Tips For Driving On A Spare Tyre

It's almost time to hit the road to your holiday destination! But with hitting the road comes hitting a pothole, a nail, or anything that leads to you needing your spare tyre. A spare tyre is like insurance: you don't need it until you need it, and when you do, you're so relieved you've got it. 

We here at ClickaCar want you to be safe at all times, so we listened when the South African Tyres Manufacturers Conference shared a few tips. 

The "Space Saver Tyre" or "Temporary Spare Wheel" can take several forms, ranging from narrow, brightly coloured, to a more conventionally sized temporary wheel. Spare Tyres are lighter and smaller than those which are normally fitted to cars. These wheels range from 33cm to 48cm and the inflation pressure varies per tyre. Check your car handbook, or the side of the tyre, for the correct pressure.

The idea behind the design is that it is smaller; lighter, and takes up less space in the vehicle than a full-sized spare wheel. Especially if the car is fitted with expensive high-performance tyres. Importantly, the spare tyre may only be used in an emergency. If you're driving an older car, an SUV, or a large bakkie, you may have a full-size spare tyre in the back. This spare will be the same size as your other tyres and will not affect your driving too much. In fact, if your spare is properly fitted, you should be able to drive normally. But that doesn't mean that you shouldn't visit a tyre specialist and replace it as soon as you can. Your spare will not have the same wear and tear as your other tyres and could be a different type of tyre. As a result, it will probably affect your car's behaviour and could be dangerous. 

It is vital that the driver acknowledges that temporary use spare tyres have no maximum distance because of the speed restriction, limited tread depth, and that the compound of the tyre is often softer to match the traction capabilities of a wider tyre. It is therefore recommended that users get the original car tyres repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

All temporary use spare wheels impose a significant operational restriction on the vehicle when in use. Your tyres do not work in isolation, like everything else in your car. They are connected to a host of other components, equipment, and systems. Using a spare tyre will affect your car's handling, as well as the way it brakes. You might notice that a warning light will appear on your dashboard because your ABS is not working properly. This is normal when driving with a spare, but should be a further reminder to drive slowly. Allow yourself plenty of time and space to bring your car to a stop and take corners carefully.

Key Points to remember when using a spare tyre:

1. Fit only the spare tyre provided by the vehicle manufacturer for your vehicle model.
2. Spare tyres are not designed to travel long distances. If you are unsure of the condition of the spare tyre, check it before driving the vehicle or consult a tyre dealer.
3. Do not fit a spare tyre to any other rim that has been provided with the vehicle.
4. Use the spare tyre strictly under the vehicle manufacturer's instructions. Cautiously observe the manufacturer's recommendation for any limits on speed, tyre pressure, and load. Note that inflation pressure will often be much higher than the normal tyres of the vehicle. This information can be found either on the spare tyre or in the vehicle handbook.
5. Make sure your spare tyre is as pumped as you are before you leave for your holiday. Here are other road safety tips for the festive season.

Of course, driving with your spare tyre also means that you no longer have a spare available, which is another reason to replace it and return it to its storage spot. 

Don't have a trusted car to go on holiday with yet? Check out the listing on ClickaCar - the safest buy by far!