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- RDX Aspec Adv.
Sacrificing a spare is the silliest thing a person can do. (My G8 GT came std. with a silly "toy" air pump and a can of slime and never again will I be without a spare.)
What happens is that most tire failures are rather catastrophic from road hazards in which case the air pump and slime become totally ineffective. Road hazards also tend to puncture sidewalls that are not repairable. You'll end up having to call for roadside assistance.
You can be waiting for a couple hours for a tow truck to arrive and all they'll do is take you to the nearest repair facility. (ie tire store). The tire store will likely tell you they don't stock that exact tire.
You might have to wait for them to order one from the warehouse. If you're extremely lucky you might get one later that day. If not it can take several days.
The towing bill can cost you plenty unless your insurance policy covers it.
I can think of lots of ways to save weight but not having a backup tire is one I'll never do again.
Especially considering that it's in the back, and these vehicles are nose heavy, and it's what, 20-35#? LOL! It won't matter a hill of beans in the acceleration dept.