Why Are Spare Tires Smaller?
2 Answers
Spare tires are only temporary substitutes for regular tires, with some being one inch smaller and others even more. About Spare Tires: Spare tires are made of rubber and will age over time during storage. The aging cycle of a spare tire is 4 years, so it should be replaced every four years. Not suitable for long-term use: Spare tires are smaller and used less frequently, with different aspect ratios and widths compared to regular tires. After replacing with a spare tire, the friction coefficients of the four tires differ, as does the ground adhesion. Prolonged use can affect the vehicle's braking system. Purpose of Spare Tires: They are for emergency use when a tire/rim is damaged, affecting travel and making tire repair inconvenient. Compact spare tires, folding spare tires, and run-flat tires also help save storage space inside the vehicle. The maximum speed when using a spare tire is lower than that of a standard tire, and it is advisable to replace it with a standard tire as soon as possible upon reaching the destination. This is usually indicated in prominent multilingual labels.
After driving for so many years, I've realized that having a smaller spare tire actually has many advantages. The main thing is that trunk space is precious—no one wants to haul around a big tire every day. A compact spare takes up less room, freeing up space for more luggage. It's also lighter, reducing the overall vehicle weight and saving a bit on fuel costs. While the savings per trip might be small, they add up over time. Additionally, smaller spare tires are cheaper to produce, allowing car manufacturers to lower vehicle prices, which benefits us consumers. Most importantly, driving with a small spare tire feels noticeably unstable, causing the car to tilt slightly. This serves as a reminder not to slack off and to find a place to fix the flat tire as soon as possible. After all, a spare tire is only for emergencies—its tread pattern and load capacity are inferior to the original tires, and driving too fast with it can be dangerous. Nowadays, some cars have even eliminated the spare tire altogether, opting for tire repair kits instead, which is another innovative approach.
