Things To Know When Choosing A Spare Tyre

Nobody likes the idea of ending up stranded in the middle of nowhere because of a flat tyre. That is why having a spare tyre in the vehicle is always a good idea. There is no complete car without a replacement tyre. A spare tyre is a matter of safety and very import when on transit. That’s why it’s crucial to understand more about a spare tyre, this will help you decide on the best spare tyre for your car and how to use it. We will be looking at the various types of spare tyres and the dimensions between them.


Full Size Matching Spare Tyre

A full-size spare tyre is that which matches the current ones on your vehicle. If you’re using a full-size matching tyre as your spare, remember to make it part of your vehicle’s tyre rotation pattern, this means changing your tyres frequently since the tyres at the front of your vehicle often wear out faster than the ones at the back. This will help them wear more evenly and lets you get the most out of their tread life.

Advantages Of Full Size Matching Spare Tyre
Matching spare tyre maintains the aesthetics of your car (appearance of the car) and unlike temporary tyres, you won’t have to drive straight to a garage to get a full-size replacement.

Disadvantages Of Full Size Matching Spare Tyre
Matching spare tyre takes up storage space if there’s not a place for it and when it’s time to buy replacement tyres you’ll need 5 rather than 4 if you’ve rotated all 5 of the original tyres.


Full Size Non-Matching Spare Tyre

A full-size tyre that have a different wheel and a different size to those you already have on your car is a Full Size Non-Matching Spare Tyre. If you have one of these it shouldn’t be a part of your vehicle’s tyre rotation pattern (Remember what a rotation pattern is? Look at it above). It’s important to check that this is permitted under the law. Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) may require you to have identical tyres fitted on the same axle.

Advantage Of Full Size Non-Matching Spare Tyre
Unlike temporary tyres, you won’t have to drive straight to a garage to get a full-size replacement.

Disadvantages Of Full Size Non-Matching Spare Tyre
Takes up storage space if there’s not a place for it and may look different to your other tyres.


Full Size Temporary Spare Tyre

A lightweight tyre with a shallow tread depth. It should match your vehicle’s tyre size specifications but you should only use it as a spare.

Advantages Of Full Size Temporary Spare Tyre
Because they’re full-size, they generally don’t interfere with ABS, All-Wheel Drive or Traction control and due to it’s lightweight construction, it won’t add a lot of weight to your vehicle.

Disadvantages Of Full Size Temporary Spare Tyre
It still requires a ‘full-size’ amount of storage space and must still be considered temporary.


Compact Temporary Spare Tyre

This is a lightweight tyre with a shallow tread depth. It’s smaller than both standard and temporary spare tyres and requires a higher inflation pressure – generally 60 psi.


Advantage Of Compact Temporary Spare Tyre
It doesn’t require the storage space of a full-size matching spare.

Disadvantages Of Compact Temporary Spare Tyre 
It can impair certain vehicle features like ABS, traction control, and even speedometer operation and it’s intended for limited and restricted usage to get you to a garage or to your dealer.


Folding Temporary Spare Tyre

This is an inflatable or collapsible temporary spare tyre.

Advantage Of Folding Temporary Spare Tyre
It takes up the least amount of storage space of other various spare tyre options

Disadvantages Of Folding Temporary Spare Tyre
It’s a little more difficult to use as it has to be inflated with either an air pump or a canister, it’s intended for limited and restricted usage to get you to a garage or to your dealer and you can use these type of spare tyres if your tyres are losing air, or even when they are fully deflated. They have a maximum speed when deflated of 50mph/80kph and can be used for up to 50 miles/80km.


Not all new vehicles come with a spare tyre, so you might want to consider purchasing one when you buy your car. Don’t forget that you can always chat with us online, an expert advice is readily available if you’re not sure what kind of spare tyre is right for you. Take a look at our online store HERE to find a suitable spare tyre for your car.

About Nonso Okafor

I've worked as a technical support representative in major auto centers in Nigeria for more than twenty years. I have dealt with a variety of problems in my capacity as a customer service representative and auto diagnostics expert. I'm committed to assisting people in properly maintaining their automobiles and in appreciating this magnificent innovation known as an automobile.

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