Having an extra set of tires isn’t typically included in the purchase of a new automobile, but they’re an important part of your roadside emergency kit. Because they are rarely utilized, spare tires deflate over time while they sit in the trunk or mounted to the chassis. You may not be able to use it if it’s already deflated to the point of being useless when you need it.
How Much Air to Put in Tires
In this guide, I’ll show you how to fill up your roadside spare tire’s air pressure to the recommended standards. So stick around and learn a few essential tips that will surely pay you in the future!
Space Saver Spare Tire
The air pressure in a space-saving spare tire is significantly higher than that of a regular, full-sized tire. Spare tires require more air because of their reduced size, particularly their contact surface area, which is less. Your spare tire’s markings will tell you just how much air it needs. There is a piece of paper attached to the tire that contains helpful information if you have never used it before.
The other option is to find an appropriate pressure for the tire using its dimensions. You only need the three dimensions of the specification. An illustration of what I mean is shown below. Rear tires are 225/70 R 16.
The first triple digit number informs you the tire’s width, while the second gives you the tire’s aspect ratio. To indicate radial construction (the industry norm), you’ll see the letter R and the two-digit number following it. Additionally, for full-sized tires, there is a load index; however, this is less critical for spare tires.
Another method for determining tire pressure is to open the driver’s door and inspect the B column plate (column between driver and rear passenger door). The inside of the gas cap also has a plate similar to the one located on the outside. In this section, you’ll find a variety of usage cases and the appropriate tire pressures. Even if the spare tire information isn’t present, it’s worth checking because it only takes a second to do so.
For the most part, space-saving tires are inflated to 60 PSI (4 BAR). To keep up with the added weight, smaller tires require more pressure, which may appear excessive. To put this in perspective, professional bicycle tires may reach a maximum pressure of 130 PSI! It’s possible to destroy a space saver’s wheels if you pressurize it to the same level as a full-size tire.
Full-sized Spare Tire Pressure
Trucks, SUVs, and other heavy vehicles often come equipped with full-sized spare tires to handle the added weight. Purchase a steel-rimmed wheel and a set of tires if your car didn’t come with a spare and you have enough place in the trunk to do so. Use a spare tire from an other set if you have more than one set of wheels for different seasons. This is perfectly OK.
Full-sized spares are different from those that are used as replacements.. To be sure, the real spare tire is the correct size, however its width falls short of that of other tires. If you’re not sure how much pressure it needs, it’s best to look at the markings on it. To get the most out of a spare tire, put the same amount of pressure as on the front tires.
How to Pressurize a Spare Tire
It is possible to pressurize your spare tire in a variety of ways. You can use a self-service air compressor at a gas station or tire shop to re-inflate your spare tire for free or at a nominal cost.
Using a manual foot air pump is one of the most inexpensive options at your disposal. It has a built-in pressure gauge that tells you when it’s time to quit.
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It is possible to purchase a portable air compressor that uses the cigarette lighter outlet or 12 volt output electricity to fill the tire for an additional cost. Portable air compressors are inexpensive, and they’ll come in handy at some point.
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Passing over the same tire-piercing object twice while driving is one of the worst-case scenarios. Even if you use the spare to fix one of the flat tires, you will still have one deflated tire. Having a can of tire inflator and sealant on hand can save you a lot of time and money. You can use it to get back on the road and get to the nearest tire shop with enough pressure to fill a full-size tire.
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How to Check a Spare Tires Pressure
When it comes to checking your spare tire’s air pressure, the most convenient method is to use a tire pressure monitor. You can get the same results by connecting a manual or electronic air pump to the tire valve.
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FAQs
Why can you only go 50 mph on a spare tire?
When designing a vehicle, tires are one of the most important factors in terms of handling, braking, acceleration, and high-speed endurance. Formula 1 vehicles use enormous slick tires in order to harness all of this power and speed. Space-saving tires turn the other way around to save space. This means you should only use them for short distances and never exceed 50mph, as they lose performance for weight and size reduction.
Should I air my tires to max PSI?
As a general rule, I don’t encourage going over the top of your tires because they’re not just affected by the weather, but also high-speed driving and cornering. To be on the safe side, set your tire pressure a few PSI lower than the manufacturer’s recommendation.
At what PSI will a tire explode?
It is recommended that a full-sized tire be inflated to 30-40 PSI, but it can withstand up to 200 PSI before bursting. However, you should never exceed the pressure limit set by the tire manufacturer, since overpressurizing tires can lead to serious injury or loss of control when driving.
What happens if you drive on a spare tire for too long?
As far as long distances or high speeds are concerned, the space-saving spare tire isn’t up to the task Generally speaking, you should not surpass 50 mph while driving for more than 50 miles at one time. You run the risk of damaging the transmission, the tire, and other components if you continue.
How long do spare tires last unused?
Storage space will also reduce the life expectancy of your spare tire if you haven’t used it in a while. The life of a spare tire in the trunk is greater than the life of a tire under the car.
Summary
If you’ve got a spare tire, you can easily pressurize it for free. Space saver tires should be inflated to 60 psi, whereas full-size spares require the same amount of air as your regular tires. Keep a portable air compressor and an inflator can in the trunk for emergencies.
