My Ford Vehicle>Tyres and Wheels>Spare Tyre>What are the Limitations of a Spare Tyre?

Spare Tyre Limitations

Please Note: you should replace the spare tyre with a road tyre as soon as possible.

The tyre pressure monitoring system indicator light will illuminate when the spare tyre is in use.

A dissimilar spare wheel and tyre assembly is defined as a spare wheel and tyre assembly that is different in brand, size, or appearance from the road tyres and wheels and can be one of three types:

1. T-Type mini-spare: This spare tyre begins with the letter 'T' for tyre size and may have "Temporary Use Only" moulded in the sidewall.

2. Full-size dissimilar spare with label on wheel: This spare tyre has a label on the wheel that states: THIS WHEEL AND TYRE ASSEMBLY FOR TEMPORARY USE ONLY.

When driving with one of the dissimilar spare tyres listed above, do not:

  • Exceed 80  km/h.

  • Load the vehicle beyond the maximum vehicle load rating listed on the Safety Compliance Label.

  • Tow a trailer.

  • Use snow chains on the tyres of the axle fitted with the dissimilar spare wheel and tyre assembly.

  • Use more than one dissimilar spare tyre at a time.

  • Use commercial car washing equipment.

  • Try to repair the dissimilar spare tyre.

Use of one of the dissimilar spare tyres listed above at any one wheel location can lead to impairment of the following:

  • Handling, stability and braking performance.

  • Comfort and noise.

  • Ground clearance and parking at curbs.

  • Winter weather driving capability.

  • Wet weather driving capability.

  • All-wheel driving capability.

3. Full-sized dissimilar spare without label on wheel

When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare wheel and tyre assembly, do not:

  • Exceed the speed limit shown on the tyre sidewall.

  • Use more than one dissimilar spare wheel and tyre assembly at a time.

  • Use commercial car washing equipment.

  • Use snow chains on the tyres of the axle fitted with the dissimilar spare wheel and tyre assembly.

The usage of a full-size dissimilar spare wheel and tyre assembly can lead to impairment of the following:

  • Handling, stability and braking performance.

  • Comfort and noise.

  • Ground clearance and parking at curbs.

  • Winter weather driving capability.

  • Wet weather driving capability.

  • All-wheel driving capability.

When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare wheel and tyre assembly, additional caution should be given to:

  • Towing a trailer.

  • Driving vehicles equipped with a camper body.

  • Driving vehicles with a load on the cargo rack.

Drive cautiously when using a full-size dissimilar spare wheel and tyre assembly and seek service as soon as possible.

For further information, refer to your Owner Manual.