How To Care For Your Spare
Spare tire inflation pressure should be checked monthly and before any long trips. Use an accurate gauge. T-type temporary spare tires require 60 psi (420 kPa). When adjusting inflation pressure in T-type tires, do so in small amounts since the tire is smaller and the pressure level changes rapidly. Do not overinflate.
Check the inflation in your spare tire every time you check all the others. A spare tire with no pressure in it is no help to you in an emergency. If you have an inflatable spare, be sure to check the aerosol inflation pressure canister to be sure it has not been damaged. If so, have it checked by an expert.
Inspect the spare tire/rim/wheel periodically (i.e. during tire rotation intervals) for any visible damage to the tire or corrosion on the wheel.
If the vehicle has a matching full-size spare tire, it is recommended that it be included in the tire rotation. Always check and adjust the inflation pressure of the full-size spare when incorporating it into the rotation pattern.
T-type temporary spare tires should only be used with rims/wheels specifically intended for them. Rims/wheels intended for use with T-type tires should not be used with any other types of tires. A temporary spare tire and wheel assembly should never be used on a vehicle with which it is not compatible. Never use more than one temporary spare tire at a time.
There are normally restrictions on speed, mileage, and placement of a temporary spare tire. Consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual for use of a temporary spare tire.
Self-Supporting Run-flat Tires
Run-flat tires have specific servicing requirements, such as product-specific puncture repair or demounting/mounting procedures, which vary by vehicle and tire manufacturer. Consult with the tire manufacturers for details. A functioning tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) must be used with run-flat tires. Never mix run-flat tires with conventional tires unless in an emergency situation on a limited, temporary basis. Once a tire has been run at reduced- or zero-pressure conditions, it must be replaced or demounted and inspected to determine if it is reusable, depending on the tire manufacturer.
Vehicle Original Equipment Temporary Tire Mobility Kits
A temporary tire mobility kit may be supplied by the vehicle manufacturer as an alternative to a spare or run-flat tire in passenger car and light truck applications. The temporary tire mobility kit is normally composed of a puncture sealant and a small air compressor or container of propellant.
Use of a temporary tire mobility kit:
- Is not considered a repair to the tire.
- Only provides a temporary solution to promptly reach a service location for professional inspection and possible repair of the affected tire.
- Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific details.
End users of temporary tire mobility kits supplied as original equipment in a passenger or a light truck vehicle should always follow all instructions provided by the vehicle manufacturer, including limits on the amount of driving at reduced speeds, to safely reach a tire service location.
Do not depend on tire aerosol sealants and inflators to repair a damaged tire permanently. These products are designed to provide only a temporary, emergency repair to help get you off the road and to the nearest tire repair facility. Aerosol, liquid, gel, or other substances injected into a tire through the valve are not considered proper repairs. Such products:
- may be flammable and potentially explosive,
- may damage the tire, and
- may interfere with or damage tire pressure monitoring system sensors.
Flammable propellants and/or liquids in aftermarket sealants or aerosol inflators may cause a tire to explode under certain circumstances. Never introduce a flammable substance into a tire. Inform the tire service professional if you have used any aftermarket product to seal or inflate a tire.