I have a 1989 740 wagon - bought new. The donut was only on the car once for about a mile and last time i looked it was in perfect condition. The other day I was checking air pressure in all tires and the donut. When i lifted the well cover i found a tire that looked dull and grey as opposed to the shiney black i had. Also, it was a Firestone tire and had a 1/4" split all around the tire, and a big split in the middle of the tread with flaps of tread and you could see all the way to the steel belts.

As i said, it was only on the car once and the manager at Just Tires told me that sometimes tires dry rot and seperate from non-use. I say someone in his shop switched the tire (the wheel is my volvo wheel) when they fixed a flat for me a few months back and he says no. I told him i doubt my 89 Volvo has a Firestone spare, and in 1989 they didn't have the seperation problems. I got no where with him, but did contact Goodyear and am awaiting an answer.

Any insights, or ideas on how to handle this?? Anyone know who made the donuts in 1989??? Thanks

 

i have a 88 740 gle and it has the origional spare....made by firestone. it should say on the tire, Made for Volvo, if it doesnt...thats not the right one.

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When did you last see the donut? It is true that tires dry rot and can have severe damage when not used, but if you had it out of the car a few months ago, I would think that is too short of a time for that kind of damage to the tire unless it was rotted when you drove on it a few months ago. If it has been a few years since you last saw the tire, I would not even question whether it has rotted out especially if you live in a state that gets all four seasons.

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. I'll have a look tonight. Who would have thought Firestone would be original equipment on a Volvo?? My wheel looks like it just came from the showroom, and the tire looks so much different than i remember. I find it hard to believe, but i guess anything is possible. I see a trip to the junkyard in my future. Anyonre know offhand if a full sice tire and wheel would fit in the spare well?

 

i think it would fit, the tire is the same hight but it might be a lil wider than the spare.

 

Usually they will fit.

The tires will do that over a Couple of Months. Have seen it hundreds of times.