Is the Spare Wheel Hub the Same as the Original Wheel Hub?
2 Answers
The wheel hub of the spare tire is different from the original one, so it will cause imbalance when installed. Therefore, after mounting the spare tire, it can only be used temporarily. However, if it's just the tire tread, you can take it to a tire replacement shop and have the tread of the spare tire transferred to the original wheel hub for use without any issues. Full-Size Spare Tire: The specifications of a full-size spare tire are exactly the same as the other four tires on the vehicle. It can replace any tire that is temporarily or permanently unusable. Non-Full-Size Spare Tire: This type of spare tire has a slightly smaller diameter and width compared to the other four tires. Therefore, it can only be used as a temporary replacement and should only be installed on non-drive wheels. Additionally, the maximum speed should not exceed 80 km/h. Run-Flat Tire: Run-flat tires are also known as safety tires or "puncture-proof tires," and are commonly referred to in the industry as "tires that can run when flat." Compared to regular tires, run-flat tires do not lose air or lose air very slowly when punctured. They maintain their driving profile, and the tire bead remains securely fixed to the rim, allowing the vehicle to continue driving for an extended period or temporarily to a repair station. As a result, vehicles equipped with these tires no longer need to carry a spare tire, effectively hiding the spare tire in another form across the four tires.
I learned from a seasoned driver with over 20 years of experience that spare wheel rims are rarely the same as the original ones. Most cars come with a smaller-sized spare tire rim to save trunk space and costs. When I had a flat tire last time and replaced it with the spare, the ride was noticeably bumpy because the rim diameter was smaller and the tire pressure didn’t match, making the drive unstable. Never exceed 80 km/h to avoid safety hazards. Regular maintenance should include checking the spare tire for aging or deflation; otherwise, it might not be usable when needed. Drive short distances only before switching back to the original tire—don’t use it long-term. The rim material may also differ; while the original is alloy, the spare is sometimes steel, which is lighter but less durable.