What are the limitations of a spare tire?

Understand the critical limitations and safe driving practices when using a spare tire in your Ford. Learn about speed restrictions, performance impacts, and essential precautions to take, especially with dissimilar spare wheels.

If the spare wheel in your Ford vehicle differs from your other fitted road wheels, it may feature a warning label indicating an appropriate maximum speed limit. It is crucial to drive cautiously when using a dissimilar spare wheel and tire assembly.

Full-Size Dissimilar Spare Wheel With a Label on the Wheel

A label on this type of wheel typically states: "THIS WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLY FOR TEMPORARY USE ONLY." Such a spare wheel and tire are strictly for temporary use. You should drive the shortest distance possible and arrange for the damaged road wheel and tire to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. If the dissimilar spare wheel or tire itself becomes damaged, it must be replaced.

Using a dissimilar spare wheel and tire assembly can lead to impaired performance in several areas, including:

• Handling, stability, and braking performance.
• Comfort and noise levels.
• Ground clearance and parking near curbs.
• Winter and wet weather driving capabilities.
• All-wheel drive functionality.

When driving with this type of dissimilar spare wheel and tire:

• Do not exceed the maximum speed indicated on the label.
• Do not load your vehicle beyond the maximum vehicle load rating specified on the safety compliance label.
• Do not tow a trailer.
• Do not use snow chains on the end of your vehicle with the dissimilar spare.
• Do not use more than one dissimilar spare tire at a time.
• Do not use a commercial car wash.

Full-Size Dissimilar Spare Wheel Without a Label on the Wheel: If your full-size spare wheel does not have a warning label, you can replace the existing road wheel with the spare and continue to drive in the normal manner.

For more detailed information, please refer to your Owner's Manual.