I noticed that the spare tyre in my 380GT is a 16" tyre and steel rim and is speed limited to 80kph.

Does anyone know why it is limited to 80kph?

I am sure it is because it doesn't match the 17" stock rims - but is it really unsafe to run up to 100kph? It isn't a space saver - it is a full size 16" tyre.

I think it is limited because it differs in size to the 17'?

Yes it is speed limited because it does not match the 17 inch road wheels. I believe this is not only a Mitsubishi decision but a regulatory traffic authority ruling when mixing wheel combinations.

Personally as I do a huge amount of highway driving I have purchased a matching road wheel for each of my 380 plus a relative’s 380.

I fear that if an accident was deemed as being my fault when using the wheel the insurance company will say I was doing 81 km/h and not pay out.

Yeah it is 215/60/16 but look at the difference in overall size below:

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revolutions Difference
215/55-432 118mm 334mm 668mm 2100mm 476/km 100km/h N/A
215/60-406 129mm 332mm 664mm 2087mm 479/km 101km/h -0.6%

It is bugger all difference in diameter (4mm!) and there shouldn't be a safety reason to limit it to 80kph. It must be a regulatory thing as the car should still drive and handle safely.

The spare also weighs a ton compared to the alloy VRX rim or any aftermarket wheel.

If you have the 5 year roadside assist take the thing out and leave it at home.

plenty of cars nowadays dont come with a spare.

cant remember the last time I needed one anyway.

I used mine once already, before I had the 19s, so all were 16s anyway. I ran over a screw.

I leave the spare for both my cars at home.....we rarely go more than 20kms from home so I figure if I ever get a flat (havent had one in 15 years), I will make a call and get someone to pick it up.

Yeah, I can't afford to do that; I drive 50kms to work.
Although all of the punctures I've had (being screws or nails) are slow leaks that usually last for days.

Blackstar, is the five year assist from the time of purchase? Is it linked to warranty (because my car is now 115K)?

Yeah, I can't afford to do that; I drive 50kms to work.
Although all of the punctures I've had (being screws or nails) are slow leaks that usually last for days.

Blackstar, is the five year assist from the time of purchase? Is it linked to warranty (because my car is now 115K)?


depends on what scheme you bought it on.

For example you can still buy some ex lease platinum models in Melb that have 5yr/ 130,oook warranty from the day you drive it away.

(we bought one in december exactly like that)


a quick call to Mitsibishi with your VIN will tell all.



But having said that there are still a 380 that you can buy with 5/10 year warranty...a TMR in Horsham :)

.

I have needed to use my 17 inch spare and was very glad that I purchased it over the 16 inch steel wheel.
I was not happy that I destroyed a 17 inch tyre after damaging its side wall, still with 20,000 km tred left.