Does Removing Spare Tire Make Car Faster? The Performance Truth
Removing a spare tire makes a car faster because you’re reducing the vehicle’s total weight, which improves its power-to-weight ratio. For an average passenger car, removing a spare tire and its jack assembly saves about 30 to 50 pounds. While this change is measurable, the actual increase in acceleration is very small and often impossible to feel during normal daily driving on public roads.
Weight reduction helps a car accelerate because the engine has less mass to move. Every pound you remove from the chassis acts like a tiny increase in horsepower. However, this only matters if you’re racing for time on a track. On a street, you won’t notice the difference in speed because the car’s weight changes constantly based on fuel levels or passengers.
Steps to remove spare tire and make car faster
- Locate the spare tire compartment in the trunk or under the cargo floor. You’ll need to lift the carpet or unscrew the retention bolt holding the tire in place.
- Unfasten the wing nut or mounting bolt by turning it counter-clockwise until the tire is loose. If the bolt is rusted, use a penetrating oil to avoid snapping the metal threads.
- Lift the spare tire and the jack kit out of the vehicle. Ensure you also remove the lug wrench, as these tools add unnecessary weight if you’re trying to minimize the load.
- Secure any loose floor panels or covers that were supported by the tire. If the floor is now unsupported, it might collapse under heavy items, so ensure you don’t place heavy cargo in that area.
- Keep the removed items in a cool, dry place like a garage. Don’t leave the spare tire in direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause the rubber to dry out and crack over time.
Tip: If you’re removing weight for a track day, ensure your car is still balanced. Removing only the spare on one side can cause the car to lean slightly during tight turns.
Time required for weight removal
| Situation | How long | What changes it | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple trunk access | 2 minutes | Location of tire | Rust on bolts |
| Under-car mount | 15 minutes | Vehicle clearance | Dirt/debris buildup |
| Bolted interior kit | 5 minutes | Tool accessibility | Stripped screw heads |
If it’s taking longer than 15 minutes, you likely have a rusted mounting bolt or a complex locking mechanism that requires specific tools. Stop if you can’t loosen the bolt by hand, as forcing it could damage the frame or the tire carrier assembly.
Signs that weight reduction is working
You won’t see a change on your speedometer, but you might notice a slight increase in throttle response during hard acceleration. The only way to confirm a change in speed is to use a performance timer on a closed track. If you’re comparing lap times, you should see a reduction of a few hundredths of a second for every 50 pounds removed.
Check the tire pressure of your remaining tires after removing weight. A lighter car can sometimes feel different in the corners, and proper inflation is necessary to keep the handling predictable. If the car feels unstable or pulls to one side, the weight balance has shifted too much, and you should reinstall the spare tire immediately.
Errors that lead to poor results
- Removing the jack but keeping the tire: This mistake leaves most of the weight in the trunk while depriving you of the ability to change a flat. Always remove the entire kit, including the tire, jack, and tools, to get the full benefit.
- Ignoring the fuel weight: Many people spend time removing a 40-pound tire but forget that a full tank of gas weighs over 100 pounds. If you want a faster car, driving with a half-tank of fuel is more effective than removing the spare.
- Driving without a roadside plan: The biggest cost of removing the spare is being stranded with a flat. If you don’t have a roadside assistance membership or a tire repair kit, you’ll face high towing fees that far outweigh any performance gains.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive without a spare tire every day?
Yes, you can drive without a spare tire, but you must have a backup plan for emergencies. Most modern cars come with a tire repair kit or run-flat tires to handle minor punctures. Without these, a single flat tire will leave you stuck on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck, which is a significant inconvenience for daily commuting.
Is it safe to remove the spare tire?
It’s safe for the car’s mechanical operation, but it isn’t recommended if you frequently travel in remote areas. Your safety depends on being able to fix a flat tire quickly. If you remove the spare, you should at least carry a portable tire inflator and a can of tire sealant to manage small leaks on the road.
How much weight does a spare tire weigh?
A standard passenger car spare tire weighs between 25 and 45 pounds, depending on the wheel size. A full-size spare is much heavier than a compact “donut” spare. You can find the exact weight of your specific wheel and tire by checking the manufacturer’s specifications in your owner’s manual or by weighing the tire on a standard bathroom scale.
What happens if I get a flat without a spare?
If you get a flat without a spare, you’ll likely need to call a professional towing service to transport your vehicle to a repair shop. This process takes much longer than changing a tire yourself and involves significant costs. Always consider whether the tiny increase in acceleration is worth the risk of being stranded for several hours.
Does removing the spare tire improve gas mileage?
It provides a very small improvement in fuel economy, but it’s usually not noticeable. Because a spare tire only accounts for a tiny fraction of the car’s total weight, the impact on fuel consumption is negligible for most drivers. You’ll save more fuel by keeping your tires properly inflated than by removing the spare tire from your trunk.
Conclusion
You should weigh the pros and cons carefully before removing your spare tire. While the math shows a reduction in mass, the practical risks of being stranded often outweigh the minor performance benefits for an average driver. If you decide to proceed, keep your emergency contact information handy and ensure your remaining tires are in excellent condition.
