Where is the spare tire for a new car?
3 Answers
Car spare tires are generally placed under the trunk mat, while some vehicles have the spare tire mounted on the rear of the car, and others position it beneath the chassis. Concept of a spare tire: A spare tire refers to the backup tire for a passenger car, typically matching the specifications of the original vehicle tires. However, some vehicles may use spare tires with special-colored rims, compact spares, foldable spares, or run-flat tires to remind owners to promptly inspect and replace faulty tires. Types of spare tires: There are three types of spare tires: full-size spares, non-full-size spares, and run-flat tires. A full-size spare has identical specifications to the other four tires on the vehicle and can replace any temporarily or permanently unusable tire. A non-full-size spare has a slightly smaller diameter and width compared to the other four tires, making it suitable only for temporary use and exclusively for non-drive wheels. Run-flat tires, also known as safety tires or colloquially as 'bulletproof tires,' are officially termed 'tire pressure monitoring tires' in the industry.
As a car enthusiast who often helps friends modify their cars, I've noticed that the most common location for a spare tire is under the trunk floor. Lift the floor panel, and you'll find the spare tire lying in a recess with the toolkit packed beside it. Some vehicles feature a hidden spare tire mount at the rear of the chassis, which requires turning a handle to lower it. Off-road SUVs typically use externally mounted spare tires, prominently displayed on the tailgate. However, many hybrid vehicles now install battery packs in this space, occupying the spare tire compartment, leaving only tire repair fluid and an air pump as standard equipment. When searching for the spare tire, don’t forget to check the diagram in the owner’s manual—designs vary significantly across different models.
Last week, Aunt Zhang in our neighborhood just picked up her new SUV and specifically asked me about this. Actually, most family cars hide the spare tire under the trunk floor—just lift the mat to see it secured by a foam frame. For her car, the spare tire is mounted underneath, requiring the use of the L-shaped wrench from the onboard tools inserted into a small hole in the rear bumper, then turned a dozen or so times to lower it. The tool kit includes a jack and screwdriver, but it's best to check the vehicle manual first to confirm the location. Nowadays, many electric vehicles don’t come with a spare tire at all; instead, they provide a tire repair kit with sealant—just inject the solution into the puncture in case of a flat.
