What is a Spare Tire and Why You Should Know About it?

There is always a possibility that you may find yourself stranded on the roadside because it can be pretty painful to have a flat tire. Spare tires are known to be lifesavers in such instances, so keeping one in your car is a necessity that should never be ignored.

The kind of spare tire you will be using in the car ultimately depends on the car model you drive. These days we see that some cars don't come with a spare tire, but it is essential that you buy one in case of emergency.

Different types of Spare Tires

• A full-size spare tire

These are precisely the same tires in spec as the ones that come with your car. This is a kind of spare tire that can be used for your tire rotation pattern. You also have the advantage that this particular tire is able to play out aesthetically. Therefore, your car will not look bad at all after you replace it with a flat tire.

• Compact temporary spare tire

This tire is lighter in weight, and its tread depth is shallow, while it is smaller in size than a regular one, which means that it needs more air pressure. It is vital that your car manufacturer approves this tire, and it is not meant for long-term use.

• Run-flat tire

A run-flat tire may not be an attractive option, but the best thing about this tire is that you can drive it flat until you are able to reach a tire repair shop that is nearest. The vehicles that use this type of tire don't come with a spare tire in the trunk.

How fast can you drive with a spare tire?

If you use a compact spare tire, you should never be driving more than 60-80 km per hour. It is also crucial that you avoid any highways and motorways when using temporary spare tires.

If you use an actual tire as a spare one, you can normally drive within your legal speed limit without any issues.

For how long can a spare tire be used?

A compact spare tire is never meant for long-distance driving, which means that you should never try to push it beyond the limits. It is always advised to drive at a maximum speed of 60-80 km per hour, but the distance can vary depending on the tire.

It is always wise to consult the owner’s manual in order to get more information, but your actual spare tire doesn’t have any such limitations.

Final Thoughts

It doesn't matter what kind of spare tires are needed by your car or what kind of tires are provided by the manufacturer. It is essential for you to keep a good condition spare tire in the vehicle.

It would be helpful for you if you also had a portable air pump so that the air pressure can be adjusted in the tires when required. It is crucial to note that the backup tires should always be a temporary solution, except for the full-size regular matching spares.