How Many Types of Spare Tires Are There?
2 Answers
There are three types of spare tires: full-size spare tires, non-full-size spare tires, and run-flat tires. A full-size spare tire has exactly the same specifications as the vehicle's four original tires and can replace any temporarily or permanently unusable tire. Non-full-size spare tires have slightly smaller diameters and widths compared to the original four tires, so they can only be used temporarily and must be installed on non-driving wheels, with a maximum speed not exceeding 80 km/h. Run-flat tires, commonly known as "anti-explosion tires" or technically referred to as "tire pressure monitoring system tires," do not leak or leak very slowly when punctured, maintaining their shape and keeping the tire bead securely fixed to the rim. This ensures the vehicle can continue driving safely for an extended period or temporarily to a repair station.
Last time I went on a road trip with friends, we talked about how spare tires are really a science. Nowadays, there are basically three common types of spare tires in cars: full-size, non-full-size, and folding tires. The full-size one is the same size as the original tires, with no usage restrictions, but it takes up a lot of space—my SUV’s trunk loses a good chunk of room because of it. The non-full-size version is a smaller one, only meant for temporary use, with a speed limit of 80 km/h and a range of just about 100 kilometers; driving faster makes the car feel unstable. Folding tires are the most compact, shrinking into a flat disc when not in use, and you just need to inflate them when needed—perfect for city cars. By the way, many electric vehicles now simply eliminate the spare tire altogether, replacing it with tire repair sealant and an air pump, which saves space but leaves you stranded with a major puncture. For long trips, I still recommend carrying a full-size spare—it’s more reliable.
