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Do You Have a Spare Tire? How to Check — and What to Do If You Don’t

  • Writer: Michael Mancha
    Michael Mancha
  • Oct 6
  • 2 min read

Getting a flat tire on Houston’s busy streets is stressful enough. Finding out you don’t have a spare tire when you need one? That’s a nightmare.


At Tires Wheels Sensors – TWS, we see this happen every week. Many modern vehicles—especially newer sedans and SUVs—no longer include a full-size spare tire. Instead, they might come with a smaller “donut” spare or a tire repair kit.


Let’s break down how to find out if your car has a spare and what to do if it doesn’t.


1. How to Check If Your Car Has a Spare Tire


Here’s where to look:


  • Trunk or Rear Compartment: Lift the floor panel in your trunk or cargo area. Most vehicles store the spare (or space-saver “donut”) tire underneath.

  • Under the Vehicle: Many trucks, SUVs, and vans have the spare mounted underneath the rear. You may need to use a lowering mechanism to access it.

  • Owner’s Manual: The quickest way to confirm — your manual will tell you if your vehicle includes a spare, a donut, or just a tire repair kit.

  • Door Jamb Sticker: The tire information sticker (inside the driver-side door) usually lists recommended tire sizes and pressures—but not whether you have a spare. It’s a common misconception.


2. What If You Don’t Have a Spare?


If your car came without a spare, you’ve got a few options:


  • Buy a full-size or space-saver spare tire that fits your vehicle.

  • Carry a plug kit and portable inflator for temporary fixes.

  • Get a roadside assistance plan that includes flat repairs or towing.


At TWS, we can help you select and install a spare tire that fits your car’s bolt pattern, offset, and load rating.


3. When to Check Your Spare


Even if you have one, don’t ignore it—spare tires lose air and dry-rot over time. Check:

  • Tire pressure every 6 months

  • Tread depth and cracks

  • Age (replace if older than 6 years)


4. TWS Can Help You Stay Prepared


Our team at Tires Wheels Sensors – TWS offers:


  • Replacement spares

  • New and used tires

  • TPMS checks and resets

  • Financing and leasing options for tires, wheels, and sensors


Before your next road trip or commute, make sure your spare is ready—or let us help you get one that fits.


📍 Visit us at 7752 Hammerly Blvd, Houston, TX 77055 or call 346-503-6458.

 
 
 

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