What is a Spare Tyre and What is it Used For?
When a tyre problem occurs on the road, it's not just a matter of a flat tyre; you need to stop safely, prepare the vehicle correctly and be able to move again quickly. This is where the spare tyre comes in. Many users may be asking what a spare tyre is. The answer to the question ‘What is a spare tyre?’ is that it is a replacement tyre that allows you to temporarily use your vehicle safely when the tyre becomes unusable.
In this article, you will find answers to the questions ‘What is a spare tyre?’ and ‘How is it used?’, general information about inspections, and the steps for fitting and removing it.
What is a Spare Tyre?
The short answer to the question ‘What is a spare tyre?’ is that it is a spare tyre that you can use temporarily when a tyre is punctured or damaged.
Spare tyres come in different forms depending on the type of vehicle. Some vehicles have a full-size spare tyre (the same size as a normal tyre). Others have a space-saver spare tyre. The answer to the question ‘What is a space-saver spare tyre?’ is that it is a type of spare tyre that takes up less space in the boot and adds less weight to the vehicle. However, it is generally designed as a temporary solution.
In modern vehicles, instead of a spare wheel, a tyre repair kit or run-flat tyre solution may also be available. Repair kits work for small punctures. Run-flat tyres, on the other hand, can allow you to continue driving for a limited distance under certain conditions, even if the tyre loses air. However, they do not offer the same level of assurance in every scenario. In the event of a large tear, bulge, or rim damage, a spare tyre is still one of the most practical solutions.
What is a spare tyre used for, and in what situations?
By answering the question ‘What is a spare tyre?’, you can help move your vehicle to a safe location in the event of a puncture, bulge, sidewall tear, or rim damage.
The main purpose of a spare tyre is to get you out of the situation when a tyre bursts. Thanks to the spare tyre solution, you can change the tyre and proceed to a safe location. You can have it repaired there or go to a tyre repair shop at a more convenient time.
The spare tyre can often be used in the following situations:
- The tyre bursts and the air deflates rapidly.
- A bulge forms on the tyre or the sidewall tears.
- The tyre is completely destroyed.
- The rim is bent, and the tyre does not fit properly.
It should be remembered that the spare tyre is not a permanent solution but a temporary one. Especially with a thin spare tyre, you must adhere to the limits specified in your vehicle's user manual regarding speed and distance.
Is it mandatory to carry a spare tyre?
Inspection criteria may vary depending on the vehicle type and equipment. The absence of a spare wheel is considered a minor defect in some defect tables.
This is one of the topics that drivers are particularly curious about. Nowadays, many vehicles are sold without a spare tyre and a repair kit is provided instead. The defect classes assessed during vehicle inspections may be updated over time. Therefore, the most accurate approach is to check the current defect table before the inspection date.
The shared defect tables show that the absence of a spare tyre is considered a minor defect. However, in practice, the type of vehicle, the secure fastening of the equipment, and the compatibility of solutions such as the spare tyre/repair kit with the vehicle become important. Furthermore, even if you have a spare tyre solution, an unsuitable or damaged spare tyre connection may also be considered a defect.
Where is the Spare Tyre Located and What Equipment Do You Need?
The spare tyre is usually located in the boot floor or under the vehicle, and a jack, wheel wrench, and safety equipment are required for its use.
The spare tyre is generally found in three places:
- Under the boot floor (most common)
- In a fixed compartment inside the boot
- Under the vehicle (especially in some SUVs and commercial vehicles)
- Tools you need to have on hand for replacement:
- Jack (the vehicle's own jack or a sturdy jack)
- Wheel wrench
- Wheel lock adapter, if applicable (the most commonly forgotten item)
- Reflector and hazard warning lights
- Gloves, small torch
- If possible, place a chock (or a sturdy piece of stone/wood) under the wheel.
Do not underestimate the importance of safety. Choosing a level surface, applying the handbrake and leaving the vehicle in gear are small but critical steps.
How to Remove a Wheel or Spare Tyre?
After moving the vehicle to a safe place and slightly loosening the wheel nuts, lift it with a jack and remove the wheel.
The task is easier if you follow the steps in order:
- Get into a safe position: Switch on the hazard lights. If possible, stop on a flat, hard surface that does not narrow the road, and place the reflector at a suitable distance.
- Loosen the wheel nuts while the vehicle is on the ground: It is difficult to loosen the wheel nuts when the wheel is in the air. Therefore, it is sufficient to loosen the wheel nuts while the vehicle is on the ground so that they can be easily removed.
- Place the jack in the correct spot: The jack point on the chassis is used to lift the vehicle. Placing it in a random spot may damage the undercarriage.
- Raise the vehicle: Once the wheel is off the ground, the wheel nuts are completely removed. They are collected in a specific place so they are not lost.
- Remove the wheel: The wheel may feel slightly stuck. Pull it gently outwards. If necessary, it can be removed by wiggling it gently with both hands.
The faulty wheel is taken to a safe place and the spare wheel is prepared.
How to Fit a Spare Wheel?
Align the spare wheel, tighten the wheel nuts in a crosswise pattern, lower the vehicle, and perform the final tightening.
The most critical detail during fitting is crosswise tightening. This ensures the wheel sits evenly on the hub.
- Align the spare tyre: Fit the wheel so that the bolt holes sit on the hub. If necessary, support it with your knee.
- Hold the bolts in place with your hand: Place the bolts into their sockets by hand.
- Tighten the bolts crosswise: Tighten one bolt and then move on to the opposite one. Tighten them all in sequence but crosswise.
- Lower the vehicle and perform the final tightening: After the vehicle is lowered to the ground, the lug nuts are tightened to the final torque in a cross pattern. If available, it is highly recommended to use a torque wrench to achieve the correct torque value.
- Check shortly afterwards: It is a good practice to check the lug nut tightness again after 5-10 kilometres in a safe location.
If you are using a spare tyre, it may be beneficial to adhere to the speed/distance limit specified in your vehicle's manual. Once you have answered the question ‘What is a spare tyre?’ and completed the installation, it is best to switch back to the normal tyre as soon as possible. If you have a busy schedule that day, you can manage the process more comfortably with vehicle rental alternatives that suit your needs. The question ‘What is a spare tyre?’ is very important in terms of paying attention to all the steps involved.
Common Mistakes When Using a Spare Tyre
Failing to take safety precautions, placing the jack in the wrong position, not tightening the wheel nuts crosswise, and not checking the spare tyre pressure are the most common mistakes.
Some mistakes may seem minor, but the consequences can be significant:
- Not placing reflectors on the road: Vehicles approaching from behind may notice you too late.
- Placing the jack in the wrong spot: It can damage the vehicle, or the jack may slip.
- Tightening the lug nuts on one side only: The wheel may not sit properly and may vibrate.
- Not checking the spare tyre pressure at all: Spare tyres also deflate over time. You may change a flat tyre, but the spare may also be flat.
- Forgetting the wheel lock adapter: Simple but common. Without the adapter, you cannot remove the wheel lock.
Preparing in advance makes the job easier. Questions like ‘What is a spare tyre?’ and ‘What should I pay attention to?’ are quite important. Even opening the boot and checking your equipment can make a big difference.
Don't Let Your Travel Plans Be Disrupted
Tyre problems can happen to anyone. By being prepared and knowing what a spare tyre is, you can reduce the risk and time loss. It is important to carefully carry temporary solutions such as a spare tyre, repair kit and run-flat tyres with you. Also, checking the spare tyre's pressure and the location of the jack and lug wrench before setting off will make your job much easier. Forgetting a small part like a lug lock adapter can make the change impossible. Knowing the process as well as what a spare tyre is can be beneficial.