Hello All,

I have two 1996 850 wagons. One I purchased new, and I have never had need to use the donut tire. The other I purchased used, and it was evident from wear, the prior owner had used the donut tire. Yesterday, for the first time since purchasing the used '96 850 in 1999, I used the donut tire. It worked perfectly, but I realize this is a 15 year old tire, that may, if not already be suffering from dry rot and I should start thinking about a replacement.

I called my Volvo dealer and the donut tire is no longer available. I called a national tire store and was told by the clerk this company doesn't sell donut tires. When he recommended I contact a Volvo dealer, and I when told him the tire was no longer available, he said a salvage yard would be my next alternative. The problem with salvage tires, is that they may be as old or at least 6 years old (literature I've read recommends replacing tires 6 years or older regardless of tread wear). The other alternative recommended by the tire store clerk was to buy a regular full size tire and put that in the wear wheel. I'm pretty sure the Volvo alloy wheel with a regular tire on it will not fit in the wheel well, which pushes me back to a donut tire.

My question to all is: Where can you get new donut/temporary tires to use as spares?

Thanks to all who reply.

Hugh