Is it compulsory for a passenger car to carry a spare wheel? It is a question many drivers ask themselves. And, in fact, the doubt increases as more and more manufacturers do not include them in their new vehicle models.
Let's see what the regulations say according to the DGT about these cases, as well as whether it is subject to a penalty or not to do without or to drive on this wheel.
What is the spare wheel?
As its name suggests, it is an additional tyre, also known as a stepney or emergency wheel, which is kept in the vehicle (usually hidden in the boot) to replace a wheel that has been punctured, damaged or blown out.
It is a complete part, which includes both the rim and the tyre, allowing the driver to continue their journey in the event of a breakdown.
What types of spare wheel are there?
We could say that the following types exist:
Full spare wheel
Similar to the four wheels on our vehicle, which allows us to continue driving without any restrictions after making the change.
If it is impossible to repair the wheel that has been damaged or punctured, it is always useful to carry one in the boot. Have you already used it? You can buy second-hand wheels and always have replacements on hand, especially if you live in areas where the roads are in poor condition or you often drive on dirt tracks.
Emergency wheel
This is also known as a space-saver wheel, being smaller and lighter than the wheels on your vehicle and taking up less space in the boot. Although it allows us to drive, the speed is limited to 80 km/h and distances must not exceed 200 km.
Is it compulsory to carry a spare wheel?
Now let's look at what the law and the DGT say. The truth is that the law does not specifically require it to be compulsory to carry a spare wheel. Rather, what it indicates is that we have two options:
Carrying the spare wheel
As stated by law, it is compulsory for the vehicle to carry a full spare wheel, or a temporary use wheel, along with the tools necessary to change it.
Puncture repair kit
The other option is to have some system or kit to fix the puncture and make a temporary repair until we replace the wheel with one in better condition. So remember: it is a temporary fix, not a permanent solution.
Self-sealing tyres
This is a type of tyre that has not yet become fully widespread, but is increasingly common, offering an ideal solution for small punctures. Inside they contain a foam, similar to that in kits, which in the event of a puncture spreads automatically to seal the hole, without the driver having to stop.
A passenger car with a trailer — is it compulsory to carry a spare wheel for the trailer?
This is a question that generates quite a lot of uncertainty, so let's try to resolve it by explaining it properly. First of all, the direct answer is: No.
As set out in Spain's General Vehicle Regulations, the obligation to carry a solution for a possible puncture (whether a spare wheel or a puncture repair kit) applies solely to motor vehicles and to vehicle combinations in circulation.
What do they mean by a vehicle combination? It refers to a car towing a trailer. In this case, the car acts as the towing vehicle and is required to have its own spare wheel or an alternative. However, for the trailer there is no such obligation.
However, bear in mind that the trailer's wheels can also suffer a puncture, so it would be advisable to carry one.
Can I be fined for driving with the spare wheel?
It is another of the questions most frequently asked by drivers, as the description given by the DGT indicates several scenarios in which they cannot or may not be able to do so.
Let's take a look!
When can you not be fined for driving with the spare wheel?
As we mentioned earlier, if you are using a wheel identical to the four on your vehicle, in this case the DGT cannot fine you for driving with the spare wheel.
But what if you are driving on the emergency wheel? They will not be able to fine you, as long as you are using it temporarily and reasonably after the puncture.
When can you be fined for driving with the spare wheel?
Now let's look at the cases in which the DGT establishes that you could be fined:
Driving too long or too far with the temporary wheel
We repeat: the emergency or space-saver wheel is not designed to be a substitute for one of your car's tyres. It is only for a certain distance and speed.
If you choose to drive for an extended period, or exceed a speed of 80 kilometres per hour, you will be committing an offence by compromising road safety and could be fined up to 200 euros.
Spare wheel in poor condition
Have you changed the wheel not long ago, but it is in poor condition? If the tyre is worn, with a tread depth of less than 1.6 mm (the legal limit) or has other defects, it will be considered that you are committing an offence against road safety and you would face a fine of 200 euros.
The wheel is not approved
Every spare wheel must meet a series of requirements or, more precisely, must be approved and compatible with the vehicle you drive. If that is not the case, you could be fined and even banned from driving the vehicle.
What happens if I do not have what is needed to make an emergency stop?
In addition to carrying a solution to deal with a puncture, it will be necessary to have the emergency assistance elements needed to carry out an emergency stop.
Otherwise, you would face a penalty of up to 200 euros.
So, should you or should you not carry a spare wheel in your car?
To sum up everything we have said throughout this post: You are not obliged to carry one, but you are obliged to carry a solution to deal with a puncture.
So, basically, although it is not legally compulsory, it is recommendable, especially if you are someone who covers long distances daily or uses their car a lot.
Otherwise you would be committing a minor offence, which would result in a fine of up to 200 euros, along with the corresponding loss of points depending on the severity of the offence.
The best thing is to carry one for greater peace of mind while driving, don't you think? And since you never know when you will need it, as long as it is compatible and approved, you can buy it second-hand and save a little money.