Q: What Makes a Spare Tire Different?

asked by on November 12, 2015

What makes a spare tire different?

Spare Tire Installation $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Spare tires come in all different types depending on the what the manufacturer felt was necessary for the design of the vehicle. Your spare tire may be the most common type, which is a space-saver spare. There are also collapsible spares, full size spares, and tire repair kits that are used in place of a spare tire. Depending on which type of spare you have will determine how the tire is constructed and how it must be used should you ever find yourself in a situation that requires you to use your spare.

We can start with the tire repair kit. This kit has nothing to do with the tire itself as it consists of a tire sealant, such as fix-a-flat, which can inflate and seal the tire for a period of time so that it can be driven on.

A full size spare is generally a regular tire that is used at the spare. If you have a full size spare you can typically use this just like any other tire as it carries the same construction as the tires on your car.

Space savers and collapsible spares are different. These are the most common types of spares used on cars. These spare tires are made to be smaller and lighter than the tires that come on the vehicle. This is done because it reduces the amount of space needed for the spare, and the reduced weight can assist in vehicle fuel mileage. These tires come with a reduced amount of tread on the tire which reduces the weight and space that is needed to store the tire. This make it to where the tire should only be used for a short period of time, typically less than fifty miles. The space saver and collapsible spares will also have a different inner construction. By this, the tire does not have the same type and amount of internal steel belts. Radial tires are designed with steel belts of all different types. The type and amount of steel belts will affect the longevity of the tire as well as the strength and durability of the tire. The downfall of multiple steel belts is that it adds extra weight to the tire. Since space saving spares are designed to be lighter and take up less space they will not have the same amount of steel belts as the tires used on the vehicle every day. This also will affect the way that the spare is used. This is why these tires have a speed limit on them. The lack of steel belts keeps the tire from maintaining its shape at higher speed, so that is why they usually have a 55 mph cap on their use.

Besides the usual inspections that you must do to maintain a spare tire, you may want to upgrade it at some point depending on your situation. If you have a roadside assistance service you may never need to use your spare. If you drive your vehicle long distances and find yourself in rural and desolate areas then you may want to upgrade your tire to a full size spare. You can purchase a full size spare tire and wheel at most tire stores. This will give you the benefit being able to still drive your vehicle at normal highway speeds should you ever need to use it, and you will not be held to a limited driving distance.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Steering wheel locked
There is a pin that locks the steering wheel when the key is turned off. If you turn off the key and you have pressure on that pin from the wheel, the ignition will be very hard to turn. Try...
Oil pressure dropping
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it sounds like your engine is at about the end of its useful life. If a motor seizes, the piston has become so hot and expanded that its stuck in...
Power steering fluid leaking in a 2006 Jeep Liberty
Power steering fluid can leak from multiple different places such as; the main power steering pump seal, behind the power steering pump pulley, the pressure line going from the front of the pump to the steering rack, or the return...
Rear brakes are dragging
Based on your description, it sounds like your parking brake may be locking up on your rear brakes. I would recommend having your rear brakes disassembled and, using the special tool you referred to, try to compress the caliper. If...
Cylinder 2 misfire
You need to pull out the coil and check to see if there is oil in the spark plug hole, or on the plug wire boot. If there is, then replace the valve cover and spark plug boots after cleaning...
Car makes a screeching noise when foot is on brake and in drive.
Hi. This is a tricky problem to solve because it is intermittent problem. A lot of times with intermittent problems, they have to become a consistent problem so the problem can be fixed properly. There is a possibility that the...
I have a leak in the coolant system that I have narrowed to I believe is the water inlet tube off of the lower radiator hose.
First off, I would say it would be best to pressure test the cooling system to verify where the coolant is coming from. With the complexity of repairs to the cooling system on this vehicle, it may be worth the...
Vauxhall Corsa D 2013 - Brake Light Switch needs locating.
Hi there. Go to the brake pedal and look at the top of the leg of the pedal and you will see a switch that is mounted on the bracket that the pedal is hanging off of. That switch is...
my 2006 ford fusion has check charging system light on and temperature is up as well. What is it?
On your car, a single belt drives the water pump, power steering pump and alternator. The belt has probably come loose and or has come off completely. Of course, don't drive the car because if there is no functioning water...

Related articles

How Do I Make My Tires Last Longer?
When When you buy a new vehicle or a new set of tires (https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/company/partner/yourmechanic?promoCode=YOURMECHANIC&utm_source=null&utm_medium=referral&partnerId=yourmechanic&partnerName=yourmechanic&retaggingLaunchUrl=%2F%2Fassets.adobedtm.com%2Flaunch-EN786b79de5697438cb1f8839bcd30487c.min.js&floodlightEnabled=true&liveChatEnabled=true&siteName=Goodyear+Tires) for your current vehicle, there is nothing like the experience of a quiet drive and confident traction. Unfortunately, that experience doesn’t last forever. Road noise begins...
How to Add Air to Your Tires
It’s It’s easy to take the air pressure in your tires for granted. After all, as long as you get where you need to go without a flat or other problem, you may think there’s no reason to overanalyze how...
Top 10 Ways to Make Your Car More Green
Every car produces greenhouse gases. You can reduce your car's environmental impact with tune-ups, filling the tires, and making your car lightweight.