too-shay! Thank you.

[@luktish]

Anyone found alternative cheap full size wheel, which could be used as a spare wheel in emergency? I mean used wheel from junkyard or used tire place. I looked around Atlanta and nobody had it... The lug pattern is unique. Also the front brake caliper takes a lot of space...

[@odomn]

chevy cruz and sonic have wheels that would work

[@bradcooke5383]

Good informative video. Would the spare tire fit if it were deflated and just carry a 12 volt inflator? Thanks.

[@evprof8617]

It might. I thought about this but decided against it. If it is stored for a long time like this I think it would create a flat spot and would provide a very rough ride. Also if it is deflated so much that it comes loose from the rim, the 12 volt inflator won't inflate it.

[@bradcooke5383]

@@evprof8617 Good point. Thanks for the response.

[@georgeparker5679]

@@evprof8617 The rim has a lip all the way around on the inside that keeps the tire bead in place, so I doubt the tire could come loose from the rim. In any event, being a research engineer, I would conduct an experiment to check this out as I would prefer a cleaner installation with the spare in the lower well. I agree with you that having a spare tire is preferable.

[@chrismaki8396]

I like the frugality of your method but instead chose to keep the storage space under there. I store everything in a STERILITE 66Qt/62L Underbed Storage Box w wheels. It fits easily if stored upside down and I store a tarp, bottle of Emergency Tire Repair Slime, 12v Tire Inflator, Emergency First Aid kit, rolls of TP & paper towels, and a few other essentials. The storage container was originally purchased for transporting my Lectric XP folded e-bike. I fold bike and lay flat in storage box and place on top of folded down seats. Please ignore the physics! 13:34 My solution cost me about $100 CDN. A major blowout will have to be solved by Roadside Assistance by CAA. Thanks again and will sub and check out your other vids.

[@e.vasquez9946]

Thank you

[@professormartin3668]

You are welcome.

[@luktish]

At 5:25 minute your are demonstrating a spare tire well fit. Would the tire fit if deflated? I am considering having a 12V pump in the car anyway. Thanks

[@evprof8617]

I think it would if deflated and compressed. I was concerned with it not riding smoothly if flattened for a long period of time.

[@chrisbailey5055]

Chevy Sonic spare will work as well.

[@evprof8617]

That's another option.

[@rp9674]

If you do this, makes sure the wheel is secure, it could be very dangerous in the unlikely event of an accident. I wouldn't add a spare, I carry a patch kit, have AAA. I do want to save an old tire, for cases where I need one tire replaced but don't want to buy a pair.

[@evprof8617]

I agree that any spare should be secured. That's why I bolted it to the metal floor in the bottom of the car.

[@ronb4633]

Wouldn’t the mini spare fit under there if you deflated it some? In the 2 1/2 years I had the bolt I did not have a spare but I did purchase a electric inflator just in case it was a slow leak and I could limp by with that.

[@evprof8617]

It probably could if deflated enough, but I figured it would leave a flat spot and wouldn't roll very smoothly when inflated again.

[@chrisfurner]

That's cool!

[@evprof8617]

My hope is that it is helpful to other people.

[@sloanrosten1]

I thought that the diameter of the wheel/tire combination should not differ by more than 3% to the other factory ones?

[@evprof8617]

I would only put it on the back and to get me home.

[@laura-ann.0726]

Did the false floor panel come with the car, or is that something you fabricated?

[@evprof8617]

It did not come with the LT trim level, but I think it did with the Premier trim level. I ordered it from GM. I also did a video on how I installed it.

[@2148aa]

You must see the movie Otto with Tom Hanks. He is you or you is he.

[@evprof8617]

I have always liked Tom Hanks. I haven't seen the movie yet.

[@arqcm]

This is a 16" spare right?

[@evprof8617]

Correct. It is a T115/70 R16

[@user70331]

why not roof racking ?

[@evprof8617]

I would have to add a rack, it would cut the range, and it might be a problem getting it into the garage. That might work for some people.

[@stevendunn264]

I couldn’t change a tire if I had a spare…

[@evprof8617]

In that case having a spare tire would allow AAA or a road service to put on the spare for you rather than having to be towed in on a flat bed truck.

[@chuckgrigsby9664]

The design of the Bolt to not even accommodate a mini spare is just downright stupidity. Most of the space under the carpet is wasted with styrofoam that serves no useful purpose. I have removed all that crap and fashioned a plywood floor that fits over the entire cavity, and have repackaged the tools into bags that keep them from rolling around. If I could get my hands on the geniuses that came up with this design for the Bolt ....

[@Alex-je6od]

This won't work on cars with the premium sound system since there's an amp there. You really should just learn how to use tire plugs 😆

[@evprof8617]

You are correct. I do not have the premium sound system. I have plugged multiple tires over the years, however plugs don't work for blowouts or sidewall cuts.

[@jimhenry6844]

You guys are talking about a poor example of an EV. GM is notorious for rushing poorly or not throughly engineered products to market, then shoving the problems that arise from bad practices in design to the dealers to fix. In the 70's, brand new Cadillac's being shipped to Japan were first sent to painting companies to repaint the bodies Because the quality was so bad. I have a thousand stories like this.

[@bmw803]

Why all this fooling around? Just shove the tire in the trunk under the false floor and that's it.

[@evprof8617]

Hi Joe, I just want to make sure the spare doesn't become a projectile in an accident since the false floor isn't fastened down.