I had a left front tire go suddenly flat on a trip last Friday.(Mileage was 15,700) I was traveling about 62 mph and heard the distintive whump, whump, whump sound of a flat. I was near an exit off the freeway in rural Humboldt county, California, and was able to quickly get to a flat spot off the highway to change the tire. <br>I had to look in the manual to see where the jack and tools were located. (They are in the trunk next to and directly above the spare tire.) I was able to change the tire easily, and continued on my way at the recommended 50 mph.<br>I called a local tire store the next morning, and ordered 2 tires (one to be mounted, and a spare), but it looks like it will be a week and a half before they arrive. It took the tire dealers some time to find the correct tires in their books, but I think we got it right.<br>The car drives well with the small spare, and my reported mileage on the trip back at 50mph was about 56.4 mpg. Jim

Good info. I think I will order a replacement for the small spare as soon as my car comes in.

Toyota roadside assistance program covers tire repair 20$ and replacement up to 150$ but you must call 1-888-567-7786 for pre-authorization within 30 days. complete info is in your Toyota roadside assistance brochure. good luck<br><br>Charlie

I'd like to humbly suggest that when faced with a front flat and week-long wait:<br><br>Remove a rear wheel.<br><br>Replace with mini-spare.<br><br>Remove flat tire.<br><br>Replace with full-sized "rear wheel".<br><br>Jeff (I just hate those creepy little things on the front axle, especially if it's gonna be on there for a while!)

Did you have to order a new rim for the spare or did the rim on the spare fit the new tire?

I did not order a new rim. I expect to change the blown out tire with the new tire, and keep one new tire under wraps until needed (it is really just to avoid a weeks wait). I will be calling the Toyota assistance number for a pre-authorization for the tire change (if it was a roadside hazard that caused the flat). If it was a tire defect, then I think I'd handle it under the tire warranty. <br>By the way, I saw three Prii on Hwy 101 in Humboldt county during my short (100 mile) trip to Garberville. Mine was the only one with the bright yellow/green spare rim and tire on though! Jim