What is the size of a spare tire?
Full size spares – A full size spare tire is a tire that is the same size as the rest of your tires. Because it’s the same size, the full size spare shouldn’t compromise your car’s driving performance once installed, which is one of its biggest benefits. Today, approximately 30 percent of new cars come without a spare (up from just 5 percent in 2006) and it is estimated there are more than 30 million cars on the road that lack a spare tire. The main reason manufacturers are removing spare tires is tough new government fuel economy standards.
How do I know what size spare tyres I need?
Different cars come with varying wheel sizes, so you’ll need a compatible spare wheel based on your vehicle’s original specifications. Tyre sizes are typically represented in a format like 205/55 R16, where: 205 = Tyre width in millimeters. Aspect ratio (height as a percentage of width) Full size spares can be matching or non-matching. A matching full size spare is identical to your other tires and should be incorporated into your regular tire rotation. A non-matching full size spare has lighter-weight construction and shallower tread depth to reduce weight and make it easier to install.
How do I know if a spare tire fits my car?
A matching spare is completely identical to the other tires currently on your car. A non-matching spare will typically have a lighter-weight construction and a shallower tread depth that reduces vehicle weight to improve fuel economy. For instance, BMW no longer puts spares in their designs because all of their modern models are equipped with run flat tires. Run-flats are designed with reinforced sidewalls that allow drivers to drive a reasonable distance further without placing additional pressure on the damaged tire or wheel.
Can you put air in a donut tire?
However, you need to follow safety precautions when using a spare donut tire. Make sure the air pressure is at 60 PSI and keep your speed under 50 MPH. After driving 50 miles on a spare donut tire, replace them. 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. A spare tire isn’t meant to completely replace a tire, rather, its purpose is to tide you over until you can properly replace it.When it comes to temporary spare tires, you should not go over 50 mph. This is because if you go any faster than the recommended mph, you can expect too much heat on the tire causing it to potentially blow out.