The average cost of a spare tire installation is about $150 to $250. This total cost includes $100 for parts and $60 to $150 for labor costs. The actual cost for your spare tire installation will depend on the type of vehicle you drive.

How long does it take to replace a spare tire? It usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes for a certified mechanic to replace a spare tire. The mechanic will remove the damaged tire and install your temporary spare tire for you so you can continue on your way.

Remember: The typical spare tire is only intended to be used temporarily, and it isn’t safe to use them long-term. After you’ve had your spare tire installed, you’ll want to replace it with a permanent tire as soon as possible.

Pro tip: If you have roadside assistance, check your membership details—it may include free tire changes if you end up stranded with a flat.

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

Get a free fair cost estimate for my car

See fair price estimates for popular cars

What parts do I need for my spare tire installation and how much do those parts cost?

Your vehicle’s owner’s manual should tell you where your spare tire and the tools to install it are located—as well as the specs your spare tire must have. Here are the main auto parts to keep in mind for a spare tire installation:

Spare tire: Vehicles commonly have their spare tires equipped in or underneath the cargo area. Your owner’s manual should specify its location. If your car isn’t already equipped with a suitable spare, your responding mechanic may be able to provide one for you. Spare tires can commonly range from $70 to $150.

Installation tools: Most vehicles also come equipped with the tools necessary to install a spare tire, including a jack and a tire iron or wrench. If your vehicle doesn’t already have them onboard, you can commonly find spare tire kits at auto parts stores for around $50 or more. If a mechanic takes care of the job for you, they should have their own tools on hand.

New tires: While not necessary for the spare tire installation itself, a spare tire isn’t meant to be a permanent replacement. Once you’re able to get to an auto shop, you’ll want to replace your spare with something more permanent. New tires can range from $50 to $1,000 each, depending on the qualities you’re looking for, and it’s usually recommended to replace all four tires at the same time.

Some popular tire brands include Bridgestone, Michelin, and Goodyear. you can purchase new tires from Auto Parts Stores like Autozone, or from online retailers like Amazon, eBay or specialized retailers' websites.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

Most vehicles come equipped with a spare tire. An OEM spare tire will typically ensure it’s the proper fit for your vehicle. If you need to replace your spare tire, you could explore aftermarket options for better deals or a higher quality—but it’s essential that you confirm your pick has the necessary specifications if you go this route.

Where can I buy parts for my spare tire installation?

Most auto parts stores and tire stores will have the resources you need to pick out a spare tire and/or replacement kit that’s the proper fit for your vehicle. You can also seek out replacement options from auto repair shops or dealership service centers.

Looking for new tires or a replacement spare? Some popular tire brands include Bridgestone, Michelin, and Goodyear. you can purchase new tires from Auto Parts Stores like Autozone, or from online retailers like Amazon, eBay or specialized retailers' websites.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get a spare tire installed?

Finding a trustworthy mechanic to install your spare tire just got easier. With Jerry's

GarageGuard™

, you can compare costs from over 2,500 vetted repair shops in the US.

With Jerry's GarageGuard™, you can review details like hourly rates from local shops, diagnostic fees (and whether they’re included in your service), and customer reviews.

You can check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.

149 Reviews

Discount Tire & Service Centers - Long Beach

3340 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$160

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (562) 294-5617

149 Reviews

Byrider Lafayette

575 Sagamore Pkwy S, Lafayette, IN

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$65

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (765) 449-8200

105 Reviews

Wrench Inc. DBA Otobots - DFW

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

170 Reviews

North American Motors

20531 Mission Blvd, Oakland, CA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (510) 635-9191

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic install my spare tire?

Installing a spare tire is a relatively straightforward job for a mechanic. These are the general steps they’ll take to install your spare tire for you:

Preparation: Your mechanic will assess your vehicle’s tire damage and the condition of your spare tire to confirm that installing the spare tire is the best fix for your situation. (If your vehicle is missing a spare tire, be sure to alert your mechanic before they come out to your location.)

Remove the spare tire: The mechanic will remove the spare tire from its storage area, check its psi, and ensure it’s in usable condition.

Remove the damaged tire: The mechanic will likely partially loosen your tire’s lug nuts, then use a jack to keep the vehicle stable while they remove your vehicle’s damaged tire.

Install the spare tire: Your mechanic will install your spare tire for you.

Remember: Replace your temporary spare tire with a more permanent option as soon as possible so you and others can stay safe on the road.

What happens if I don’t replace my spare tire?

The typical spare tire is only intended for temporary use in an emergency situation: Spare tires are typically only intended to be driven short distances, such as 50 to 70 miles—and are only intended to be driven under a certain speed (often under 50 mph).

Many spare tires or “donuts” are actually smaller and lighter than your vehicle’s full-size tires, which throws off the balance of your vehicle. They also commonly have less tread than a standard tire would. These qualities could lead to disastrous consequences if you ended up in an accident.

While some vehicles are equipped with full-size spare tires, this isn’t the case for all vehicles—so you should understand your own spare tire’s specs before you need to use it.

What is a spare tire?

A vehicle’s spare tire is an extra tire that can be used in an emergency if you experience a flat or damaged tire on the road. Spare tires are commonly stored in a vehicle’s cargo area or on the undercarriage of a vehicle, and they’ll typically have a tool kit available that you can use to install it.

Your owner’s manual should outline where your spare tire is located and what specifications you should know when it’s time to replace it.

If you use your spare tire, remember that it’s only a temporary fix until you can get to an auto shop for a more permanent replacement.

When should I replace the spare tire on my car?

Spare tires can degrade over time—even if they haven’t left their storage areas. This makes it important to periodically check their condition. If it’s time to replace your vehicle’s spare tire, here are some signs you might notice:

Visible damage: If your spare tire has visible damage, such as cracks, bulges, holes, or excessive wear, it’s not going to be a good replacement for the damaged tire currently on your vehicle.

Tire won’t hold air: You may periodically need to add air to a spare tire that’s not in use—but if it seems to be frequently losing air shortly after you’ve filled it to the recommended psi range, you may want to inspect the tire for leaks or other signs of damage.

You put your spare tire to use: Spare tires are designed to be temporary use items. After you’ve used a spare tire, it’s a good idea to equip your vehicle with a new spare tire in case you need to use one again.

How often should a spare tire be replaced?

Any time you use your spare tire, it’s a good idea to have a replacement on hand in case you’re in the unfortunate situation of having a damaged tire again.

Even if you don’t use them, spare tires don’t last forever: Spare tires can degrade over time, just like any other auto part. Experts commonly recommend replacing your vehicle’s spare tire every six to 10 years.

Remember to periodically check your spare tire: You can do so whenever you check the rest of your vehicle’s tires. Look for signs of cracking, wear, or other types of damage, and verify that its air pressure remains within the recommended range (which will often be different from the rest of your vehicle’s tires).

Can I replace my spare tire myself?

Many drivers are able to replace a spare tire themselves, while others may find this job to be more difficult. Since installing a spare tire involves using a jack, you’ll want to keep best safety practices in mind as you do so.

If you’re not comfortable taking care of this job yourself, a certified mechanic can install your spare tire for you.

Explore Popular Repair Services

Windshield Washer Pump Replacement Cost Estimate

Receiver Dryer Replacement Cost Estimate

Top Dead Center Tdc Sensor Replacement Cost Estimate

Axle Shaft Seal Replacement Cost Estimate

Ignition Cable Spark Plug Wires Replacement Cost Estimate

Headlight Bulb Replacement Cost Estimate

FAQs

How much does it cost to put on a spare tire?

Replacing a spare tire can commonly range from $70 to over $100 for the spare tire alone. Actual costs will largely depend on what type of vehicle you drive. If you have a mechanic install it for you, you’ll also need to account for labor costs.

If you have roadside assistance, check your membership details for tire replacement costs.

Can someone come out to change a tire?

Having a roadside assistance membership can give you extra peace of mind in the event that you end up with a flat tire in the middle of a trip. Some auto repair shops or towing companies may also offer tire changing services if you’re stranded on the side of the road.

Can you put a spare tire on any car?

Spare tires aren’t universal for all vehicles. If you’re shopping for a new spare tire to use in your vehicle, check your owner’s manual to find out the necessary specifications. You can also confirm required specs with a trusted mechanic or dealership.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.