Answering the common buyer question: what are reliable spare tire options for the T145/70R17 size or nearby sizes? This guide highlights five temporary or compact spare tires, explaining who they’re best for and why they’re suitable for emergency use. It’s geared toward drivers who want quick, on-road viability without committing to a full-size spare. The products below are organized for quick comparison and include a concise buying table to help you choose confidently.
| Product | Best For | Key Note |
|---|---|---|
| FALKEN T145/80D17 107M FK090 TEMPORARY SPARE BW | Compact spares for older or smaller vehicles needing a dedicated emergency option | Rated up to 50 mph; 60 psi; emergency use only |
| Falken FK-090 T125/70D17 98M | Extra-small, light-duty emergencies where fit is critical | Package dimensions and weight provided; compact design |
| Kumho Temporary Spare T145/90D16 106M | Temporary-use option for mixed-size spare needs on older vehicle fleets | Black wall; shallow tread; dedicated temporary use |
| Goodyear Convenience Spare All-Season T145/80D17 LL 97 M | General-purpose, ready-to-go emergency spare with all-season traction | Designed for speeds up to 50 mph; 60 psi |
| Continental sContact T125/70R15 95M Temp Spare Tire | Older or smaller cars needing reliable wet/dry grip in a spare | Temporary spare; wide grooves aid wet traction |
FALKEN T145/80D17 107M FK090 TEMPORARY SPARE BW
Best for owners of late-model sedans or coupes that require a compact, fast-replaceable spare. The FK090 is designed for emergency use with a top speed rating of 50 mph and a 60 psi inflation guideline. It is a temporary spare, making it suitable for short trips to a repair shop rather than long highway drives. It’s a strong pick when a vehicle’s trunk space is limited and a dedicated spare is desired.
Who this is best for: drivers who want a compact, factory-style temporary spare that fits small trunks and tight spaces. Why chosen: it provides a trustworthy, standard-size spare option that’s easy to store and quick to install in an emergency. Limitation: limited speed and distance guidance means you should replace it soon after use.
Falken FK-090 T125/70D17 98M
This spare is tailored for drivers who need a very small, space-efficient emergency solution. The T125/70D17 size is closer to some compact sedans’ original wheels, enabling a smoother drive as a temporary fix. It is lighter and easier to store than many full-size spares, which helps with trunk or cargo area flexibility.
Who this is best for: owners seeking a compact, discreet emergency tire that minimizes trunk space usage. Why chosen: it’s lightweight and simple to deploy in a pinch. Caution: verify compatibility if your vehicle requires a different load index or tire speed rating.
Kumho Temporary Spare T145/90D16 106M
This option uses a T145/90D16 size designed for temporary use, with a focus on broad compatibility for a range of older models. It features a black-wall sidewall and shallower tread depth typical of spare tires, aligning with short-term emergency needs rather than long-term replacement.
Who this is best for: drivers whose vehicle’s spare requirement aligns with a higher-profile, older fleet, or who need a temporary fix without upgrading to a larger wheel. Why chosen: practical for constrained storage and straightforward installation. Limitation: not ideal for extended driving or non-emergency situations.
Goodyear Convenience Spare All-Season T145/80D17 LL 97 M Tire
Best for drivers who want a readily available, all-season spare designed for temporary use. This Goodyear option specifies a maximum speed of 50 mph and a recommended 60 psi at all times, with tread designed to provide consistent grip on dry, wet, and light winter roads. It’s a dependable choice when immediate replacement is needed without carrying a larger spare.
Who this is best for: daily drivers needing a straightforward temporary spare with versatile traction. Why chosen: balanced performance for varied conditions and simple maintenance. Limitation: as a temporary spare, it should be swapped for a full-size tire as soon as possible.
Continental sContact T125/70R15 95M Temp Spare Tire
Best for older vehicles or smaller cars needing a reliable spare that offers decent wet and dry grip. The sContact spare emphasizes water evacuation through wide grooves and open shoulders to help traction in light rain and wet conditions. It provides a practical balance of safety and storage efficiency.
Who this is best for: owners with smaller sedans or hatchbacks seeking a straightforward, weather-conscious spare option. Why chosen: it emphasizes grip in mixed weather with a focus on safety during temporary use. Limitation: the T125/70R15 size may not fit newer vehicles that require taller or larger spare tires.
Buying Guide
What size and type should I choose for a spare?
Spare tires come in compact, temporary designs intended for short-term use. If you drive a vehicle that uses T145/70R17 as a primary tire, you’ll typically select a tire labeled as a temporary or compact spare with a similar diameter and a low speed rating. Consider the vehicle’s trunk space, weight limits, and the ease of installation when choosing a spare.
Speed ratings and distance limits matter
Most spares are rated for 50 mph and a limited distance. This means you should plan to visit a repair shop promptly. A higher-speed rating is desirable, but it’s rare for temporary spares; ensure you understand the mileage limit and replace with a proper tire soon.
All-season vs. specialized spares
All-season spares provide better traction in dry, wet, and light winter conditions, making them a versatile choice for general use. Specialized spares may offer lighter weight and better storage but could have more limited traction characteristics in some environments.
Storage and trunk space considerations
Compact spares are designed to save space. If trunk storage is a priority, verify the wheel diameter and the overall volume of the spare to ensure it fits your vehicle’s storage area without hindering other items.
Compatibility and vehicle fit
Always verify the spare’s size, wheel lug pattern, and load index against your vehicle’s specifications. Some vehicles require a particular overall diameter to prevent ABS or speedometer issues when the spare is mounted.
FAQ
- Can I drive long distances on a spare? Only if the spare is specifically rated for extended use. Most temporary spares are designed for short trips to a shop.
- What does T145/70R17 indicate? It describes tire width, aspect ratio, and diameter. The spare should align closely with your vehicle’s original tire size for safe handling.
- Is a full-size spare better than a compact one? A full-size spare offers more comparable performance to a regular tire but requires more storage space; compact spares trade performance for storage benefits.
- How do I know where to install a spare? Follow the vehicle’s owner’s manual. In most cases, the spare is installed on the rear or a specific axle as a temporary measure.
- Should I replace my spare after use? Yes. Spares are intended as emergency tires and should be replaced with a proper tire as soon as possible.