Whether you prefer full-sized spare or donut spare tires, there is no question that they are useful. Getting stranded on the side of the road is never a fun experience.
But, where to buy a spare tire and what tire should you get?
Let’s talk about everything you need to know about spare tires!
When looking for a new spare tire, drivers must decide what type of spare tire they need.
Full-sized spares would be the ideal choice, but not all vehicles offer the storage space needed for them. Donut spare tires minimize the space they take up, but they do not offer the same performance.
Today, we will walk you through the different types of spare tires to make your decision easier.
Full-size spare tires eliminate the need to visit a tire shop immediately… well, mostly.
There are different full-sized spare models available for purchase. Let’s take a look at what they are.
Matching full-size spare tires are basically the 5th tire of a set. They are the same brand, model, and size as the other four mounted on the vehicle. This tire should be part of the regular rotation to ensure that it is wearing approximately along with the rest.
Matching full-sized tires are the universal spare tire, as most drivers opt for them. Yet, they take up the most space in the truck, and come vehicles do not have the storage space for them. Not only that, a 5-tire set will be more expensive to purchase and rotate, but it will be worth it in due time.
Still, carrying around a matching spare will allow your vehicle to perform in the same manner, even with a spare tire mounted. In this manner, they provide more flexibility to drivers and vehicles.
Sometimes the full-size spare is not the same size as the rest of the tires mounted on the vehicle.
While these tires are regular tires, with strong constructions, they cannot be used on the vehicle in regular circumstances. Either the tire size does not match the rest of the wheel the tire is mounted on.
Full-sized spare tires give you the option of long and stable performance. They are not as limited as temporary spare tires. However, since they are not part of the matching set, drivers will need to be more careful. They also take up a lot of trunk space. While it might not be a big issue, it will also ruin the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal.
The link between full-size and donut tire models is the temporary full-size spare. This tire matches the size specifications of regular tires, but they are manufactured with lightweight construction.
Therefore, this tire is only for limited use. Once they are mounted, they only offer short performance, as their construction will not be able to handle the vehicle’s weight for longer periods.
Due to their size, these tires will need more space in the trunk.
On the other hand, full-size temporary spares will not intervene with the vehicle’s functionality. Functions like ABD, traction control, and speed performance, will not be hindered (especially when it is an all-wheel drive vehicle).
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A donut spare tire is for temporary use only. It is a lightweight spare that is manufactured with smaller physical sizes (when compared to full-sized tires). Additionally, these tires require higher psi levels. The spare tire air pressure is much higher, as a donut spare tire needs around 60 psi to properly function.
Luckily donut tire models were approved by the vehicle manufacturers to be used. However, using a donut tire will disrupt some functions the car offers, like traction control, ABS, etc. Therefore, slower and careful driving is recommended.
Furthermore, due to donut spare tire sizes and their shallow treads, these tires do not offer the same traction and performance matching full-sized tires provide. Compact temporary spare tires are only for limited use, they should be changed as soon as possible.
The folding temporary spare takes up the least space. It is basically a collapsible spare tire, which can be inflated and collapsed on demand.
Changing a spare tire such as this is a bit tiresome. It needs to be inflated with an air pump or a canister and, even after inflation, it only offers limited performance.
First of all, spare tire maintenance is crucial, no matter what type of tire you have in your trunk:
If you keep up with these, you minimize the chance of the spare failing when it is used.
Unless you are using a full-sized matching spare, you need to be a bit careful when using spare tires on your vehicle. In order to ensure your driving safety, with compact spares:
After you change a spare tire, if you are using a donut model, there are limitations to its performance. So, the question is: how long do donut tires last?
Due to the donut spare tire size, these models have smaller physical sizes. This means that the vehicle side where the compact spare is mounted will be lower. As a result, a donut tire should not be driven on for longer than 50 miles. Driving on such a replacement tire for a long time can actually damage other vehicle parts.
A full-sized replacement tire has no distance limitations.
After replacing a spare tire, you need to know how long does a spare tire last.
However, depending on what type of spare you have, they will not perform in the same manner.
If we talk about lifespan, compact spare tires are for temporary use only! They need to be inflated at much higher psi levels (60 psi). As long as these conditions are met, and the donut spare is not driven on for too long at a time, they will be able to provide you with a few years of safety.
A full-size replacement spare tire, on the other hand, performs are a regular tire. Depending on the tire’s performance type, these models will last as long as their UTQG rating states. However, keep in mind that spare tires are not used continuously. For this reason, unless they are treated as a 5th tire and are rotated onto the vehicle, time will get them sooner.
The biggest problem with spare tires is time damage. Dry rot can shorten the tire’s usability. Additionally, even spare tires should be changed every 6 to 8 years. Time can deteriorate the tire’s integrity and durability.
This question has two answers, depending on what type of spare tire you have mounted on your vehicle.
Temporary spare tires, aka donut spares, have a speed limit of 50-70 mph. Its speed capacity will greatly depend on the tire brand you decide to purchase. Due to their smaller physical size, these tires will not be able to perform in the same manner.
However, when it comes to full-size tires, they can offer in the same manner as a regular tire. These tires have regular speed ratings (shown on their sidewall). If the tire is the 5th one of the set, then it will be able to perform at its best high speed performance.
Which solution is better? When it comes to the debate between a full-size tire spare and a donut spare tire, which one should you purchase?
We have talked about in detail what these versatile tires offer. The correct answer should be: whatever you and your vehicle need!
However, both types come with their pros and cons.
The main difference between a donut and full-size tire spares is their performing abilities.
A donut spare tire speed limit is lower, they are not able to perform as well as full-sized models can. Their speed limit depends on the specific tire, and their weaker construction offers reduced speed performance when driving with a donut.
On the other hand, full-size tire spares offer the same performance as the other tires mounted on the vehicle do. They provide the same traction, handling, and durability, without any performing limitations.
Therefore, if your trunk space allows, purchase full-size spare tires instead of compact spare tire models.
If your vehicle didn’t come with a temporary tire, it doesn’t mean that you need to invest in one. There are other, truck space-saving solutions available. A spare donut tire is not the end all be all when it comes to flat tires.
So, what other solutions does the tire market offer? After all, we don’t want anyone to be stranded on the road.
A flat tire repair kit is also a temporary solution.
However, if you do not have space for a spare tire, this is the next best thing.
These repair kits can be purchased to give you peace of mind. Different kits feature various tools, but most offer tire sealing and inflating instruments. These kits can be used to plug a hole in the tread area, enabling the tire to be driven on for a temporary distance.
Using these kits allows you to fix a flat tire, as long as the puncture is less than 6 mm and it is located on the tread area. Larger punctures, cuts, and sidewall damage cannot be safely fixed with repair kits.
Most repair kits will require you to pump the sealant into the tire, using its air inflation valve. This will help you plug punctures safely.
The newest technology to combat flat tires is run flats. This is a tire type that features a reinforced internal structure, which enables the tire’s 50-mile, 50 mph performance after air pressure loss.
Run flat tires use their construction in order to maintain the ideal tire shape under pressure.
While this is not a complete tire fix, a run flat tire set on your vehicle will make sure you are not stranded with a flat tire.
The construction of run flat tires maintains the ideal tire shape under the weight of the vehicle, enabling its safer performance. The best part, this eliminates the need for spare tires (full-size or donut), freeing up valuable trunk space.
Car manufacturers have slowly started reducing the weight of vehicles. Lower car weight offers many positive outcomes, but it has resulted in spare tire casualties.
Nowadays, about 1/3 of new cars sold come with no spare tires. This is because the combined weight of the donut wheel and tire combo, and the car jacks (etc.) add about 50-60 bs to the vehicle’s weight.
Eliminating these extra lbs allows the vehicles to offer better performance. The pros of not carrying a spare tire around are:
As the pressure affecting the tires is decreased, tire wear is optimized and their rolling resistance is decreased.
This results in their upgraded performance.
Most temporary spare tires have a speed limit of 50 mph. While some manufacturers create models that can handle up to 70 mph, not all of them are capable of that. Additionally, donut tires do not offer the same traction and handling as regular tires, so be careful when driving on a donut on the highway.
The price of a temporary spare tire will greatly depend on a few factors, mainly the size, performing ability, and brand of the tire. Generally speaking, the price of donut tires ranges from $50 to $200.
It depends on the vehicle manufacturer. About 1/3 of new cars are sold without spare tires. However, they might come with a compressor and a tire repair kit to temporarily fix and inflate a flat tire. Other cars might be equipped with run flat tires.
Tires lose air over a period of time.
Spare tires are stored in the vehicle’s trunk for a longer period of time, unused. During this time, their air pressure levels will drop. Therefore, it is better to have spare tires for cars at higher psi levels, so they don’t fail when they are finally put to use.
Written by: Howmuchisit.org Staff
A donut tire, also known as a spare tire to most, is meant to be a temporary replacement for a tire that has gone flat. This spare tire can be the same as the original set of tires or can be a lower, generic version. These spare tires won’t have a tread and the body of the tire won’t be reinforced, preventing it from road imperfections.
Usually, these tires can affect the car’s movement and driver’s ability to control the vehicle, and because of this, it is not recommended that you drive on a donut unless you absolutely have to. Basically, when you get a flat tire, you use the donut to get you as far as the nearest repair shop or to your home if you live close by and have a tire that can replace the flat one.
“Jacking up Scion Xb. Removing flat front” (CC BY 2.0) by mauitimeweekly
How much does a donut spare tire cost?From our research, the cost of a donut tire will depend on the car you drive and where you purchase the tire. Most tires, regardless of the car you drive, can range anywhere from $40 to $200. A factory-based donut tire that resembles the cars currently on your car will cost as much as a new tire, whereas a third-party true donut tire can cost as little as $50 to $100. These are the prices for the tire only and won’t include the professional installation at a local tire shop.
The estimates mentioned above will only include the tire and no professional installation.
For instance, popular factory-based donut tires on Amazon retail for about $125 to $200.
According to TireRack.com, the price and cost of the donut tire will depend on the type and the car model. Some cars have their own specific types of tires, even if they are just for replacements.
On their website, most of the spare tires range anywhere from $70 to $200.
You can purchase a donut spare tire at your local dealership, tire retailer or even online at large retailers such as TireRack.com. If you don’t mind purchasing used, your local junkyard may have a selection as well. Contrary to popular belief, a donut tire isn’t universal since it needs to match the bolt pattern on your car.
The average donut tire, usually, will only last up to 70 miles. Again, remember this is a temporary solution and your car should be taken to a professional immediately to have it swapped. Check your car’s manual to see the restrictions on your car’s spare tire.
As for distance, you should also drive slower as these tires are built to withstand faster speeds. Since they are more compact, it’s best to keep your speeds under 50 miles per hour.
A donut tire is much smaller than a regular size tire, which means it is easier to fit in your trunk.
Many newer cars have a place for the donut under the floor of the trunk so that it does not interfere with your storage space.
If purchased online, shipping costs may apply due to the weight of the tire.
Of course, a donut tire is a temporary solution, and you will need to budget for a brand new tire, along with installation. A new tire, depending on the brand and the car you drive, the costs can be anywhere from as little as $125 to more than $300+
When your donut tire is on, your electronic stability control and traction control systems may not work properly.
How can I save money?Weigh your options of a donut tire or a real tire. A donut tire is smaller and easier to store, but it also means you have to buy a donut and also a replacement tire in the future. If you have the room in your car, you may be able to save yourself the money and hassle of having to change the tire twice.
Aside from checking the local junkyard, other great places to find lower priced donut tires can include eBay and Craigslist. If purchasing used, pay close attention to the thread for any punctures or any sign of damage. It’s also best to make sure the tire is properly inflated before storing it.
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Average Reported Cost: $0Let's tell you what a stowaway or a spare wheel for a car is. What are its dimensions. Why is it needed and how to properly maintain. Do I need to keep constantly pumped up. What machines are installed.
Dokatka is a small spare (or temporary) wheel of a car, which is installed on the site of a damaged one in conditions where there is no possibility to repair the tire and you need to get to the nearest tire service.
The dokatka is not intended for long-term use. The maximum speed at which you can go - 80 km / h.
A full-size spare tire is the same size as a car tire. That is, the car is equipped not with four, but with five wheels, one of which is spare. Spares require storage space in the luggage compartment. Manufacturers donate trunk capacity and install a full-fledged spare tire or report a small one that is smaller than the main one.
The car may not have a spare tire, instead it will be a DIY kit. This is due to the fact that runflat tires, which are installed on modern cars, can travel up to 50 km on a flat tire. This should be enough to get to the nearest tire shop.
It depends on the manufacturer. It happens that direct classmates have different spares. One car has a full-fledged wheel with a stamped disk, and the other has a narrow stowage of a different dimension.
For example, in the most expensive cars, the spare wheel is often “folding” (Porsche Caeynne, VW Toureg and others), or not at all, like in BMW - then Run Flat tires are used. And as an emergency wheel - a maximum tire pump and sealant.
A full-fledged spare tire is most often placed in Korean brands of cars, and is also found on serious SUVs and pickups - UAZ, Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover. In all other cars under the floor in the trunk you can often find a spare tire of different dimensions. Often the presence of a dokatka instead of a full-fledged spare wheel is not associated with the prestige and price of the car.
The spare wheel intended for temporary use has a smaller diameter. The air pressure in it is higher than in a standard tire. Therefore, it is worth periodically monitoring the air pressure in the "reserve" - it should be within 4.2 kg / cm2. On a snowy road, do not install a "spare wheel" on the front axle.
If the front wheel is punctured, move it off the rear axle.
Some vehicles are fitted with a full-size temporary spare. They are the same size as the main wheel. But it is a lightweight design that saves fuel consumption due to low weight and is easy to install when replacing. It cannot be used for a long time.
Compact spares are smaller than regular tires. Therefore, they have higher pressure inside. Dokatki are made for a specific car model, so it is useless to install it from a car of another brand.
Driving with a spare tire is more difficult, so be careful on the road. Periodically check the pressure in it. After all, there is nothing more offensive on the road than a deflated dokatka with a broken wheel.
Fresh number
RG-Nedel
Rodina
thematic applications
Union
02.
02.2022 09:26
Boris Zakharov
2222 Situations when two wheels break through at once on the road are not so rare, and not all cars have a “working” “reserve” in the trunk. We find out what to do if the wheel is punctured, but there is no spare tire or "stowaway".
Istock
Tires are most commonly damaged when hitting sharp objects such as screws, nails and rebar, as well as when overcoming potholes with sharp edges at high speed.
When there is a spare wheel, a jack and a wheel wrench in the trunk, as a rule, there are no problems - I took it and replaced it. However, when overcoming large pits or driving along a repaired section of the road, it is not uncommon for two wheels to break through at once.
If this is the case, the first step is to determine the location of the air leak and the extent of tire damage. In most cases, you will find the same ill-fated self-tapping screw in the tread. The first rule in such a situation - do not rush to get a sharp object out of the wheel.
Otherwise, the air will quickly escape, and your chances of getting to the nearest tire shop will melt before our eyes.
In any case, the key point in such a situation will be the presence or absence of a pump on board. If it is available, we fill in the navigator with the nearest tire shop, the nearest service station, dealership and follow it at an extremely calm pace, monitoring the level of tire inflation on the on-board computer, if any. If there is none, periodically, literally every couple of kilometers, we make a stop and check visually what is wrong with the tire.
If you see that the tire is too low, pump up and drive on. As a rule, this method allows you to reach the point of repair, which is located at a distance of 20-30 kilometers and even further.
If the puncture is severe
If the puncture situation is worse than you expected (for example, it is a longitudinal cut or the tire is completely flat and the car is on the rim), the course of action changes.
If it is not possible to call a tow truck, you can try to carry out the so-called emergency repairs.
To do this, you will have to hitch a ride or call a taxi and get to the nearest gas station or car shop. There you will need to purchase a special kit for self-repair of damaged tires. We are talking about a repair kit consisting of a round rasp, an awl, several pieces of tourniquet (usually sold in 4 pieces) and glue. Tire restoration is done by expanding the puncture site, grouting and inserting a tourniquet with glue. If there is a small side cut on the tire, you can try (we emphasize - as an emergency measure) to make a temporary patch from the same repair kit harnesses.
However, there is another working option - to use an aerosol sealant (a special liquid that can vulcanize on contact with the environment). The scheme of actions in this case is as follows. We remove the punctured wheel and turn it with the nipple up - this way the product will spread better over the entire inner area of \u200b\u200bthe wheel.
Then we shake the bottle, connect the tire valve with the sealant tube and press the button. In a matter of seconds, the tire will be filled with compressed gas and sealant.
Again - such a tool is used as a temporary measure to make it to the tire shop. You should also know that if we are talking about a side hole of one and a half centimeters or more, then the sealant is unlikely to help - all that remains is to call a tow truck or buy a spare wheel assembly nearby.
When no tool is available
Travel situations vary. Sometimes it happens that you "caught" a screw far from civilization in the form of car services and tire shops.
If the tire deflated and you found a puncture (sometimes you have to pour water on the tire, and then the damage will give out air bubbles), you can try to screw a larger self-tapping screw into the puncture so that it literally “concretes” the hole.
Such "good" can be found in places of repair, construction, at worst - unscrew from the nearby fence.
Or, alternatively, the screws can be removed from the trunk trim panel. It is advisable to combine screwing in a self-tapping screw with the use of sealant, which will need to be blown into the tire through the nipple. Didn't find another screw? Modify the old one. Treat it with sealant or, at worst, with superglue and screw it deeper into the puncture site.
If self-repair fails
If your repair efforts fail, you have a few other options besides calling a tow truck.
In particular, you can remove a punctured tire, call a taxi and go to the nearest tire shop.
Sometimes it is more convenient to use an on-site tire fitting service or, for example, call a friend and ask for a "spare tire" ride (working option if the car and wheels are not "exotic" dimension). A used "spare tire" can also be purchased through online forums. However, it will obviously be faster and more convenient to seek help from other motorists on the road, in particular, to buy or borrow a spare tire from them in order to get to the nearest car service.
