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Before buying a spare tire: temporary, compact and full-size spares
Spare tires are tires carried in a vehicle to replace a flat until the flat is repaired or replaced. Temporary spare tires, also called temp spares or compact spares, use T-type sizes such as T125/70R16 96M, where the T marks a temporary-use tire narrower and lighter than the vehicle's regular tires. A full-size spare matches the regular tires.
Common temporary spare tire sizes to order
Temporary spare tire sizes follow the wheel the vehicle carries for the spare:
- 16-inch temp spares, such as T125/70R16 and T125/80R16, fit many compact cars and sedans.
- 17-inch temp spares, such as T135/80R17, T155/70R17 and T165/80R17, fit midsize sedans, minivans and crossovers.
- 18-inch temp spares, such as T155/70R18 and T155/85R18, fit larger crossovers and SUVs.
The exact size is printed on the sidewall of the vehicle's original spare and in the owner's manual.
How much a spare tire costs before you buy
A compact temporary spare usually costs less than one of the vehicle's regular tires, because the temp spare is narrower, lighter and built for short use. A full-size spare costs the same as a regular tire in that size. A vehicle with no spare at all also needs a spare wheel and a jack, which add to the total.
Choosing a full-size or compact spare
A full-size spare can stay on the vehicle until the flat is fixed. A compact temporary spare saves weight and trunk space but is limited in speed, distance and handling. Some vehicles use a full-size temporary spare with a lighter build and shallower tread than the regular tires.
Speed and distance limits to know before buying a spare
Compact temporary spare tires are limited to 50 mph, and automakers commonly limit driving distance to about 70 miles. The limits for each vehicle are printed on the spare's sidewall or on a label near the spare. Compact spares are rated for 60 psi, much higher than regular tires, so a replacement carries the same T-type size and pressure rating as the original.
Signs it is time to order a new spare tire
Spare tires age even without use. Automakers commonly recommend replacing any tire, including the spare, 6 to 10 years after manufacture; the DOT date code on the sidewall shows the week and year, such as 1219 for the 12th week of 2019. A spare that was used after a flat and driven near its distance limit is also due for replacement.
Ordering a temporary spare tire with NeoTires
A worn, aged or missing temporary spare is quickest to replace by its T-type size, such as T125/70R16 or T155/85R18, printed on the old spare or in the owner's manual. Search that size on NeoTires to see the spare tires for sale in it, and add the spare to the cart. NeoTires dispatches the spare the same day and ships it anywhere in the US, with no shipping charge on spares labeled Free shipping; Klarna, Affirm and Afterpay financing is also available at checkout.
Before buying a spare tire: temporary, compact and full-size spares
Spare tires are tires carried in a vehicle to replace a flat until the flat is repaired or replaced. Temporary spare tires, also called temp spares or compact spares, use T-type sizes such as T125/70R16 96M, where the T marks a temporary-use tire narrower and lighter than the vehicle's regular tires. A full-size spare matches the regular tires.
Common temporary spare tire sizes to order
Temporary spare tire sizes follow the wheel the vehicle carries for the spare:
- 16-inch temp spares, such as T125/70R16 and T125/80R16, fit many compact cars and sedans.
- 17-inch temp spares, such as T135/80R17, T155/70R17 and T165/80R17, fit midsize sedans, minivans and crossovers.
- 18-inch temp spares, such as T155/70R18 and T155/85R18, fit larger crossovers and SUVs.
The exact size is printed on the sidewall of the vehicle's original spare and in the owner's manual.
How much a spare tire costs before you buy
A compact temporary spare usually costs less than one of the vehicle's regular tires, because the temp spare is narrower, lighter and built for short use. A full-size spare costs the same as a regular tire in that size. A vehicle with no spare at all also needs a spare wheel and a jack, which add to the total.
Choosing a full-size or compact spare
A full-size spare can stay on the vehicle until the flat is fixed. A compact temporary spare saves weight and trunk space but is limited in speed, distance and handling. Some vehicles use a full-size temporary spare with a lighter build and shallower tread than the regular tires.
Speed and distance limits to know before buying a spare
Compact temporary spare tires are limited to 50 mph, and automakers commonly limit driving distance to about 70 miles. The limits for each vehicle are printed on the spare's sidewall or on a label near the spare. Compact spares are rated for 60 psi, much higher than regular tires, so a replacement carries the same T-type size and pressure rating as the original.
Signs it is time to order a new spare tire
Spare tires age even without use. Automakers commonly recommend replacing any tire, including the spare, 6 to 10 years after manufacture; the DOT date code on the sidewall shows the week and year, such as 1219 for the 12th week of 2019. A spare that was used after a flat and driven near its distance limit is also due for replacement.
Ordering a temporary spare tire with NeoTires
A worn, aged or missing temporary spare is quickest to replace by its T-type size, such as T125/70R16 or T155/85R18, printed on the old spare or in the owner's manual. Search that size on NeoTires to see the spare tires for sale in it, and add the spare to the cart. NeoTires dispatches the spare the same day and ships it anywhere in the US, with no shipping charge on spares labeled Free shipping; Klarna, Affirm and Afterpay financing is also available at checkout.
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