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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How to Test Tire Tread Using a Penny

Posted on February 11, 2019 by Zores

In last month’s blog, we discuss several methods of tire maintenance and care. You learned that colder temperatures cause tires to lose more air, thus requiring them to be inflated more frequently in the winter season. It is important to regularly check tire pressure to ensure that your vehicle is operating as safely and efficiently as possible. Furthermore, it is important that your tires have sufficient tread in order to maintain proper traction and maneuverability on the road. Not sure what good tire tread looks like? Just implement the age-old tire treat penny test!

Continue reading to learn how to use a penny to determine the condition of your tire’s tread.

Tire Tread Inspections

You can surely find a penny anywhere. If not in your home, certainly in your cup holder, glove box, pocket or purse, or even on the street! What we mean to convey is, pennies are not hard to come by, making them the perfect and most convenient automotive tool you can have on hand. So how can a penny give you vital information about the quality and condition of your tires? The answer has to do with the size of a penny. But before you can understand this, you must first learn how to implement the tire tread penny test.

Tire Tread Penny Test:

Vertically insert a penny in between two grooves of your tire so that the penny’s face is looking straight ahead.

Inspect Lincoln’s head position. If you can see Lincoln’s face, your tread is low, and you likely need new tires. If you cannot see the President’s head, your tire tread is still in good condition.

Consequences of Low Tire Tread

If you discover that your tire tread is low, it is wise to start thinking about tire replacement. Otherwise, you can be putting yourself and the mechanical operations of your vehicle, at risk. Not only do low tread tires have little traction on the road, they also cause slow or unpredictable braking operations. In wet conditions, low tire tread can cause your vehicle to spin out of control, or veer off the road. Furthermore, low tread causes reduced fuel efficiency, costing you more money in gasoline.

Need Emergency Tire Assistance?

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Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

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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Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt and professional roadside assistance services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Since 1927, Zore’s Towing has been family owned and operated company passionate about safe wrecker and recovery service.

Common Types of Spare Tires

Posted on August 15, 2016 by Zores

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Whether they hide in the dark corners of car trunks, or exist as an exterior accessory to SUVs, spare tires are vital components to vehicle safety and convenience. It is important to check your vehicle’s spare tire as often as you can to ensure it is inflated and ready for use if needed. Some cars come with a spare tire, while many newer models do not. You can purchase a spare tire at any local automotive parts store, tire store, or any store with a large automotive department.

Decades ago, most spares used were full-sized standard tires; but today, there are more options to choose from depending on your vehicle type, driving habits, and personal preferences. Continue reading to learn about the most common types of spare tires in the automotive market, and how to determine which one is right for your vehicle.

Full Size Spare Tires

Several years ago, most new cars were equipped with full size spares. Full size spare tires are the same size as standard tires, so they can be used for an extended period of time. This is helpful for drivers that cannot take their vehicle to a shop right away or for those who drive a truck or SUV. They come matching and non-matching forms. A matching full size spare is one that is identical to the other tires on a vehicle. And a non-matching spare is not identical. Unless driving a large truck or SUV, non-matching spares are more common and preferred nowadays since they are lighter in weight and have shallower tread. This makes the spare easier to store and install, thus improving on fuel economy.

Compact Spare Tires

Also known as “donuts”, compact spare tires are the most frequently used spare for small to mid-sized vehicles. This is because they deliver the best balance in terms of function and size. They are also more-cost effective compared to full size spares. Although they are highly-effective and convenient, compact spares are not meant to be driven on for long distances or extended periods of time. They provide a temporary means to get your vehicle back on the road so you can drive directly to a tire shop.

Run Flat Tires

Some vehicles are manufactured with a sort-of “built-in” spare tire system. These are called run flat tires and are only found on certain make and model vehicles. Run flats contain reinforced tire walls that allow a vehicle to continue driving without using any tire pressure. They are monitored by a vehicle’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which alerts drivers when the run flats have been punctured and are “in mode.” So vehicles that are equipped with run flats do not come with a spare tire at all.

Zore’s Towing

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Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 if you have a flat tire in Indianapolis, Indiana and need a quick tow. Our tow truck operators are certified, trained, and professional, offering a wide range of friendly and affordable towing and recovery services for all make and model vehicles, as well as, planes, duplexes, boats, semi-trucks, and more! Call us at 317-247-8484 for prompt 24 roadside assistance for flat tires in Indianapolis, IN any time!

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