As a driver, you must always be ready to meet the unexpected. And one such expectedly unexpected thing you should always plan about is a flat tire or tire blowout. And to mitigate its effect, the best planning is to use a spare tire.
A spare tire is an extra tire that is carried in a vehicle whenever any of the automobile tire is not in a condition to be used. But how many types of these tires are there? And how we can install it? If you are looking for answer to questions like these, then you are at the right place. As in this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information that you need. So let’s start:
Different Names Used For Spare Tires:
If you see any of the following terms, then it means it spare tires:
- Donut
- Space-saver
- Temporary spare or tire
- Compact spare
- Emergency spare or tire
- Stepney
- Fifth wheel
- Junkyard special
Importance of Spare Tire:
Spare tires hold a lot of importance for your vehicle. To know the utility of these tires, let us consider the following points:
Provides backup for tire issues: A spare tire serves as a backup in case of a flat tire or blowout. This allows you to drive continuously without the need for immediate repairs or towing. Moreover, based on my experience as I have faced this, these emergency tires can be especially important in situations where there is limited access to repair services.
Saves time and money: Likewise, having a spare wheel can also help you to save money. As towing services and emergency repairs can be expensive. Moreover, this can be especially important for those who are on a tight budget.
Ensures safety during breakdowns: Spare wheel can be crucial in situations where a tire failure leads to a breakdown or accident, ensuring the safety of the driver and passengers.
Offers peace of mind: The presence of the auxiliary tire provides peace of mind. This is important if you are driving on hill areas where terrains are challenging. Under such circumstances, it offers a viable option for you. As you know, you have the backup if the tire blows out or gets any other issue.
Differences B/w Spare & Regular Tires:
Along with the benefits as we discussed above, the next vital question is what are the differences between spare tires and regular tires? Following are the key distinctions that exist:
- Spare tires are often thinner and of lower quality compared to regular tires. Coz they are designed for temporary use.
- These tires may come from a different brand or model than the regular tires on the vehicle.
- Spare wheels are not intended for long-term use or high speeds, as they are designed as temporary replacements.
Types of Spare Tires:
Spare tires can be classified into three main types. Each type of tire has its own functionality, durability, and compatibility. How? Let us see it in more detail:
A. Full-Size Spare Tire:
A full-size spare tire is a reliable and robust solution for drivers. It is a complete tire that matches the specifications of the regular tires on the vehicle, including size, construction, and performance characteristics. In essence, it is an identical counterpart to the tires used during everyday driving. With a full-size spare tire, drivers can enjoy optimal handling, performance, and safety, as it is designed to seamlessly integrate with the vehicle’s suspension and drivetrain.
B. Compact Spare Tire (Donut Tire):
The compact spare tire, aka “donut” spare, is a space-saving alternative to the full-size spare. It is designed to address the limitations of full-size spares, such as weight and size, while still providing a viable temporary solution. Compact spares are notably smaller and narrower than regular tires, allowing them to fit snugly in the vehicle’s trunk or storage space. Manufacturers often specify speed and distance limitations for compact spares, typically ranging from 50 to 70 miles per hour and a distance of 50 to 100 miles. Hence, they are most suitable for urban or suburban environments where repair facilities are easily accessible.
C. Space-Saver Spare Tire:
The space-saver spare tire takes the concept of compact spares to the next level, providing an even more space-efficient solution. These spare tires are exceptionally narrow and lightweight, allowing drivers to maximize their trunk space while still carrying a backup tire. The reduced size of space-saver spare tires makes them particularly suitable for vehicles with limited storage capacity.
However, it’s important to note that space-saver spare tires have more significant limitations compared to full-size or compact spares. They are primarily intended for short-term use at lower speeds, typically with speed limitations of around 50 miles per hour. Additionally, their reduced size translates to reduced traction and handling capabilities, making them less suitable for challenging driving conditions or extended travel.
Proper Storage:
One of the frequently asked questions is where is a spare tire located. Based on my observation, the following are the few positions to locate these tires:
- Donut are commonly stored in the trunk or under the boot floor of vehicles.
- In larger vehicles, these tires may be attached to the underside or back door for storage.
How to Install Spare Tires:
So we have a spare tire in the car trunk. Now we want to use it in place of the flat tire. What is the process for it?
Following are the 9 key steps that will guide you through the whole process of tire installation. These are;
- Find a safe location: If you have a flat tire while driving, pull over to a safe location- away from traffic. Make sure the ground is firm and level.
- Gather necessary tools: You will need a spare tire, a lug wrench, and a jack. These tools are usually located in the trunk of your car.
- Loosen the lug nuts: Now, use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Turn them counterclockwise, but do not remove them yet.
- Jack up the car: Place the jack under the car in the correct location. The location is usually indicated by an arrow or notch on the car’s frame. Use the jack to lift the car until the flat tire is off the ground.
- Remove the lug nuts and flat tire: Next, use the lug wrench to remove the lug nuts and take off the flat tire.
- Install the spare tire: Now install the spare wheel. To do this, place the spare tire onto the wheel studs. And hand-tighten the lug nuts.
- Lower the car and tighten the lug nuts: Use the jack to lower the car back to the ground. Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
- Check the tire pressure: Make sure the fifth wheel is inflated to the correct pressure. This information can usually be found in your car’s owner’s manual.
- Replace the flat tire: Store the flat tire, jack, and lug wrench in the trunk of your car. You can have the flat tire repaired or replaced at a tire shop.
These steps are generally applicable to most cars, but it’s always a good idea to consult your car’s owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Tips for Driving on a Spare Tire:
To make the maximum of spare tire following are the few tips I recommend for you. These include:
- Before driving on a spare tire, it is important to check the recommended maximum speed and ensure proper tire pressure.
- Before using a donut, do inspect it for any damage or signs of wear.
- Do not take sharp turns or use high speed on corners.
- Heavy braking should be avoided when driving on a spare tire. As these tires don’t have the same level of traction as a regular tire.
- Moreover, repair or replace the original tire as soon as possible. So to ensure the vehicle’s safety and performance.
Availability of Spare Tires:
Most vehicles come with a spare tire. However, in case there is no emergency tire on the vehicle, then you can buy it by yourself. You can consult a tire professional to know about the particular tire size that will fit your vehicle.
Commonly Asked Questions:
Following are two commonly asked questions that I often come across. These are:
Q1. Can I use a spare tire from a different car?
Personally, I would advise against using a spare tire from a different car. Spare tires are typically designed specifically for the make and model of the car they are intended for. Using a tire from a different car may result in mismatched size, speed rating, or load capacity, which can affect the vehicle’s overall performance and safety.
Q2.Can you use a spare tire more than once?
Yes, you can use a spare tire more than once as long as it is still in good condition. However, it’s important to remember that spare tires are temporary solutions and should only be used for short distances until you can replace them with a proper tire. Be sure to check the spare tire’s tread depth and air pressure before each use to ensure it is safe to use.
Conclusion:
To this point, we have tried to cover all the relevant information about the spare tire. We have seen the different types of it. What is the utility of there tires. And also have seen in detail how to install these emergency tires properly. In case, you want to know any further on the topic, do let me know!
Source:
- Hyundai Palisade: If You Have a Flat Tire / Changing Tires
- Does a Spare Tire Expire?
I am Kashif Riaz – founder and author at Tiremonk.com. I am an automotive DIY enthusiast and tire blogger with a background in Mechanical Engineering. I have been in the field for more than seven years. I love to write about automobiles, especially about their tires – design, construction, functioning, and maintenance.
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