Can I replace my spare tire?
For your safety, we recommend replacing your spare tire every six years. Regular spare tires generally are identical to your existing car tires and are able to be used in the same fashion. Donut replacement tires are intended to be driven in emergency situations only and come with low-speed limitations. Most donut spares come with a suggested top speed of just 50mph.Temporary “donut” spare tires range in cost (due to size, performance, and brand, for example) from $50 to $200 and more.Driving Limitations on Spare Tires Compact spare tires, also known as donut spares, are designed for short-term use only. Most manufacturers recommend not exceeding 50 miles and driving no faster than 50 mph due to their reduced traction, which can affect handling and braking.If you have a donut on your vehicle, swap it out with a full-size tire within 50 to 60 miles and replace the spare, Paul said. Full-size spares can be used for a longer time, since they match what’s already on the vehicle.You should drive no more than 50 miles on a temporary or donut spare tire if possible. If you absolutely must go longer than 50 miles, avoid driving on it longer than 70 miles.
Do you need a jack to change a spare tire?
You will need a jack, lug wrench, and spare tire to change a flat. Changing a flat tire only takes a few steps and can be done in minutes. Always change a tire in a safe, level area away from traffic. How can I fix a flat tire temporarily without a spare? You can use a puncture sealant or a tire patch kit to fix a flat tire temporarily. Puncture sealants seal small punctures from within, while tire patch kits provide tools to patch the puncture.If you find yourself with a flat tire and no spare, there are several options and solutions to consider. You can use a tire repair kit, purchase run-flat tires, contact a mobile tire repair company like Lug Wrench Heroes, or contact roadside assistance for help.
Why did they stop putting spare tires in new cars?
It’s a Cheaper Option for Car Manufacturers Not only do car manufacturers view full-size spare tires as dead weight, those tires are also more expensive than space-saver spares and their alternatives. Don’t Go Far Your spare tire was designed to get you safely to the nearest mechanic or tire shop, not for lengthy commutes. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the outlined distance. For most, it is recommended to not travel farther than 50 to 70 miles.Spare tires, especially compact donut types, are designed for short-term use and have specific distance and speed limits. Typically, you should drive 80 to 160 kilometers (50 to 100 miles) on a spare tire and avoid exceeding 80 km/h (50 mph) speeds.Assessing the Situation. The general rule of thumb is to drive as short a distance as possible on a flat tire—just enough to get to a safe location. Ideally, you should pull over to a safe spot as soon as you notice the flat. If you must drive on it, keep your speed under 20 mph to reduce the risk of further damage.If you’re driving on your donut tire or your spare just needs replacing, we have a selection of full-size and space-saver spare tires for peace of mind on the road. Donut spare another moment—our spare tires are available at the best prices.
What if I have a flat tire and no spare?
In situations where you find yourself with a flat tire and no spare, there are alternative methods to temporarily fix the flat tire. Two common solutions are using a puncture sealant or a tire patch kit. Fix-a-Flat or a similar tire sealant can work well for small punctures. However, a tire plug or patch may provide a more reliable temporary solution for more substantial damage or larger holes. Remember that a professional inspection and repair for safety should follow any quick fix.
Why are spare tires not included?
Removing the spare tire frees up space in the car. This is especially helpful in smaller cars, electric vehicles, or hybrid cars where every inch of space matters. Automakers can use that extra room for larger batteries, extra cargo space, or other features that appeal to buyers. Unless specified, you should get a new spare tire at 10 years to ensure it is safe to use,” says Ryan Pszczolkowski, CR’s tire program manager. You should inspect your spare tire periodically to look for any cracking or dry rot. This task can be done when you’re checking the tire pressure.Yes, you can use a temporary spare tire more than once. But if it is truly a temporary spare, meaning it is thinner in width than the other tires, then you will want to get the flat tire fixed ASAP. If it is a full size spare tire, you can run that sucker for as long as you want, or just until you get the flat fixed.Though many new cars now include space-saver spare tires, some new SUVs and trucks still include full-size spare tires. While this type of spare lasts longer than the average donut (a maximum of seven to ten years), it’s still a best-practice to get it replaced ASAP.