Do
you have a spare tire for your vehicle? Many people never give their
spare tire a second thought until they find themselves stranded on
the side of the road. Most vehicle manufacturers supply a donut tire
for automobiles. This is a compact, space-saving tire that is meant
for temporary use only. Here is what every vehicle owner should know
about their spare.
How
Does a Donut Spare Tire Differ from a Regular Tire?
The
tire itself is usually made of a hard plastic-like material rather
than rubber. A donut spare tire is significantly smaller than a
regular tire, both in diameter and width. The donut spare is compact
and gets tucked into a special compartment.
The
rim is also made from lightweight metal. This makes maneuvering the
spare tire easier than a full-sized traditional tire and lessens the
weight of your vehicle. Another big difference in a donut spare tire
is the tread. A donut spare tire has virtually no tread or siping,
which are little grooves in a tire that increase traction.
Where
Is a Donut Spare Tire Located?
Most
automobile manufacturers use a wheel well compartment that is hidden
under the floor of your vehicle's trunk. Some vehicles, such as
sports utility vehicles and vans, may have an exterior wheel well
compartment on the back hatch. Other vehicles may hang the spare tire
from the frame under the vehicle. A few vehicles, typically foreign
manufacturers, store the donut spare tire in the engine compartment.
How
Fast and Long Can You Drive a Donut Spare Tire?
Most
manufacturers and the American Automobile Association recommend you
don't exceed 50 mph with a donut tire or travel more than 50 miles.
The recommended limitations are usually stamped on the tire's
sidewall. If you suffer a blowout on the interstate, use a donut tire
only to get you to the next exit and the nearest tire shop.
How
Does a Donut Spare Tire Affect Your Driving?
Drive
gingerly and attentively when you have a donut spare tire on your
vehicle. Because a donut spare tire is smaller than your other tires,
the vehicle will often pull to the side the spare is on. This is
especially true when braking. It is important to have a firm grasp of
the steering wheel when driving with a donut spare tire.
A
donut spare tire also requires slowing down more when taking corners.
A vehicle with a donut spare does not handle as well as a regular
tire. If you are driving in adverse conditions, such as rain, ice, or
snow, you will need to be even more cautious as the donut spare tire
doesn't have much tread and will supply little to no traction.
How
Does a Donut Spare Tire Affect Your Vehicle?
While
a donut spare tire is a great quick fix for a tire emergency, it is
not good for your vehicle long-term. Driving with a donut spare tire
is hard on your vehicle's differential. The differential is the car
part that sends power from the transmission to the wheel.
The
differential controls how your wheels turn and the speed at which
they do so. Because a donut spare tire is smaller than a regular
tire, the differential has to work differently and harder than it
normally does. A donut spare tire is also hard on your vehicle's
alignment, anti-lock braking system, and other tires.
How
Should You Care for Your Donut Spare Tire?
You
should check your donut spare tire's air pressure every time you
check your other tires. The recommendation is once a month. Your
tires need rotating every 3,000-5,000 miles, and this is a perfect
time to have your tire service provider inspect your spare tire as
well. A donut spare tire can break down over time.
If
you have any questions about your donut spare tire, need a new spare
or regular tire, or want to schedule a tire rotation and balance
appointment, contact
us today.
