The Spare Tire Check Almost Nobody Does

The spare is the oldest, least inspected tire on the vehicle and the one you need at the worst moment.

A meaningful share of the flat-tire tows we see on the South Plains are for people who had a flat, went for the spare, and found it unusable. Five minutes in a driveway prevents nearly all of them.

Check the pressure

Spares lose pressure slowly over years like any tire, and a temporary or "donut" spare is typically specified at a much higher pressure than a road tire — commonly around 60 psi. A donut at 30 psi is not usable. Check it the same day you check the others.

Check the age

The DOT date code on the sidewall tells you when it was made. On most vehicles the spare is the original from the factory, and it has been under the truck in the heat ever since. Age degrades rubber whether the tire has turned a mile or not.

Check that you can actually get it out

• On a truck with an underslung carrier, the mechanism seizes with rust and dust. Wind it down once and back up so you know it works.
• The tool needed to lower it is frequently a specific extension and crank — confirm both are present.
• On vehicles with the spare inside, confirm the retaining bolt turns.

Check the tools

1. 1The jack is present, complete, and operates.
2. 2The lug wrench fits your lug nuts — including any locking nuts, which need their key.
3. 3The locking wheel nut key is actually in the vehicle. This is the most commonly missing item there is.
4. 4You know where the jacking points are for your vehicle.

Know the limits of a donut

Temporary spares are speed and distance limited — typically around 50 mph and a short range, stated on the sidewall. They also change the vehicle's handling and can affect traction and stability systems. It is a get-to-help device, not a tire.

Or skip all of it

Out here, a tow is frequently the safer option than changing a wheel on the shoulder of a two-lane. Once the vehicle reaches the shop, we stock common sizes and can fit the right tire the same visit.