A spare tire is an effective rescue when you have a flat tire!

Catching a slipper happens very often. That's when the spare wheel or spare tire comes in handy. These are the best possible alternatives and save the driver, especially if he has to cover a long distance. If his car does not have such equipment, he has to wait for roadside assistance, which may even take several hours to arrive. 

How is a full size spare tire fitted?

In short, such a wheel is (and always should be) the same as the other wheels placed on the axles of the vehicle. So if you're wondering if the commuter wheel can be made smaller, the answer is no. Polish law stipulates that the individual axles of the vehicle must have the same size rims and the tires must have the same dimensions, load index and wear level. The compact spare wheel should not differ from those in the vehicle.

There is no need to install such a spare part on an aluminum rim if they are installed in the car. However, the most important thing is to follow the dimensional norms and characteristics of individual wheels. The use of such tires does not change the driving style and does not require the driver to change the driving style.

Spare wheel and full spare wheel - differences

There are many features that distinguish the two wheeled models mentioned above. It is worth noting that the access wheel is not only narrower, but also has a speed limit with which the driver can move by putting it on the axle. It is determined by the factory sticker on the rim. The maximum speed is determined by a number of parameters, which are discussed below.

Why is the access road slower?

The tread used in the spare wheel is usually shallow and differs significantly from the tread of the full wheel installed on the vehicle. Although it has the same size in inches, the width usually does not exceed 155mm. This means that the suburban tire differs from others not only in appearance, but also in terms of grip. 

Why fast driving + spare is not the best combination?

Another factor is the degree of tire inflation. In standard wheels, it ranges from 2,1-2,5 bar. The access wheels, on the other hand, are inflated to the limit of 4 bar! Why? The main reason is that such a tire is narrower. In order for it to properly raise the car, it must be more filled with air. This, in turn, has a significant effect on driving comfort. It has long been known that the more inflated the wheels, the weaker the damping of vibrations and bumps. 

Is a spare wheel required in a car?

I can confidently say no. Some don't have a spare tire, so they get luggage space. Sometimes the spare tire or spare tire is placed under the floor so you don't have to worry about taking up too much space. However, most often this is a stowage compartment under the trunk, suitably profiled for a driveway or spare wheel. Although it is not necessary to have such a wheel, it is worth it.

How to use the spare wheel?

After replacing a punctured tire with a full-size spare, it's quite simple - you can drive the car the same way as before. Visiting a vulcanization is not such a pressing necessity. The situation is different for road tyres. Due to the different tread, less grip, less vibration dampening and speed limit, we do not recommend long-term driving on these tires.

On which axis should the access road be placed?

In the case of a full-size tire, the spacer is not used - a spare tire is installed in place of the punctured tire. The spare wheel, due to its parameters and characteristics, must be located on the rear axle while driving. However, this is not always necessary.

If you're only planning to drive a few miles down the driveway to the nearest tire shop, you don't have to worry about putting it on its back. Braking power and effectiveness will remain unchanged, while (under good conditions) the risk of skidding will be low.

Another thing is when the spare wheel will lie in the car for several days. Then, because of the risk of losing traction with the rear axle, it is worth using a spacer and putting a spare tire on the front axle. Watch your cornering speed and be aware that braking power is deteriorating.

Spare or driveway - what to choose?

Some opt for a full size spare. Others, on the other hand, are forced to carry less space to work due to the gas system in the car and the transport of cylinders. Others, on the other hand, opt for a spray-on spare tire to maximize available trunk space. The choice is yours, but don't give up on a spare. You don't know the day or the hour when this will be a deliverance!