Top 4 Spare Tire Options for Cars and Trucks

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Zores

Continue below to learn the top 4 spare tire options on the market today, including how to choose the right spare tire for your vehicle.

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The Spare Tire Facts You Need to Know

The fact is, not all vehicles come factory equipped with spare tires these days. Even used cars are often missing their spare tire because they’ve already been used in the previous lifetime. So, with these two very common automotive variables at play, it is quite possible that your ride is without spare, which can pose several safety hazards and unsafe situations. It is in your best interest to equip your vehicle with a spare tire that is compatible with your make and model, as well as your budget and automotive handyman skills.

But before you hit the auto parts store for of spare, be sure to review your options and choose one that is the right fit for your car or truck. The top 4 spare tire options on the market today are full-size, compact, run-flat, and inflation and repair kits.

Full-Size Spare Tires

The first option on the market for a spare tire is a full-sized spare tire. This is basically just an exact match of the other tires currently on your vehicle. It is literally an extra tire to the ones you already own. So, it will look just like your other tires and be the same size and dimensions. Keep in mind, a full-size spare tire will be larger and take up more room in your vehicle, plus it will be heavier which can have an impact on your fuel consumption.

Full-size spare tires are recommended for trucks and medium to large vehicles, such as bands, box trucks, delivery trucks, and even larger SUVs. Full-size retires are also recommended for drivers who regularly commute in hazardous road conditions, such as jagged terrain, heavy snow, ice, and rain.

Compact Spare Tires (Donuts)

A compact spare tire is the most popular option on the market, often referred to as a donut. A compact spare tire is lighter in weight and smaller in size, making them a perfect fit in almost any make and model trunk bed. They are also easy to install and support better fuel economy because of their size and weight. Compact spare tires, however, are not meant to be driven on for very long. Because they are smaller than the other tires on a vehicle, they are only meant to get you from the point of tire disruption to an auto shop or your driveway.

Compact spare tires are recommended for vehicles that are smaller in size, as well as for drivers who frequently commute in populated suburban areas and city centers. You want to be close to an automotive repair shop when driving on a spare.

Run Flat Tires

Run flat tires are another option for spares on the market today. These tires are designed with reinforced sidewalls that will allow a vehicle to continue driving even when the tire is damaged or deflated. Just like compact spare tires, run flat tires are not meant to be driving on for very long.

Once a run flat is in use, it is important to drive directly to an automotive repair or tire shop for tire replacement. Run flat tires are recommended for very small and compact vehicles since there is no need to take up any trunk or backseat space. They are also recommended for young drivers or those who are not good at changing tires, since there is no need to get out of the vehicle and change a spare when tire damage occurs.

Tire Inflation and Repair Kits

Tire inflation and repair kits are another option on the market today for those who need a spare tire option in the vehicle. These kits are recommended for those who are handy with automotive work, and who are comfortable with using the products necessary to patch up tire holes and gashes long enough to get to an automotive repair shop or tire replacement store. These kits typically use foam or sealants to repair openings and damages to the outer tire wall, but there are also tire inflation kits that work inflate tires automatically upon damage.

Do you need immediate flat tire service right now? Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour flat tire repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We operate 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, offering a wide range of roadside services and tow truck assistance.

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Do I Have to Have a Spare Tire in My Car?

Posted on June 21, 2021 by Zores

It is a common misconception that the only vehicles that do not come with a spare tire are used cars. And while most people assume that new cars automatically come with a spare tire, vast numbers of modern models do not, as they are no longer standard manufacturing equipment. Generally, only light-duty trucks and large SUV’s come with a spare tire these days. So, many people wind up buying a new car, only to find that it’s not equipped with the fitted spare tire. This leaves them asking, “do I have to have one?”

Continue reading to learn what you should know about spare tires, including whether or not they are required by law.

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Spare Tire Laws

It is up to you to choose whether or not you would like to have a spare tire in your car. There is no law or state requirement that mandates all drivers have a spare. However, it is strongly encouraged by all car care organizations and authorities to always have a spare tire in your vehicle for those just in case types of situations.

Where to Get a Spare for Your Vehicle

You can purchase a spare tire for your particular make and model vehicle at any local auto parts store or tire shop. You can choose to purchase a brand-new tire, which will deliver optimal performance and efficiency, full tread, and perhaps even come with a warranty. You can also choose to purchase a used tire, which are available in good enough condition to be used in an emergency flat tire situation.

Why are Spares Less Common Now?

There are many reasons why automotive manufacturers are not including spare tires as a standard piece of manufacturing equipment any longer. The 4 top reasons that new cars don’t come with a spare tire include initiatives to: 1) improve gas mileage and fuel efficiency, 2) give more room inside the vehicle interior, 3) increase storage space (namely trunk space), and 4) reduce manufacturing costs.

Run Flats and Self-Sealing Tires

Run flats and self-sealing tires are common alternatives to having a spare in your vehicle. Run flats are a tire system that allows a flat tire to travel a short distance without causing further damage to the wheel or rim. Generally, run flats will allow you to drive up to 50 miles or so under the speed of 45 miles an hour. Self-sealing tires are designed to automatically repair any punctures or holes to the tire caused by running over something sharp, like a nail, using a special sealant inflator kits are another common alternative to having a spare tire, but they are not always dependable.

Are you a Hoosier who is stuck with a flat tire right now? Contact Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt and affordable roadside assistance service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and serve all of Central Indiana.

You Might Also Read:

How Long Can I Drive on a Spare Tire?
Common Types of Spare Tires
How to Patch a Flat Tire Using a Tire Plug Kit

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Tips for Driving on a Spare Tire

Posted on October 3, 2017 by Zores

Most vehicles manufactured today come with a compact spare tire, but not all, so it is wise to invest in one if your vehicle is without. Flat tires never happen when you expect it, so a spare can truly come in handy when you need to get back on the road fast. Not all spare tires are the same, but they all perform the same duty: to get your vehicle to a mechanic or tire shop as safely and effectually as possible. There are a few rules to driving on a compact spare that every car owner should know in case the situation ever arises. Understanding and following these proper guidelines protects you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips for driving on a compact spare tire and more.

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Spare Tires

Spare tires are specially-designed to be smaller and more compact in order to conserve space and weight inside vehicles. Because they are smaller in size, and have narrower tread and reduced tread depth, they are not meant for long-term use. In fact, most owner’s manuals will limit driving on a spare to under 50 miles; but more accurately, a spare should never be driven on longer than it takes to get to a tire store or service station. They are intended to be temporary means of regaining mobility of your vehicle in order to seek out tire replacement services. Not only is extended driving on spares unsafe, it is damaging to a vehicle’s driveline and more.

Here are some important tips for driving with a spare tire on:

• Refer to owners’ manual for manufacturer instructions
• Always maintain cold tire inflation pressure of 60psi
• Check tire pressure regularly and before each use
• Inspect the tire and tire sidewalls for punctures, nicks, and other damages before each use
• Never exceed 50 MPH – Avoid highways, but if you have to, drive in the right lane with hazard lights on
• Keep at least 3 car lengths driving distance between other vehicles
• It’s best to store spare tires in the vehicle’s trunk or cabin – or on the outside of the vehicle (SUV’s)
• Drive and maneuver carefully
• Be sure to learn how to change a flat tire!
• Call a local roadside assistance company if you have trouble with your spare tire

A local well-established roadside assistance company offers a wide range of services. Aside from flat tire changes, they generally offer towing, jump starts, lockouts, and more. Be sure to call a trusted roadside assistance company with extensive experience and good customer reviews. This will ensure you get the best service at the fairest price.

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