Keeping Your Spare Tire Ready for Emergencies
We’ve all been there – cruising down the road when suddenly, a jolt and the dreaded thump-thump-thump of a flat tire. While a spare tire isn’t a guarantee against roadside mishaps, it can get you back on the road quickly and safely. The problem? Spare tires are often the most neglected part of your car’s maintenance routine.
But here’s the reality: a flat tire can happen to anyone, anywhere. That’s why it’s vital to ensure your spare tire is in good condition and ready for use.
What Is a Spare Tyre?
Spare tyres, whether full-size or temporary space-saving variants, serve as emergency backups when you encounter a flat or damaged tyre on the road. Unlike regular tyres, spare tyres are notably thinner and not designed for prolonged use. Typically, they’re limited to speeds up to 50 mph and are intended to provide temporary mobility until you reach a nearby garage or your destination. You can often find the maximum speed recommendation printed on a sticker affixed to the side of the spare tyre wheel.
Do You Need A Spare Tyre?
Unsure if you need a spare tyre? Streamline Tyres provides insights on their significance, impact on MOTs, benefits, and installation procedures in case of a flat tyre emergency.
Having a spare tyre and jack in your vehicle can be a lifesaver during roadside emergencies. This is particularly crucial during long journeys or travel abroad, where assistance may be delayed.
While some opt out of carrying spares due to their bulkiness and weight, there are compact alternatives available for temporary use until a full-sized replacement can be arranged with a mechanic.
Types Of Spare Tyres:
Full Size Matching Spare:
This particular spare tire is compatible with the ones already mounted on the car. Remember to include the full-size matching spare tire in your vehicle’s tire rotation if you use one.
Full Size Temporary Spare:
These are full-size tires, but they are lighter and have a shorter tread depth than regular tires. They ought to only be utilized as a backup.
Compact Temporary Spare:
These thin, temporary tires feature a thin depth of tread. Compared to regular tires, their lower size makes them perfect for vehicles with a smaller trunk.
Do I have A Spare Tyre?
The location of the spare tyre varies depending on the car, however it is often found in the trunk, below the floor panel. If your vehicle just has a tyre repair kit rather than a spare tire, you might want to think about buying a spare tire. In either case, the professionals at Streamline tyres advise you to examine your car and see how you are prepared to handle a flat tire before you find yourself dependent on what is in your trunk!
Spare Tyre Kit:
A temporary tyre repair kit that pushes a latex sealant into the tyre valve to fix the puncture is installed on the majority of new cars in its place of a spare. These tires are designed to transport the driver to a secure location or garage so that the tire may be changed.
Driving On A Spare Tyre
Even if you are fortunate enough to never require your spare tire, you should still periodically inspect it to make sure it is still safe to drive on. When using a spare tire, keep the following in mind:
Damage Check
You don’t want your mot spare tyre to fail you because it is damaged or already has a leak. One method to be sure of this is to get a spare tire brand-new.
Air Pressure
Check your extra tire’s air flow, even if you’ve never utilized it as it can still discharge air lying in the trunk.
Speed Limit
Concerning how fast and how far you should follow when using a temporary spare, the makers of your vehicle and your tires should have provided guidelines.
Don’t Go Too Far
Except when utilizing a full-size matched spare, using spare tyres is simply a temporary fix to get you to the next mechanic. You must get your tire fixed or changed right away.
How Long Can I Drive On A Spare Tyre For My Car?
Years ago Cars used to come with five similar wheels: four for the road and one spare in the trunk. Today, alloy wheels are more frequently seen on vehicles, but they are more costly than the steel wheels they substituted, so the likelihood is that the spare tyre in your boot is a special replacement intended only for short-term usage.
You should only travel as far as a tire store to get your original fixed or changed since non-standard spare tires are substantially thinner than your other tires. There is no limit mileage, although it is advised to go no more than 50 miles at the speed of 50mph.
Spare Tyre Law UK:
In the UK, there’s no specific legal requirement mandating that vehicles must carry a spare tyre. However, it’s highly recommended for safety reasons. If you do carry a spare, it must be roadworthy. It’s worth noting that if your vehicle is equipped with a spare tyre, it must comply with legal tyre requirements, including tread depth and condition. Additionally, drivers should ensure they have the necessary tools to change a tyre safely in case of emergencies.
How To Care For My Spare Tyre?
Taking care of your spare tyre is essential for ensuring your safety on the road. Here’s how to properly maintain it:
Need A Good Tyre Supplier?
For over 50 years, Streamline Tyres has been your go-to tyre provider across the UK, offering affordable solutions without compromising quality. With 24-hour emergency service and convenient online booking, we ensure you get back on the road swiftly. Experience our professionalism and expertise today.
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