Can a Full-Size Spare Tire Be Used as a Regular Tire?
2 Answers
For a full-size spare tire that is identical to the regular tires, it can be used as a regular tire. However, it is important to check whether the tread depth of the spare tire is similar to that of the other tire on the same axle. Otherwise, it may cause issues such as vehicle deviation. Below is some relevant information about spare tires: 1. Whether it is a full-size or non-full-size spare tire, they are only meant for emergency use. Their speed rating and load index differ from the four regular tires on the vehicle and cannot be used as replacements. Spare tires are only for temporary use, with a maximum speed limit of 80 km/h and a driving distance not exceeding 100 kilometers. 2. Since there are no specific national regulations regarding the size of spare tires, many manufacturers opt for a smaller tire model to save costs.
I once tried using a full-size spare tire as a regular tire, but after driving a few hundred kilometers, I noticed something was off—there was a humming noise when driving, and the car became more prone to bumpiness at higher speeds. The reason is that even though the spare tire is the same size, the rubber material and tread depth are different. Spare tires are designed only for short-term emergencies; long-term use can cause uneven tread wear, affecting balance and safety. I also noticed a slight increase in fuel consumption. A mechanic told me that spare tires might have significant load-bearing deviations and advised not exceeding 50 km/h. Remember, safety comes first—spare tires are just temporary helpers. Before switching back to a regular tire, check for wear, especially in rain or snow when slipping is more likely. Don’t take risks just to save trouble.
