Get to know the types of spare tires and their uses

There is always a spare tire in every car. However, the types are different. These differences in type will affect their use, so a special understanding of spare tires is still required.

Often referred to as a spare tire, having a spare tire in a car is a necessity in Indonesia. Except for using Run Flat Tires, Law Number 22 of 2009 concerning Road Traffic and Transportation requires every car to have a spare tire.

Many parties may have complied with this obligation. However, only a few people understand the type of spare tire on their car. In fact, there are various types of spare tires.

Therefore, knowledge of the types of spare tires is mandatory. The following are the types of spare tires that are commonly used.

Full-Size Matching Spare Tires & Wheels

This is the type of spare tire that is exactly the same as the main tire used. Starting from the size, shape, dimensions, to the rims used are exactly the same. 

Full-Size Matching Spare Tires & Wheels will make it easier to change tires in an emergency. When using it, the car can be driven as usual from speed to distance traveled.

Not only that, this type of spare tire also allows it to be used as the main tire. The condition is that the spare tire must be included in the periodic rotation process which is carried out every 10 thousand km.

Even so, there are still risks involved. If you include a spare tire as part of the main tire rotation, then you have to change five tires at once. This can be a separate consideration.

Full-Size Matching Spare Tires & Wheels are often attached to various types of cars. However, if the tires are large enough, then storing them can take up space. Therefore, car manufacturers often get around this by providing extra space for the tires.

Full-Size Temporary Spares

Full-Size Temporary Spares are almost similar to Full-Size Matching Spare Tires & Wheel. The spare tire has the same size and dimensions as the main tire. However, the difference is that this spare tire uses lighter material and a shallower tread depth to reduce the weight of the tire. This aims to save storage space and fuel consumption. 

The real impact that follows is the difference in the tread shape of the Full-Size Temporary Spares tires compared to the main tires. Apart from that, the rim material is also not the same. For example, if the main tire uses an alloy rim, then the spare tire can only be made of tin or iron.

Unlike Full-Size Matching Spare Tires & Wheel, this spare tire cannot be used regularly as the main tire. This tire is only a spare tire that is used for short distances. For example, to find a tire repair shop so you can repair a flat main tire.

Temporary/Compact Spares

A completely different type of spare tire compared to the main tire. Starting from size, dimensions, to smaller tire rims. In fact, the tread pattern is shallower. Not surprisingly, these tires do not take up a lot of space and storage space.

Even so, in order to be able to use Temporary/Compact Spares, they require special handling. Tires are often filled with air at a much higher pressure than the main tire. This is deliberately done so that it can support the weight of the car properly. Apart from that, there is a maximum speed limit of 80 km/hour.

Therefore, Temporary/Compact Spares are only used for emergencies. Use the time to help find a tire repair shop. Then, never occasionally use it for another vehicle if the type is not exactly the same. Because it will endanger driving.

Folding Temporary Spares

Folding Temporary Spares are a unique type of spare tire. When stored, the sidewall of the tire can be folded. Thus, the spare tire is stored in a deflated state, so it requires a small storage space.

Cars that use Folding Temporary Spares usually have a portable pump installed in the car. As a result, when the spare tire is to be used, the tire can be inflated first. Then the tire can be installed as usual.

Because the sidewall of the tire can be folded, the strength of the Folding Temporary Spares spare tire is not as good as the main tire. Apart from that, the tread is also thinner. Therefore, these tires can only be used at a maximum speed of 80 km/h with a special pressure, usually 60 psi. 

Not surprisingly, its status is really a spare tire for emergencies only. Tires should not be used regularly.  

These are several types of spare tires that are commonly used. Where is the spare tire in your car?