1. About.com
  2. Autos
  3. Auto Repair
Filed In:
  1. Auto Repair
SPARE TIRE

Definition: There are several different types of spare tires: a folding spare (which must be inflated with an air canister prior to mounting), a compact spare (which is much smaller and narrower than the other wheels on the vehicle), and a lightweight spare (which is the same diameter as the other tires on the vehicle but thinner). All of these tires are labeled "temporary" spares because of their weight-saving construction. As such, they are intended for emergency use only-not for sustained or high speed driving. Most carry a warning not to exceed 50 mph nor to travel further than 50 miles. The only kind of spare tire that can be used without such restrictions is a conventional full-sized spare that's the same as the other tires on the vehicle.

<Back to Last Page>     <Full Glossary>

© 2000 - 2002 Vincent T. Ciulla

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved. 

A part of The New York Times Company.