Is the Leiling spare tire full-size?
3 Answers
Leiling's spare tire is not full-size. A full-size spare tire has the exact same specifications as the other four tires on the vehicle and can replace any temporarily or permanently unusable tire. Taking the 2021 Leiling as an example, it is a compact car equipped with a 1.2T inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 116 PS, a maximum torque of 185 Nm, and a maximum power of 85 kW. It is paired with a 10-speed continuously variable transmission. The 2021 Leiling has a body length of 4640 mm, width of 1780 mm, height of 1455 mm, a wheelbase of 2700 mm, a minimum ground clearance of 105 mm, and a curb weight of 1350 kg.
I used to drive a Levin, and the spare tire was usually not full-size, typically a compact temporary spare like T155/70D17, which is much smaller compared to the original tires. During maintenance, I noticed this design is mainly to save trunk space and reduce overall vehicle weight, but it's only suitable for short distances, with speeds not exceeding 80 km/h, otherwise, handling becomes unstable. I also checked the markings on the tire, which indicated it was for temporary use. If you're driving on highways or long trips, it's best to switch back to the original tire or get a repair as soon as possible, otherwise, wheel imbalance can accelerate wear. Some older models may have different configurations, but mainstream Levins are like this—the salesperson reminded me when I bought the new car that the spare tire has limited use. Overall, although the spare tire is small, it’s useful in emergencies, but don’t expect to drive on it long-term.
I've worked on quite a few Levens, and the spare tires are mostly not full-size. The most common is a non-full-size T-type tire, about half the size of the original tire. This design is mainly to reduce costs and save space—full-size spare tires take up too much room and are heavy. When using it, you need to pay attention: the maximum speed is only about 80 km/h, and the distance should not exceed 100 km, otherwise the chassis or suspension system may be damaged. I suggest you open the trunk and lift the mat to check the spare tire specification label; the labels all indicate it's for temporary use only. If the spare tire is worn or leaking, it needs to be replaced—non-full-size spare tires are cheaper, around three to five hundred yuan, but don't delay, safety first. When repairing cars, I've also encountered owners who switched to full-size spare tires, but then the Levin's trunk becomes too cramped.
