Spare Tire Guide: How to Stay Safe on the Road

You're driving down the road, minding your own business when suddenly there's a loud pop. The next thing you know, you're stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire. Frustrating, isn't it? The fact of the matter is that your tire will suddenly rupture when you least expect it.

You could be driving on gravel on purpose and chances are that nothing would happen, but drive home on a smooth paved road and there it is: the inconvenience that's been waiting for the worst possible moment to present itself. Be that as it may, let's hope you've got a spare tucked in your trunk. Speaking of spare tires, every driver should have one, regardless of the circumstances.

First of all, you never know when one of your tires will go flat. Second, if you don't have a spare, you're pretty much stranded until someone tows you away. And third, when you have a spare, you can replace the flat tire with a new one in a matter of minutes, and be on your merry way.

If that ain't reason enough to carry a spare, then nothing is. With that in mind, we've prepared a detailed guide regarding spare tires that will provide you with all the information you need. That said, we'll go over different types of spares, how to maintain and replace them, as well as the most important safety tips. So, let's get to it, shall we?

What is a Spare Tire?

As the name suggests, a spare tire is a replacement you store in your car for emergencies. Most spares are located in the trunk, specifically in a specialized compartment underneath the trunk. Some vehicles, like SUVs, have a spare mounted on the rear door.

Therefore, whenever you run into the misfortune of having a flat tire, you can simply replace the flat one and continue driving. However, you won't be replacing the tire per se. In fact, you'll be replacing the entire wheel, which brings us to the question of why are spare tires called that when it's actually an extra wheel you carry aboard your car?

Well, it seems someone somewhere thought that using a misnomer would be a good idea. In any event, a spare tire is a lifesaver, especially if you get a flat somewhere far away from any settlements with a decent enough car repair shop or a garage. It's actually quite simple to replace the flat with the spare, not to mention that it doesn't take long at all.

Types of Spare Tires

A spare is a spare; you carry it, take it out when you need it, and that's it, right? Actually, there's a lot more to spare tires than it may seem. As a matter of fact, there are actually different types of spare tires and knowing the difference is the key to both on-road and roadside safety.

If you don't fully understand what type of spare tire you carry, you might make a crucial mistake that can have serious consequences. That being said, let's examine these types of spare tires in more detail.

Full-Size Spare Tires

These spare tires are completely identical to the ones you have mounted on your wheels. In other words, they are the same size, same model, tread patter, weight, and everything else you can think of.

Therefore, when one of your tires goes flat, you can easily replace it and continue driving as if nothing happened, considering the fact that you literally have a spare tire that won't affect your vehicle's performance in any way.

Compact Spare Tires

These spare tires are usually smaller and lighter than the tires you already have, hence the name. The idea is to have a spare tire that won't weigh a lot, and a tire that won't take up too much space in your trunk.

As you may already know, compact spares have limited performance compared to the rest of your tires and are only meant to be used as a last resort that will get you safely to the nearest repair shop.

Run Flat Tires as a Spare Tire Alternative

Run flats are innovative and very convenient tire types that can really help you out in a pinch. That said, a lot of new vehicles these days already come with run flats as standard equipment. Therefore, if you have run flats, you don't need spares. That sounds quite fantastic, but it's not as simple as that. You see, run flats are often very expensive, even though there are affordable models. The thing is that when a run flat goes flat, it has to be replaced.

Repairs are done rarely, very rarely, and they are often not worth the effort or money you'll spend on them. On the other hand, punctures on standard tires can be, and usually are, repaired with ease, so that you can keep using them for miles to come. So, when weighing the pros and cons of both options, it really comes down to personal preferences.

Difference Between Full-Size and Compact Spare Tires

As mentioned before, different types of spare tires serve a different purpose and can, therefore, affect how your car performs when you exchange a flat tire for a spare one. This may not seem as such a big deal, but it can really affect how you drive and for how long. That's why we'll be examining both full-size and compact spare tires in great detail.

Advantages of full-size spare tires:

• Identical tires - As it was previously mentioned, full-size spares are completely identical to the tires you already have. In other words, replacing a flat tire with this type of spare won't negatively affect your car in any way.
• Maintained performance - Since full-size spares are the same as ones you're driving on, your car's performance, cornering, handling, and other aspects will remain the same should you find yourself in a situation where you must use a spare as a replacement. 
• Identical features - If your tires have any special features, such as fuel-efficiency, noise reduction, extended tread life, and so on, your full-size spare will have the same features. In other words, you're not losing any quality if you have to put on a spare tire.

Disadvantages of full-size tires:

• They need more space - Full-size spares require more trunk space because they are the same size and weight as your other tires. That usually means that there is a trade-off where you sacrifice space for other things, in order to have room for a spare.
• They are heavy - Although a spare tire doesn't weigh as much as an adult human being, it does weigh closer to a small child. That means extra load on your other tires. Looking at this long-term, your other tires will wear out sooner due to extra load they have to contend with. 

Advantages of compact spare tires:

• Compact - As their name suggests, compact spares are exactly that: small, light, and can fit easily in the trunk. What that means is that you'll have more trunk space to put other stuff in.
• Lightweight - Smaller tire means less weight, and that ultimately means less load on your other tires. Therefore, your other tires will last longer since they don't have to carry additional weight all the time.

Disadvantages of compact spare tires:

• Performance loss - Because they are smaller and lighter than your other tires, compact spares simply won't be able to perform the same way. You can expect a decrease in pretty much every aspect of your car's performance like maneuverability, braking, cornering, and so on. 
• Not suitable for different road conditions - Since compact spares differ from the rest of your tires, they are not suitable for use on different road conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, and so on. Having one tire that cannot keep up with the rest is simply an accident waiting to happen. 
• Limited use - Compact spares are designed to be used as an emergency, and unlike full-size spares, you can't continue to drive on them for very long, preferably to the closest repair shop and that's it. The longer you keep such spares on, the greater the risk of tire failure or something much worse. 

As you can see, the difference between these two types of spares is monumental. That's why you'll have to carefully consider which type to opt for and decide which trade-off suits your needs more.

How to Install a Spare Tire?

Now we get to the fun part: replacing the flat tire with a spare. Changing a flat for the first time may seem daunting, but it's actually quite a simple process. So, don't worry, this isn't anything that requires mechanical savviness or high-level of expertise.

In fact, anyone can do it and we'll show you exactly how. For starters, make sure you pull over on the side of the road and park your car at a safe spot so you can do the dirty work without having to worry about other drivers.

Step 1: Get Your Equipment

Before you do anything else, make sure you put on a reflective vest, as well as a reflective warning sign so that other drivers can clearly see you. After that, get the tools you'll need, which include:

• A lug wrench
• A jack
• The spare tire, preferably fully inflated and in good condition.
• Flashlight (situational).

Step 2: Loosen the Lug Nuts

Now, take off the wheel cover or hubcap to gain access to the nuts. Use the lug wrench to loosen the nuts, but don't remove them completely, not yet anyways.

Step 3: Lift the Car 

After loosening the nuts, grab the owners manual to help identify safe spots on the car frame where you can safely position the jack. If you don't know what you're doing, and you don't have a manual on you, look for spots where car doors meet the frame.

This is where the frame is the strongest, which means you can place the jack there without damaging your car. Next, place the jack and lift the car so that the tire is barely off the ground, around 6 inches should do just fine.

Step 4: Remove the Nuts and the Wheel

Now that the car is elevated just enough, it's time to remove the lug nuts and then remove the wheel with the flat tire. You might have to yank it a bit for the wheel to come loose, but that shouldn't be a problem. Once the wheel is off, put it in the trunk and get the spare.

Step 5: Place the Spare Wheel

Next, you want to take the spare tire and place the wheel so that it aligns with the lug bolts. Once that is done, put the nuts back on and tighten them by hand. Don't use the wrench yet.

Step 6: Lower the Car and Tighten the Nuts

What you want to do next is lower the car but not all the way. Lower it so that the tire is barely touching the ground and without removing the jack. The goal is to avoid placing the entire weight of the car on the newly-placed wheel. After you manage that, use the lug wrench to completely tighten the nuts. Once that is done, you can completely lower the car and remove the jack.

Step 7: Collect your Stuff and Drive on

That's it, you've successfully replaced a flat tire with a spare. All that remains is to collect your tools and other stuff, sit in the car, and drive into the sunset.

Safety Tips After Installation

Now that you've replaced a flat tire with a spare one, it's time to consider the safety precautions and ensure everything is in order. That said, the first thing you should consider is visiting the auto repair shop. The main reason is that you want someone to check if you've tightened the lug nuts properly and also see if your flat tire can be repaired.

If you have a full-size spare, you can keep going until you either get the flat one fixed or purchase another spare. On the other hand, if you have a compact spare, then it's imperative that you get it replaced as soon as possible. Speaking of compact spares, keep in mind that when you resort to using a compact spare to replace a flat tire, you'll have to keep in mind the speed and mileage limitations.

After all, a compact spare can be used for a limited distance driving at a certain speed. How long and how fast you can go depends on the tire model and other factors. In other words, use compact spare only as means to reach the nearest repair shop. Anything more than that and the tire won't be able to handle the pressure.

Spare Tire Maintenance Tips

Spare tires are safely tucked away in your trunk. So much in fact that you'll most certainly forget about it. Be that as it may, that's something you shouldn't do. After all, a spare tire can save you when you need it most, but not if it's in poor condition. Therefore, you should really focus on conducting proper maintenance on your spare tire, whenever and however you can. With that in mind, here are a few maintenance tips to help keep your spare in working condition.

• Check air pressure at least once a month.
• If you're keeping it in your trunk, make sure the tire is covered properly, so that you can protect it from direct sunlight and moisture exposure.
• Even if you never use the spare tire, it will degrade over time. In other words, check the replacement guidelines to determine the tire's exact lifespan. Based on the manufacturer, this can be anywhere from six to ten years. 

Do All Cars Come With a Spare Tire?

One would think that a spare tire is an essential part of every car's equipment, especially since it can be so helpful in case you get a flat somewhere. However, that is not the case anymore. The fact of the matter is that the vast majority of cars today don't come with a spare tire. The best you can hope for are run flats or at least, a tire sealant and an air compressor.

Believe it or not, only 10 percent of cars come with a full-sized spare tire, while 50 percent come with a space-saving donut spare. The other 40 percent have sealers and compressors, so there you have it. If you want to have a spare that suits you perfectly, you'll most likely have to get one yourself.

How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

That depends on whether you have a full-size spare or a compact one. If it's a full-size spare, you can drive for as long as you want. On the other hand, if you have a compact spare, you should focus on getting to the nearest repair shop to have the tire replaced.

How Fast Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

As mentioned before, it depends on which type of spare tire you have. Full-size spares can handle the same speeds as your other tires, while compact spares should be driven at 50 mph tops.

How Many Miles Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

The general recommendation for compact tires is that you can safely drive for about 50 miles, give or take. Conversely, full-size spares can be driven for as many miles as stated by the manufacturer, which is roughly anywhere between 20,000 to 70,000 miles depending on the model, quality, and your driving habits.

Choosing the Right Spare Tire for Your Car

Now that you know the difference between spare tires and how they're used, it's time to pick one for your car. Of course, there are always factors to consider before you make the decision. The main reason is that it will help you make the right choice. That said, here are a couple of things that you should keep in mind.

• Size compatibility - Size isn't everything, but in this case, it's very important. Choosing a spare tire isn't something you can do on a whim. In fact, one of the first things you should pay attention to is size compatibility. For example, if there's no room for a full-size spare in your trunk, then you'll have to improvise.
• Vehicle type - The type of car you drive has everything to do with which type of spare tire you'll opt for, if any at all. Perhaps your vehicle is better off with run flats, so you won't need a spare, to begin with.
• Your driving habits - How you drive and the road conditions you drive on should influence your decision regarding spare tires. For instance, off-road enthusiasts are more likely to encounter a flat tire. In that case, having a full-size spare can get you out of the wilderness back to civilization in no time. 

The Cost of Spare Tires and Related Equipment

The price of spare tires very much depends on their type, size, model, and other relevant factors. That said, you can expect that a full-size spare would cost the same as one of your regular tires. However, if you've purchased tires in a bulk of four, chances are you've got a discount. In other words, purchasing a single tire might cost you a bit more.

On the other hand, compact tires are smaller and unable to perform as well as full-size ones, which means they'll cost less. However, if you're perusing spare tires, you might as well purchase related equipment, such as a lug wrench, a jack, and so on. Therefore, the overall price of everything you'll need will vary based on individual circumstances.

What to Keep in Your Car Alongside a Spare Tire?

Simply having a spare tire won't do you much good if you don't have the right tools that will help you change tires in an emergency. That said, you should always make sure you have the necessary stuff with you, stored somewhere in your car so that it's easily findable and accessible. Here's some stuff that will come in handy:

• Safety equipment - Fluorescent vest and triangle to signal other drivers that you're parked at the side of the road.
• Tire replacement kit - A jack, lug wrench, flashlight, and a pair of sturdy gloves.
• Tire repair kit - In case you don't have a spare, make sure you have a tire sealing solution and an air compressor. This will help you fix the puncture and reinflate the tire, so that you can drive to the nearest repair shop. 

Final Thoughts

Having a spare tire can really be a lifesaver in emergencies. This is especially true if you get a flat tire somewhere that's not exactly close to any rural or urban areas.

Therefore, instead of calling a tow truck and paying a hefty price for that service, you can simply replace the flat tire with a spare one and continue on your journey. That's why you should take the time to not just obtain a spare tire, but also choose the right one that will suit your needs perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a spare tire last?

Spare tires last as long as any other tire, even if they're never used. To determine the exact lifespan of your spare tire, check the manual provided by the manufacturer.

Can I drive on a spare tire for a week?

If you run on a full-size spare tire, then yes you can. However, if you have a compact spare, then you really shouldn't drive on it for so long, as there's increased risk of tire failure.

How to change a spare tire?

Simply put, all you need to do is loosen the lug nuts, lift the car with a jack 6 inches above the ground, remove lug nuts and the flat tire, replace with a spare, tighten the nuts, lower the car back down, and tighten the nuts some more.

How much air should be in a spare tire?

Every spare tire should be properly inflated like any other tire at all times. That's why you should check the air pressure in your spare tire at least once a month.

Can you drive on a highway with a spare tire?

If it's a full-size spare, then sure, you can drive on a highway safely. If it's a compact spare, then it depends on the highway. For example, regional highways have a minimum speed limit of 50 mph, which is the recommended speed for compact spare tires. Moreover, freeways and expressways have a minimum speed limit of 55 mph, so technically, you won't be able to drive on those with a compact spare.

What to do if you have a flat tire and no spare?

If you have a tire sealant and an air compressor, you can temporarily fix the damage and drive to the nearest repair shop. If not, you should call a tow truck.

Can you reuse a spare tire?

If the spare tire remains in good condition after you've used it, then you can reuse it again if the need arises.

How do you measure a spare tire cover?

The best approach to measuring a spare tire cover is to look at the numbers printed on the tire's sidewall. You should be able to see something like 240/75R16, for example. Use that number on a retailer or manufacturer's website to get the correct cover dimensions.

Can I use a spare tire from another car?

If that car uses the same tires as yours, then yes, you can borrow a spare from another car. If not, then it's best not to risk potential accidents and simply call a tow truck.

How much does a spare tire weigh?

That depends on the size, model, type, and other factors. Generally speaking, compact spares often weigh between 30-50 pounds, while full-size spares weigh anywhere from 45 to over a 100 pounds.