How are spare tires different from regular ones?

Unless you drive one of the select few vehicles fitted with a full size matching spare tire, your spare tire is different from the four others fitted to your vehicle. There are significant manufacturing differences from which it is clear that your spare tire is for temporary short term use only.

The tire differs in overall height and width

Your spare tire, whether it's a full-size non-compatible spare tire or a compact spare, usually has a smaller diameter than four normal use tires. It can be a small difference in diameter from half an inch to a couple of inches, and the width is usually significantly smaller than your factory tires. This is necessary to save space in the car when storing the spare wheel.

Wheel or rim made of lightweight material

Spare wheel rim design is less important than rims for normal use, so it can have very different wheel offset or even be made from light steel compared to conventional wheels. Being smaller and made from a lightweight material, they are easier to install when needed, but they are usually not as rigid or capable of carrying the same loads as conventional wheels on the road.

Much less tread depth

Since it is designed for emergency use only, your spare tire will have very little tread and only a few sipes in the tread. It is designed to get you to safety or perhaps a tire repair shop, not for everyday or long-term use.

Spare tires are not designed for everyday use, whether they are full size or compact spare tires. Have your regular tire repaired and reinstalled as soon as possible.