Whether you prefer full-sized spare or donut spare tires, there is no question that they are useful. Getting stranded on the side of the road is never a fun experience.
But, where to buy a spare tire and what tire should you get?
Let’s talk about everything you need to know about spare tires!
Different Types of Spare Tires
When looking for a new spare tire, drivers must decide what type of spare tire they need.
Full-sized spares would be the ideal choice, but not all vehicles offer the storage space needed for them. Donut spare tires minimize the space they take up, but they do not offer the same performance.
Today, we will walk you through the different types of spare tires to make your decision easier.
Full Size Spare Tire (Your Long-Term Solution)
Full-size spare tires eliminate the need to visit a tire shop immediately… well, mostly.
There are different full-sized spare models available for purchase. Let’s take a look at what they are.
Matching Full Size Spare Tires
Matching full-size spare tires are basically the 5th tire of a set. They are the same brand, model, and size as the other four mounted on the vehicle. This tire should be part of the regular rotation to ensure that it is wearing approximately along with the rest.
Matching full-sized tires are the universal spare tire, as most drivers opt for them. Yet, they take up the most space in the truck, and come vehicles do not have the storage space for them. Not only that, a 5-tire set will be more expensive to purchase and rotate, but it will be worth it in due time.
Still, carrying around a matching spare will allow your vehicle to perform in the same manner, even with a spare tire mounted. In this manner, they provide more flexibility to drivers and vehicles.
Non-Matching Full Size Spare Tires
Sometimes the full-size spare is not the same size as the rest of the tires mounted on the vehicle. While these tires are regular tires, with strong constructions, they cannot be used on the vehicle in regular circumstances. Either the tire size does not match the rest of the wheel the tire is mounted on.
Full-sized spare tires give you the option of long and stable performance. They are not as limited as temporary spare tires. However, since they are not part of the matching set, drivers will need to be more careful. They also take up a lot of trunk space. While it might not be a big issue, it will also ruin the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal.
Temporary Full Size Spare Tires
The link between full-size and donut tire models is the temporary full-size spare. This tire matches the size specifications of regular tires, but they are manufactured with lightweight construction.
Therefore, this tire is only for limited use. Once they are mounted, they only offer short performance, as their construction will not be able to handle the vehicle’s weight for longer periods. Due to their size, these tires will need more space in the trunk.
On the other hand, full-size temporary spares will not intervene with the vehicle’s functionality. Functions like ABD, traction control, and speed performance, will not be hindered (especially when it is an all-wheel drive vehicle).
Donut Tire (Your Temporary Fix)
A donut spare tire is for temporary use only. It is a lightweight spare that is manufactured with smaller physical sizes (when compared to full-sized tires). Additionally, these tires require higher psi levels. The spare tire air pressure is much higher, as a donut spare tire needs around 60 psi to properly function.
Luckily donut tire models were approved by the vehicle manufacturers to be used. However, using a donut tire will disrupt some functions the car offers, like traction control, ABS, etc. Therefore, slower and careful driving is recommended.
Furthermore, due to donut spare tire sizes and their shallow treads, these tires do not offer the same traction and performance matching full-sized tires provide. Compact temporary spare tires are only for limited use, they should be changed as soon as possible.
Folding Temporary Spare Tire
The folding temporary spare takes up the least space. It is basically a collapsible spare tire, which you can inflate and collapse on demand.
Changing a spare tire such as this is a bit tiresome. It needs to be inflated with an air pump or a canister and, even after inflation, it only offers limited performance.
Driving on a Spare Tire
First of all, spare tire maintenance is crucial, no matter what type of tire you have in your trunk:
- Check the spare tire pressure regularly
- Inspect the tires for damages, dry rot, or other punctures (tread area and sidewall) to make sure the tires perform as they should
If you keep up with these, you minimize the chance of the spare failing.
Unless you are using a full-sized matching spare, you need to be a bit careful when using spare tires on your vehicle. In order to ensure your driving safety, with compact spares:
- Drive carefully – keep to a slower speed and carefully maneuver the vehicle
- Only drive until the service station – these tires are only a temporary solution
How Far Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?
After you change a spare tire, if you are using a donut model, there are limitations to its performance. So, the question is: how long do donut tires last?
Due to the donut spare tire size, these models have smaller physical sizes. This means that the vehicle side where the compact spare is mounted is lower. As a result, a donut tire should not be in use for longer than 50 miles. Driving on such a replacement tire for a long time can actually damage other vehicle parts.
A full-sized replacement tire has no distance limitations.
How Long do Spare Tires Last?
After replacing a spare tire, you need to know how long a spare tire lasts. However, depending on what type of spare you have, they will not perform in the same manner.
If we talk about lifespan, compact spare tires are for temporary use only! You should keep them inflated at much higher psi levels (60 psi). As long as these conditions are met, and the donut spare is not in use for too long at a time, they will be able to provide you with a few years of safety.
A full-size replacement spare tire, on the other hand, performs are a regular tire. Depending on the tire’s performance type, these models will last as long as their UTQG rating states. However, keep in mind that spare tires are not in continuous use. For this reason, unless we tread them as a 5th tire and rotate them onto the vehicle, time will get them sooner.
The biggest problem with spare tires is time damage. Dry rot can shorten the tire’s usability. Additionally, we should change even spare tires every 6 to 8 years. Time can deteriorate the tire’s integrity and durability.
How Fast Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?
This question has two answers, depending on what type of spare tire you have mounted on your vehicle.
Temporary spare tires, aka donut spares, have a speed limit of 50-70 mph. Its speed capacity will greatly depend on the tire brand you decide to purchase. Due to their smaller physical size, these tires will not be able to perform in the same manner.
However, when it comes to full-size tires, they can operate like regular tires. These tires have regular speed ratings (shown on their sidewall). If the tire is the 5th one of the set, it will be able to perform at its best high speed performance.
Full Size Spare Tire vs Donut
Which solution is better? When it comes to the debate between a full-size tire spare and a donut spare tire, which one should you purchase?
We have talked about in detail what these versatile tires offer. The correct answer should be: whatever you and your vehicle need!
However, both types come with their pros and cons.
The main difference between a donut and full-size tire spares is their performing abilities. A donut spare tire speed limit is lower, they are not able to perform as well as full-sized models can. Their speed limit depends on the specific tire, and their weaker construction offers reduced speed performance when driving with a donut.
On the other hand, full-size tire spares offer the same performance as the other tires mounted on the vehicle do. They provide the same traction, handling, and durability, without any performing limitations.
Therefore, if your trunk space allows, purchase full-size spare tires instead of compact spare tire models.
Here’s Why You Don’t Have to Buy Spare Tires (Other Alternatives)
If your vehicle doesn’t come with a temporary tire, it doesn’t mean that you need to invest in one. There are other, truck space-saving solutions available. A spare donut tire is not the end all, be all when it comes to flat tires.
So, what other solutions does the tire market offer? After all, we don’t want anyone to be stranded on the road.
Buy a Flat Tire Repair Kit
A flat tire repair kit is also a temporary solution. However, if you do not have space for a spare tire, this is the next best thing.
You can purchase these repair kits to give you peace of mind. Different kits feature various tools, but most offer tire sealing and inflating instruments. Use these kits to plug a hole in the tread area, enabling the tire’s performance for a temporary distance.
Using these kits allows you to fix a flat tire, as long as the puncture is less than 6 mm and it is located on the tread area. We cannot safely fix larger punctures, cuts, and sidewall damage with repair kits.
Most repair kits will require you to pump the sealant into the tire, using its air inflation valve. This will help you plug punctures safely.
OR Just Buy a Set of Run Flat Tires
Tire brands designed the newest technology to combat flat tires – run flats. This is a tire type that features a reinforced internal structure, which enables the tire’s 50-mile, 50 mph performance after air pressure loss.
Run flat tires use their construction in order to maintain the ideal tire shape under pressure. While this is not a complete tire fix, a run flat tire set on your vehicle will make sure you are not stranded with a flat tire.
The construction of run flat tires maintains the ideal tire shape under the weight of the vehicle, enabling its safer performance. The best part, this eliminates the need for spare tires (full-size or donut), freeing up valuable trunk space.
Why is there No Space for Spare Tires in Some New Cars?
Car manufacturers have slowly started reducing the weight of vehicles. Lower car weight offers many positive outcomes, but it has resulted in spare tire casualties.
Nowadays, about 1/3 of new cars sold come with no spare tires. This is because the combined weight of the donut wheel and tire combo, and the car jacks (etc.) add about 50-60 bs to the vehicle’s weight.
Eliminating these extra lbs allows the vehicles to offer better performance. The pros of not carrying a spare tire around are:
- Better fuel economy
- Longer-lasting tread life
- Reduced pressure on the tires
As the pressure affecting the tires is decreased, tire wear is optimized and their rolling resistance is decreased. This results in their upgraded performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Fast Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?
Most temporary spare tires have a speed limit of 50 mph. While some manufacturers create models that can handle up to 70 mph, not all of them are capable of that. Additionally, donut tires do not offer the same traction and handling as regular tires, so be careful when driving on a donut on the highway.
How Much Is a Spare Tire?
The price of a temporary spare tire will greatly depend on a few factors, mainly the size, performing ability, and brand of the tire. Generally speaking, the price of donut tires ranges from $50 to $200.
Do New Cars Come with Spare Tires?
It depends on the vehicle manufacturer. Car brands sell about 1/3 of new cars without spare tires. However, they might come with a compressor and a tire repair kit to temporarily fix and inflate a flat tire. Other brands might equip their cars with run flat tires.
Why Do Spare Tires Have Higher psi?
Tires lose air over a period of time. We store our spare tires in the vehicle’s trunk for a longer period of time, unused. During this time, their air pressure levels will drop. Therefore, it is better to have spare tires for cars at higher psi levels, so they don’t fail when we finally put them to use.
