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Right Spare Tires for Your Vehicle
You don't want to wait until you're on the side of the road to invest in a spare tire. So before you go, consider these tips to be better prepared.
If you're interested in purchasing a spare tire and would like to learn more, the experts at the Tire & Service Network location near you can assist you
Full-Size Matching Spare
A fifth full-size tire that matches the current set of tires on your vehicle. If you’re using a full-size matching tire as your “spare” remember to make it part of your vehicle’s tire rotation pattern.
Pros
Having a full-size matching spare maintains the aesthetics of your vehicle and means that you may not have to drive straight to a repair shop in the event of a tire disablement.
Cons
You must also have storage space in your vehicle for a full-size spare. When it is time to purchase replacement tires, 5 tires instead of 4 should be purchased if you have rotated all 5 of the original tires.
Full-Size Non-Matching Spare
A fifth full-size tire that does not match the current set of tires on your vehicle. Although this tire is a full size tire, it may not be the same size as the ground tires. The wheel may also be different than the wheels on which the ground tires are mounted. A full-size non-matching spare should not be a part of your vehicle’s tire rotation pattern.
Pros
Having a full-size spare tire gives you more flexibility in that you may not need to drive straight to a tire repair shop or dealer in the event of a tire disablement.
Cons
Keep in mind that it will take up as much storage space as a full-size matching spare. Also, it may not aesthetically match the other tires and wheels on your vehicle.
Full-Size Temporary Spare
This full-size temporary spare is built with a lightweight construction and a shallow tread depth. It should match the vehicle’s tire size specifications but you should only use it as a spare.
Pros
Because these spare tires are full-size, they generally don’t interfere with ABS, all-wheel drive or traction control. The lightweight construction won’t add a lot of weight to your vehicle.
Cons
Although they won’t add a lot of weight to your vehicle, these tires will still require a “full-size” amount of storage space and must still be considered temporary.
Compact Temporary Spare
Lightweight with a shallow tread depth, these spare tires have much smaller dimensions and require a higher inflation pressure than both standard and temporary spare tires – generally 60 psi.
Pros
The compact temporary spare is specified and approved by your vehicle manufacturer for your specific vehicle and doesn’t require the storage space of a full-size matching spare.
Cons
When small spare tires are in use, they might impair certain vehicle features like ABS, traction control, and even speedometer operation. It is intended for limited and restricted operation on your vehicle to get you to a tire repair shop or dealer.
Folding Temporary Spare
An inflatable or collapsible temporary spare tire.
Pros
The compact temporary spare takes up the least amount of storage space of the various spare tire options.
Cons
The folding temporary spare tire is a little more difficult to use. It has to be inflated with either an air pump or a canister before you can use it. It is intended for limited and restricted operation on your vehicle to get you to a tire repair shop or dealer.
Goodyear has also developed Run On Flat® & Extended Mobility Technology™ tires. These tires are for use while losing inflation pressure or even when fully deflated. Vehicle operation in a deflated condition is restricted to a maximum speed of 50-mph/80-kph for up to 50-mi./80-km. They may provide weight and space savings. If you'd like to find out if your vehicle has Run On Flat or Extended Mobility Technology tires, use our tire finder.
Make sure your spare tire has been properly inflated
Inspect the tire for damages or punctures to the tread and sidewall regularly
Watch your speed – follow the instructions from your vehicle and tire manufacturer regarding your speed as well as driving distance
Remember that a spare tire (other than a full size matching spare tire) is a temporary solution that should be used only to get you to a service station safely