[ctemkin]

I initially looked into the smaller size spare tire, but it wasn't that small and, once on the car, couldn't be used for much distance. I decided to go with a full-size tire that would take up somewhat more of the trunk but could actually get me home even if the flat happened on a highway 150 miles from my house (which is where I got my last flat). When I was ordering two sets of wheels from Tire Rack, one with summer tires and one with winter tires, I ordered an extra wheel with an AS tire mounted on it.

This does take up most of the trunk, especially because you also have to carry around a jack and some tools, but it gives me a lot of peace of mind. When I get groceries or have other stuff to haul, I just stick the stuff in the back seat.