Why are spare tires not real tires?

The tire is a different overall height and width Your spare tire, be it a full-size non-matching spare tire or a compact spare, is typically a smaller diameter than your four normal use tires. This is to save space in your vehicle when the spare tire is stored.

Can a spare tire be a regular tire?

Full size spares can be matching or non-matching. A matching full size spare is identical to your other tires and should be incorporated into your regular tire rotation. A non-matching full size spare has lighter-weight construction and shallower tread depth to reduce weight and make it easier to install.

Is spare tire different from regular tire?

Apart from the full-size matching spare tire, spare tires are different from regular car tires. The spare tires are designed for temporary short-term use during emergencies and to save on space. The spare tire wheel is generally made of lightweight material, and the tread depth is shallow compared to the regular tires.

Why are spare wheel smaller?

Your spare tire, be it a full-size non-matching spare tire or a compact spare, is typically a smaller diameter than your four normal use tires. This is to save space in your vehicle when the spare tire is stored.

Why are spare tires so small?

The main reason your spare tire is smaller is because they are meant to take up less space in your vehicle. Donut spares usually have a smaller diameter, narrower width and shallower tread, which means they make great space-savers. This is especially important to maximize the storage area in your boot.

Is it illegal not to have a spare wheel?

While it’s a useful feature to have – no-one wants to be stranded with a flat tyre – there is no legal requirement to have a spare wheel in your vehicle.

Why do new cars have no spare wheel?

Over the past decade, more and more car manufacturers have ditched conventional spare wheels for tyre repair kits. They cite two main reasons for this: repair kits take up less space and are lighter, thus aiding fuel economy. But there’s a third reason: cost. The rest are fitted with run-flat tyres.