Is the spare tire of the 2014 Vios full-size?
3 Answers
The spare tire of the 2014 Vios is full-size. The specifications of the full-size spare tire are exactly the same as the four original tires on the vehicle, allowing it to replace any tire that is temporarily or permanently unusable. Precautions for using the spare tire: 1. Regularly inspect the spare tire; 2. Do not store oil products with the spare tire, as the main component of tires is rubber, which is susceptible to erosion by various oil products; 3. The lifespan of a spare tire is about 4 years, and prolonged storage may lead to aging. The dimensions of the Vios are 4300mm in length, 1690mm in width, and 1490mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2550mm. It is equipped with a Toyota Dual VVT-i 4-cylinder inline overhead double camshaft EFI 16-valve engine, available in 1.3L and 1.5L displacements.
I've driven a 2014 Vios, and its spare tire is usually not full-size but a smaller T-type spare, approximately 16 inches in size, while the original tires are 16 or 17 inches. This was particularly noticeable in my experience when I had to use the spare tire after a breakdown in the suburbs—I could only drive at low speeds, not exceeding 80 km/h, otherwise the car would feel unstable and dangerous. The spare tire is fine for temporary emergencies but shouldn't be used long-term, as it can damage the suspension system. Toyota designed it this way mainly to save space and reduce weight, making it easier to store other items in the trunk and keeping costs low. I recommend used car buyers check the condition of the spare tire before purchase, such as air pressure and cracks. I also keep tire repair strips in my car just in case. During regular maintenance, don’t overlook the aging issue of the spare tire—safety first!
As someone who frequently drives in the city, I'm well aware that the 2014 Vios comes with a compact spare tire, not a full-size one. This means it's smaller in size and only suitable for short-term, temporary use, preferably at speeds of 60-80 km/h. From a practical standpoint, the advantage of this design is that it takes up less trunk space, making it easier to stack luggage and also reducing fuel consumption. I've used it to drive 20 km to a repair shop after a flat tire without any major issues. However, it's important to regularly check the tire pressure, as dealing with a flat spare can be troublesome. The Toyota manual includes relevant reminders, which are worth reviewing. Additionally, the spare tire has a lifespan of about 5-7 years, so don't let it fail when you need it most. Overall, it's a cost-effective choice.
