Everything You Need To Know About Spare Tires

Flat tires are usually unexpected and almost always inconvenient. That’s why it’s so important to ensure that you always have a spare tire on hand. Having a spare allows you to continue driving safely until you can get the damaged tire fixed or replaced.

What is a Spare Tire?

Also known as “donut” or “temporary” tires, spare tires are designed to be used in emergency situations when you need to replace a tire on your vehicle in order to drive it. Reasons you might need a spare tire include a flat tire, a blow out, or even sidewall damage.

Where is my Spare?

For many years, spare tires were standard issue for every new car purchase and were usually located in the back trunk under the mat. That isn’t always the case these days as some new vehicles no longer include these with purchase. For that reason, it’s an excellent idea to familiarize yourself with your vehicle before you find yourself needing something you thought was standard and discovering it isn’t! If you find your vehicle doesn’t come with a spare tire, you should absolutely consider purchasing one yourself. You can swing by your local Commercial Tire where they will be more than happy to help make sure you get the right one for your vehicle.

Spare Tire Maintenance

It’s an excellent idea to occasionally check to make sure your spare is in good working condition. Things to check for include proper air pressure and no visible damage including bald spots, peeling tread, or bulges. You also want to check the age of your spare tire. Tires lose structural integrity over time and driving on an old spare tire can be dangerous. Experts recommend replacing your spare tire approximately every six years.

Buying a Spare Tire – What You Need to Know

When selecting a spare tire for your vehicle, choosing the right size and type of tire is important. The spare tire should be the same size and type as the other tires on your vehicle, or as close as possible. This ensures that the spare tire will fit properly and function correctly. You can find the appropriate size and type of spare tire for your vehicle in the owner’s manual or on the tire information placard located on the driver’s side door jamb. You can also schedule an appointment with one of our tire specialists at Commercial Tire. They’ll not only make sure you get the right spare for your vehicle, but they can help make sure it’s properly stowed so you’ll have it on hand whenever and wherever a flat may strike.

Driving on your Spare

Once you’ve put your spare on your car, your goal should be driving it to the nearest Commercial Tire and having your original tire repaired or replaced. Before you hit the road, check your owner’s manual and see if there are any special instructions on how to drive on your spare tire. While some spares are full sized, many are ‘space-saving’ tires and are narrower and smaller than a standard sized tire. Space-saving tires often have ‘speed limits’ as well, meaning they are safe to drive but only up to a certain speed. Extra caution should be exercised when driving on a spare as your vehicle’s performance will be impacted as well. Stability, braking and traction will all be different, especially if you are driving on a space-saving tire. Be aware that driving on a spare tire may trigger warning lights on your dash, like your ABS light, and your tire pressure light.