the jack you linked is from amazon. it should tell you if it has free returns. if you are a prime member, it definitely does. you just drop it off at whole foods or ups store

 

I’m not sure - the general configuration of the jack looks correct but the top pad is questionable. The Bolt’s jacking locations have a steel plate with a hole about 2” diameter, and the S-10 jack has a male dimple that matches the hole. The jack you’re asking about has optional pads that may or may not engage securely with the holes in the jack plates. Does the seller offer returns if you buy/try the jack and it doesn’t work?

 

The jacks that seem like they might work are meant for Tesla Model Y. Maybe someone knows if jacking points are similar?

 

Would this jack work?

 

Is there a difference between early and later Bolt spare tire wells? My 2020 well is a truncated circle, 17" from front-to-back, so cannot accommodate a full-size spare.

I bought a 16" donut spare on Ebay that could (possibly) fit in the well if deflated, but since this a local commuter car I'll just leave it inflated on top of the 'hidden' compartment. The attached photos show the arrangement, starting with 1) a layer of 1/2" cardboard notched around the exposed bolts (I still had to grind them off and prime the cut bolt ends); 2) I glued on a second layer of 1/2" cardboard with cut-outs for the towing ring, lug nut wrench, and the base for an aluminum jack stand (chosen because it can be disassembled); 3) cardboard painted with tools in place; 4) Add the S10 jack in bubble-wrap to prevent rattling (found on the street - free!) and the Avid 12v inflater (its case has room for the jack stand's post and miscellaneous sidewall repair goop kits); 5) & 6) add the 120v charging cord and a tarp/poncho for dirty work; 7) the OEM styrofoam cover; 8) the 22.9" diameter donut spare. I need to add some gloves.

I'm still nervous - a pothole once destroyed the sidewall of a conventional tire on my previous ICE vehicle!

 

Is there a difference between early and later Bolt spare tire wells? My 2020 well is a truncated circle, 17" from front-to-back, so cannot accommodate a full-size spare.

I bought a 16" donut spare on Ebay that could (possibly) fit in the well if deflated, but since this a local commuter car I'll just leave it inflated on top of the 'hidden' compartment. The attached photos show the arrangement, starting with 1) a layer of 1/2" cardboard notched around the exposed bolts (I still had to grind them off and prime the cut bolt ends); 2) I glued on a second layer of 1/2" cardboard with cut-outs for the towing ring, lug nut wrench, and the base for an aluminum jack stand (chosen because it can be disassembled); 3) cardboard painted with tools in place; 4) Add the S10 jack in bubble-wrap to prevent rattling (found on the street - free!) and the Avid 12v inflater (its case has room for the jack stand's post and miscellaneous sidewall repair goop kits); 5) & 6) add the 120v charging cord and a tarp/poncho for dirty work; 7) the OEM styrofoam cover; 8) the 22.9" diameter donut spare. I need to add some gloves.....

The cut outs are the same for 2017-2023 Bolt EVs. EUV might be slightly different. But all of them won't accept a full spare.
Also note that Premier/2LT trims, have the subwoofer there in the bottom well. The stock styrofoam organizer has nice dedicated cutouts. For the portable charging cable, inflation pump, etc.

Here's how I organize mine - small hand tools at the top(this is where the factory inflator goes), portable inflator center & plug kit at the right(charging cable goes here), expanding/collapsing lug nut wrench + no mar socket at the bottom(folding reflective triangle goes here), gloves at 11 o'clock(factory goo sealant goes here). Few things; that's my reversible red screwdriver. There is a factory screwdriver provided for European and S. Korean models. I've started putting fresh/clean gloves in ziplock/sandwich baggies. In case I have to use them in a medical/first aid situation. Also, I prefer inflator kits that plug in - batteries will be another thing I have to worry about. Will they have juice/enough juice when I need them.

Full sized spare(215/50/17), goes in the middle section. doesn't matter if you have it facing up or down - you can put items inside to maximize space/room. I have an old towel that can be used for a few things. You can lay it out on the ground, in case you have to reach for something underneath. You can fold it up a bit, and use to make kneeling more comfortable. You can use it to wipe off your hands and tools. In this pic - I have it wrapped around the S10 jack - so nothing rattles:

 

I'm running 215/55/16's on my Bolt

Can I safely get a 15" spare?

If so, must it be 215?
Could it be 205 or 195?

What are the rules around this sort of thing

As long as overall total diameter is quite close am I ok for a spare that's a bit different than my normal wheel/tires?

(been using wheel-size.com to compare options)

 

Yes, not cheap. I'd think of it as "insurance" against a long roadtrip delay in the event of an unfixable tire. Keeping in mind that a tire of that make and size would be hard to source in a reasonable amount of time.

 

Seems like a lot for a spare. If you are have no frequent flats or traveling to remote areas maybe otherwise save the money for tows.

 

Any observations on this wheel/tire combo spare solution for a 2023 Bolt EV? $385 shipped.

2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV EZ Spare Wheel and Tire | eBay

17" EZ Spare Wheel with 125/80R17 compact spare tire for all 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV models. The 17" spare wheel will not interfere with the brake or suspension system, regardless of OEM wheel option.

www.ebay.com

 

That price is insane especially considering that the jack is for sure not designed for the Bolt and I doubt the tire is either.

Also that tire size has a 2.7% smaller diameter than the OEM tire size

Between my spare tire, S-10 Jack (mates perfectly with the factory lift points on the Bolt) and collapsible lug wrench I spent less than $200 total, granted that was pre-COVID so it's probably more now but a lot cheaper than that and IMO a better, safer solution.

 

A possible source for a compact spare tire solution for someone not wanting to cobble one together themselves and is willing to pay for the convenience? The jack doesn't look like the right type however.

Homepage

Your premier source for durable, lightweight spare tire kits engineered for your vehicle. Alloy wheels, rugged long-range tire- Search Year/Make/Model

modernspare.com

As seen on:

 

Can anyone confirm if the rims linked below would work for a spare tire rim? And if the tire size 195/65R15 would be fine? The dealer said these rims would not fit and the tire I have one for free if it works. The hub sizing seems vary a lot, but this is supposed to fit a 202 sonic.


https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/wheels/pdp/steel-rim-wheel-black-0096295p.html

thanks!!

(if that link doesn’t work here are the specs)

 

Can anyone confirm if the rims linked below would work for a spare tire rim? And if the tire size 195/65R15 would be fine? The dealer said these rims would not fit and the tire I have one for free if it works. The hub sizing seems vary a lot, but this is supposed to fit a 202 sonic.

There's a handful of us on here who have 15" steels for the Sonic/Cruze, with the 205/65 15 tires (my winter tires).
Mine's a 2017, but don't think anything's changed with the wheel fit for the 2020. Easiest way to confirm: check the front brake rotor and caliper part #s for the 2017 and 2020 Bolt.
I got my steels from Costco; cheaper than any other retailer, at that time.
(edited the originally posted slightly incorrect tire size)

 

BMW's...I put over 250,000 miles on BMW's, Airhead, Brick, Oil heads, Hex heads. We were going around Lake Superior once and passed through this little town, had everything I owned on, still cold. Stopped at a traffic light and the clock/temperature sign showed 0 degrees...
I always carried a CO2 cartridge type repair kit and same type compressor you mentioned. The one time I needed it discovered I didn't install a SAE adapter on the bike.

 

LOL that's the way it is! I had a BMW F800GT that I traded for a Yamaha in Sioux Falls SD, they had an SAE connector for a Battery Tender already installed - being prepared prevents flats! Mine was good, I bought it used and had it for 2 years and 26,000 miles. I bought a service contract with it for $1,500, had almost $5,000 of services done during the time. First bike I've not done all the services on myself. Don't think the dealer was familiar with the F800s and as a result had some service errors. Once "someone" filled the engine with water instead of coolant. I took 6,000 mile trip and bike overheated 2 miles from home on the way back. Water would boil and gradually worked out until there was so little coolant in the radiator that the fan could not cool it when stopped. 20mph and it would cool from the airflow. Good bike but I wanted a bit more power - I came from sport bikes and missed the explosive acceleration (OK 0-60 in 4 instead of 2.9 seconds so I won't call it slow).

Back to the thread: Realized today my spare is for a 1st generation Volt so don't think it works on my Bolt. I'm going to keep my eyes on eBay for the mini doughnut. Like the idea of a small spare. If I ruined a tire today would probably go OEM but after 3 or 4 thousand miles would have to consider a new set of tires. The Bolt is fun to drive and I find myself enjoying the acceleration, the range is way more than I need most of the time so don't worry about that.

 

I agree with you on like to have a real spare. Last year I did two long motorcycle trips and it was fantastic. Obviously I couldn't take a spare but do carry a plug kit, a CO2 inflator and a tiny 12VDC air compressor. It would take a while but would pump up a car tire. I've been some desolate places and don't want to sit for 4 hours or longer waiting on a tow. First trip I left in late May and avoided all the crazy locked down states. It was nice, very little traffic but food and bathrooms were a bit more challenging. Stuck to a healthy diet of Burger King, french fries and cokes! I did have to add a cup holder to my motorcycle so I could do the drivethru. Gas stations were good for bathrooms. I stayed exclusively at KOA campgrounds, either sleeping in my tent or a cabin using my own bedding. Rode almost 6,000 miles, it was a blast except for the day of cold rain in northern Utah (34F and rain on a motorcycle is not fun). In September headed out again but bike broke (a BMW) so fixed it and then traded it for a Yamaha. My wife doesn't go, something about doesn't ride on motorcycle and doesn't camp, so it was just me.

 

Looks like the same tire I have - 125/70 - 16. As you know from the description is is smaller diameter and would probably work to get you to a place to have the flat repaired or replaced. Would not drive far or fast. I've kept mine in the garage for several years as a just in case spare. If I had a flat then I could get it and put it on. Will probably do the same with the Bolt. The rim is very deep dished, so much the center sticks out beyond the tire.

See the eBay spare is for 17 and 18 Bolts. Did they change the spare "hole" or is it not for 19 and 20 because we have something in the "hole"?

 

I have no idea about the "hole".
I think I'll go this direction. I have confidence in the self sealing aspect of the tires, but old fashioned enough to have a spare for multi week trips we have planned once this CoVid calms down.
Already had shot one of two!!

 

Wouldn't a true donut spare take up less room?
Anybody have comments or opinions on this?

SPARE TIRE WITH JACK KIT FITS:2016 2017 2018 CHEVY BOLT EV | eBay

2016 2017 2018 CHEVY BOLT EV. LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED MORE THAN ONE SPARE OR JACK KIT WE WILL DO ANYTHING THAT WE CAN DO TO GET AS MANY AS YOU NEED. MINI SPARE DONUT NOT A FULL SIZE SPARE FITS.

www.ebay.com

 

Wouldn't a true donut spare take up less room?

The OEM wheel and tire fits under the false floor just fine. A donut spare would take less room, but it would still use up most of the space down there. You might be able to fit a few more items around it but not worth the difference IMHO.

One of the biggest reasons to have a spare is so that you don't have to wait for a new tire to be shipped to you to get the car fully functional again. It took me 2 months between ordering and receiving my spare because it's a bit of a niche product.

 

I have a temporary spray tire/wheel a friend gave me for my Volt. It is from a Cadillac, I read where the Volt wheels are the same as the Bolt wheels so presume if this fit the Volt it would work on the Bolt. Has anyone else tried a similar temporary spare? The one I have has a nice alloy rim instead of the usual stamped steel rim.

 

2020, right? I got a 2nd flat this year. Been driving since 1987 and never had a flat until this year.

On the bright side. I was able to use my spare kit again. This time with the taller tire, I didn’t get any ABS/Traction-Control codes that I got before with the smaller diameter Sonic donut.

 

Got it, thanks.
I’ve added it to my Santa list...

 

Fitting a tire in the subwell (if you don't have the premium speaker in there):

Chevy Bolt Spare Tire Project

 

There is a guy on You Tube that was able to get a T155/70R16 donut in the sub floor in his LT. He did so by removing the foam tray, then letting air out of the tire. It fit. Carry a 12V air pump to re-inflate the tire. My concern was the sheet metal screws that protrude up from the floor might damage the tire, and would the flat spot created in the tire present an issue later with a weakened side wall.

 

One of our forum members got a donut to fit by pounding out the flat part of the D shaped well with a heavy hammer. I think he cut off the studs too.

 

@tk1971 : Yes. My full size spare fits in the first floor. And the upper floor fits in its proper position on top of that. I just thought I saw a pic of a donut in the sub-basement in your collection. It looked like the Bolt but maybe it was your other car. Thanks

 

@tk1971 : helping myself to some of your other pics...did that donut fit in the sub-basement? Or was something modified?

 

As far as I know, no donut fits in the circular shaped spot where one would think a spare would go. Besides, my amp and sub goes there now.

I did get it to fit under the false floor of my Premiere. Here is a pic of it before I replaced the backpack with the moving blanket / straps. Having actually needing to use the spare tire kit once, I found that I needed a blanket so I wouldn’t get my work clothes dirty. I also found it easier to properly torque down the lug nuts with a Harbor Freight torque wrench and a 19mm impact driver bit.

 

Had a few days off and decided to make these straps + handle to complete my kit.

Untitled by tk_1971, on Flickr

Untitled by tk_1971, on Flickr

Untitled by tk_1971, on Flickr

 

Yes neither a tire plug or sealant would work on a side wall puncture.

 

I just recently took a nail into the side wall. Tried the goop and air pump. Not seeing anything in particular happening and not RTFM'ing...what's this orange button do...sealant all back in through the pump and really no air left in the tire.
I've now acquired a steel wheel and am using the worst of the three remaining tires on it. I got an S10 jack. And a nice lug wrench. Never again.
This was still 4 hours away from home. Not pleased.

 

The self-sealing tires are ($#&*). They are heavy, have no traction, and aren't worth the money. Purchased Vredestein Quatrac 5 tires (low rolling resistance all season with good reviews from both Tire Rack and Consumer Reports, and VERY inexpensive compared to OEM), a Viair 88P ($62.03) compressor from Amazon, a can of Slime 60190 Quick Spair Tire Inflator ($13.50), and Slime 20133 9-piece Tire Repair Tackle Kit ($7.88). These set me back about $90 with tax, and went in an old gym bag in the trunk. I can now seal and fill or plug a flat. Still no help if there is a cut sidewall, or you wreck a tire/wheel in a pothole. There is always AAA for that: have them tow you to the nearest tire shop that stocks your current brand.

 

Still no help if there is a cut sidewall, or you wreck a tire/wheel in a pothole. There is always AAA for that...

Not if you're out of cell range.

And even if you can contact AAA, it doesn't do you a whole lot of good if it takes a week or two for the tire shop to get a new tire that fits...