Why is the Spare Wheel 1 Inch Smaller? [Complete Guide for Car Owners]
When you open the boot of your car and look at the spare wheel, you may notice something strange — it’s often smaller than your regular tyres. In fact, in many cars, the spare tyre is about 1 inch shorter in height or width.
This might make you wonder:
👉 Is it safe to use this smaller spare wheel?
👉 Why don’t manufacturers just provide the same size as other tyres?
In this blog, we’ll explain why spare wheels are often 1 inch smaller, how to use them safely, and what every car owner in India should know about them.
🚗 What is a Spare Wheel?
A spare wheel, also known as a stepney in India, is an extra tyre that comes with your vehicle. It is meant to be used in emergencies when one of your main tyres is punctured, damaged, or flat.
There are two types of spare wheels:
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Full-size spare wheel – Same size as your regular tyre. Rare in modern cars.
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Compact or space-saver spare wheel – Slightly smaller in diameter and width (usually 1 inch or more).
🧐 Why is the Spare Wheel 1 Inch Smaller?
Now let’s get to the main question: Why is the spare tyre smaller than other tyres? Here are the main reasons:
1. ✅ To Save Space in the Boot
A full-size tyre takes up a lot of room. Most compact and mid-size cars have limited boot space. A smaller spare wheel can easily fit into the boot’s recessed cavity, giving you more luggage space.
This is especially useful in hatchbacks, sedans, and compact SUVs.
2. ✅ To Reduce Vehicle Weight
A smaller spare tyre weighs much less than a full-sized one. This reduces the car’s overall weight, which improves:
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Fuel efficiency
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Handling
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Emission control
Car companies are under pressure to make vehicles lighter and more fuel-efficient, and using smaller stepneys is part of that plan.
3. ✅ Cost Reduction
Smaller tyres are cheaper to manufacture, and since the spare tyre is rarely used, manufacturers prefer to provide budget-friendly options to reduce the overall cost of the vehicle.
4. ✅ Temporary Use Only
A space-saver tyre is not made for long-term use. It’s designed to help you:
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Drive to the nearest tyre repair shop
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Travel short distances safely
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Avoid getting stranded on highways
Because it’s for temporary use only, there's no need to provide a full-size tyre.
🛞 How Much Smaller is the Spare Wheel?
Generally, the spare wheel is 1 to 2 inches smaller in diameter or narrower in width compared to the other tyres. This small difference helps save space but still allows safe driving in emergencies.
For example:
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Regular tyre: 195/65 R15
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Spare tyre: 135/80 R15
⚠️ Is it Safe to Drive with a Smaller Spare Tyre?
Yes, it is safe, but with some conditions:
| Condition | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Distance | Max 80-100 km |
| Speed | Max 80 km/h |
| Terrain | Flat roads only |
| Load | Light to moderate load |
Important:
Never drive with a space-saver tyre for long distances or at high speeds. It can lead to uneven wear, braking imbalance, and even accidents.
🧠 Driving Tips for Using a Smaller Spare Wheel
When using a compact spare tyre:
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Don’t drive faster than 80 km/h.
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Avoid highways if possible.
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Drive slowly on turns and bumps.
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Don’t use cruise control.
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Avoid overloading the vehicle.
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Repair or replace the main tyre ASAP.
🔧 How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tyre?
Ideally, you should not drive more than 80 to 100 kilometers on a compact spare tyre. The purpose is only to get you to a garage or tyre service center.
Driving beyond that distance can be risky due to:
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Lower traction
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Reduced braking ability
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Suspension imbalance
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Overheating of the spare tyre
📘 What the Car Manual Says
Every car’s owner’s manual includes important safety instructions about the spare wheel:
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Maximum speed limit
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Tyre pressure requirement
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Recommended usage distance
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Installation instructions
Always read this section after buying a new car. It’s usually found under "Tyres" or "Emergency Information."
🧯 Is It Okay to Replace a Punctured Tyre with a Smaller Spare on a Long Trip?
Only in emergencies. The smaller spare is for short-term emergency use only, especially when:
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You’re far from a puncture repair shop
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You’re in a remote location
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You need to get off a highway quickly
After that, get your regular tyre fixed immediately.
🛒 Can You Upgrade the Spare Tyre?
Yes. Some people buy a full-size spare tyre after purchase. If you have space in your boot and don’t mind the extra weight, you can ask your car dealer or tyre shop for a:
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Same size rim + tyre
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Matching tread pattern
Just make sure the bolt pattern and diameter match your car’s wheel hub.
✅ Pros and Cons of a Smaller Spare Wheel
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Saves boot space | Not meant for long-distance use |
| Reduces vehicle weight | Speed and distance limit |
| Lowers car manufacturing cost | Less traction & stability |
| Easy to store and handle | Affects ABS/ESP slightly |
🔍 Keywords to Remember
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👨🔧 Maintenance Tips for Your Spare Wheel
Many car owners forget to check the spare tyre until it’s needed. Don’t make that mistake! Do this every 2-3 months:
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Check tyre pressure – Usually between 50–60 PSI for space-saver tyres.
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Inspect for cracks or dryness.
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Keep it clean and covered.
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Don’t place heavy items on the spare tyre in the boot.
📷 [Insert Image Suggestion Here]
Use an image showing:
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The main wheel vs. compact spare wheel
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Placement of the spare wheel in the boot
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Speed and distance warning label on tyre
(Use royalty-free images from sites like Pixabay, Pexels, or your own photos for MGID-friendly blogs.)
🛠️ Final Thoughts
The reason why the spare wheel is 1 inch smaller is simple — it’s meant to be compact, light, and temporary. It helps you reach safety without taking up too much space or weight in your car.
Just remember:
🧭 “A smaller spare is just your car’s way of saying: I’ll help you now, but fix me soon!”
Always treat the space-saver tyre as a backup, not a replacement.
💬 Have You Ever Used a Spare Tyre?
Comment below and share your experience!
Have you ever driven long-distance with a space-saver tyre? Did you face any issues?
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