Do Minivans Have Spare Tires? (Where Is The Spare Tire At?)

In spite of the fact that the popularity of SUVs and crossovers has continued to grow over the years, no one can ever question the convenience that minivans offer for family journeys. Minivans are designed in such a way that allows you to reconfigure the room within the vehicle to provide not only enough seating for up to 7-8 people (depending on the model) but also plenty of storage as well. 

Minivans also include many characteristics which are similar to a car such as a lower center of gravity in comparison to crossovers and SUVs. 

Despite these and many other features, when you are sitting on the side of the road with a flat tire there is only one thing you will be concerned about, is there a spare?! 

Minivans do have spare tires and they are typically located either under the rear of the vehicle or under the center of it. They will then have a spot that allows them to crank the tire down from under the minivan and then use the spare. 

Some newer minivan models have a storage compartment where the spare tire is stored (like the Chrysler Pacifica) while some minivan models have ditched the spare tire altogether. In the Pacifica, you just have to stow the rear seats into the floor and then you can get the spare tire out.

This location is much better for security as many people reported having their spare tire stolen when it was beneath the vehicle.

Some companies make you purchase the spare tire separately when you are going through the car buying process. So if you don’t pay the extra for the spare then you don’t get one.

In my Chrysler Town and Country minivan, it has a crank under a plastic piece on the center console. You simply remove the plastic piece, get the part from the jack assembly, and start cranking the spare wheel down from under the van.

My Chrysler minivan actually has a full-size tire as well which is nice to have since you could have a decent amount of weight in the van that having a “donut” simply wouldn’t support. 

In recent years many vehicles have gone from having a spare to having no spare tire and only a tire inflator with the means to temporarily fix the tire similar to the Fix A Flat tire sealant foam.

Although this may seem to be more convenient than changing a tire on the side of the road it is far less of a permanent solution and if your tire got shredded because of road debris you will be calling a tow truck instead of being able to put on the spare yourself. 

Once you have found the spare and got it put on, your first stop should be a garage or tire shop where you can purchase some new tires. 

Typically you will want to purchase at least two new tires so the wear is identical on the two that are on the front or the back. That can be quite expensive so knowing what kind of tires you are going to be putting on your minivan is very important. 

Minivans offer excellent performance and part of that is certainly because of the tires. The major concern is that the present-day market is just overfilled with a lot of tire manufacturing companies that manufacture tires of various qualities.

The selection of the best tires for your minivan can be quite difficult for you, particularly when you are also trying to consider all of the other factors that go into the tires while trying not to spend a fortune as well. 

What is a minivan?

For those of you who may be new to the minivan game, let’s start with a quick definition. A minivan is a type of vehicle that is designed for transporting small groups of people (usually families).

They’re typically larger than a crossover, but smaller than a full-sized van.

Minivans first emerged on the scene in the 1980s and have since become a popular choice for families due to their spacious interiors, practicality, and fuel efficiency. They’re known for their versatility, with many models featuring seating that can be reconfigured to accommodate various cargo needs.

They also often come equipped with a ton of convenient features such as power sliding doors, rearview cameras, and entertainment systems.

But perhaps the most iconic feature of the minivan is the “mom-mobile” reputation. Let’s be honest, minivans have a certain stigma attached to them.

But as any minivan-driving parent will tell you, these vehicles are absolute lifesavers when it comes to transporting kids and all of their gear. So don’t knock it until you try it, my friends.

Do All Minivans Come With Spare Tires? (and Needed Tool?)

Now let’s get to the meat of the matter. Do all minivans come with spare tires? The short answer is, it depends.

There are several types of spare tires that a minivan might come equipped with. The most common is a “full-size” spare tire, which is a fully functional spare tire that is the same size as the other tires on the vehicle.

This type of spare tire can be used in place of a flat tire in the event of a puncture or other issue.

Another option is a “temporary” spare tire, also known as a “donut” or “compact” spare. This type of spare tire is smaller and lighter than a full-size spare and is intended to be used as a temporary fix in the event of a flat.

It’s not meant for long-term use and should be replaced with a full-size tire as soon as possible.

So, do minivans come with a spare tire? It really depends on the make and model of the vehicle. Some minivans come with a full-size spare, while others come with a temporary spare.

For example, The Dodge Caravan (or Dodge Grand Caravan) had the spare tires under the middle of the vehicle (like the picture below). To get it you have to crank down the spare and slide it out from under the car (not exactly the best design if you are on the side of the road).

Some new minivans don’t come with a spare tire at all and instead rely on temporary fix-a-flat products. And to make matters even more confusing, some minivans offer the option of either a spare tire or a temporary fix, depending on the trim level or package that you choose.

So, if you’re not sure whether your minivan has a spare tire, the best thing to do is to check the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer. It’s always better to be prepared and have a spare on hand, just in case.

Where is the spare tire located on a minivan?

So, let’s say you’ve determined that your minivan does indeed have a spare tire. Great! But now comes the question of where to find it.

The location of the spare tire on a minivan can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Here are a few common places to check:

• Under the floor of the trunk: Some minivans have a compartment under the floor of the trunk where the spare tire is stored. To access it, you’ll need to remove the floor panel and lift the tire out.
• Mounted under the vehicle: As I mentioned earlier many minivans have the spare tire in the middle of the vehicle. You have to use a tool to lower the tire to the ground before you can change the tire and put the spare on.
• In the side of the vehicle: Some minivans have the spare tire stored in a compartment in the cargo area inside of the vehicle, usually near the rear wheel well. To access it, you’ll need to remove any covers or panels and then lift the tire out.

If you’re having trouble finding the spare tire on your minivan, the best thing to do is to consult the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer. They should be able to provide specific instructions on how to access the spare tire on your particular model.

How do I use the spare tire on my minivan?

Ok, so you’ve determined that your minivan has a spare tire and you finally found it. Great! But now comes the question of how to actually use it.

Changing a flat tire can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before, but don’t worry – it’s actually a pretty simple process. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Find a safe place to change the tire. If you’re on the side of the road, try to find a flat, stable surface as far off the road as possible. Turn on your hazard lights and set up any reflective triangles or road flares you may have to warn other drivers.
2. Gather your supplies. You’ll need a lug wrench (usually found in the trunk of the vehicle), a jack (also usually found in the trunk), and the spare tire. Make sure you have everything you need before you get started.
3. Loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Use the lug wrench to loosen, but not remove, the lug nuts on the flat tire. It’s important to do this before jacking up the vehicle, as it will be much easier to remove the lug nuts once the tire is off the ground.
4. Jack up the vehicle. Consult the owner’s manual for specific instructions on where to place the jack on your minivan. Once the jack is in place, use the lug wrench to crank the jack and lift the vehicle off the ground. Make sure the vehicle is secure and stable before continuing.
5. Remove the flat tire. Once the vehicle is off the ground, use the lug wrench to fully remove the lug nuts and then carefully remove the flat tire. Be sure to keep track of the lug nuts – you’ll need them to install the spare tire.
6. Install the spare tire. Line up the holes in the spare tire with the lug bolts on the vehicle and carefully lower it into place. Replace the lug nuts and tighten them as much as you can by hand using the lug wrench. Make sure the tire is securely fastened before lowering the vehicle back to the ground.
7. Lower the vehicle. Once the spare tire is installed, use the lug wrench to crank the jack and lower the vehicle back to the ground. Double-check that the spare tire is securely fastened and that the vehicle is stable before continuing.
8. Tighten the lug nuts. Once the vehicle is back on the ground, use the lug wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts on the spare tire. It’s important to make sure they are tightened as much as possible to ensure the tire is secure.
9. Check the air pressure. The spare tire on most minivans is designed for temporary use and is usually not meant for long-term use or high speeds. Make sure to check the air pressure in the spare tire as soon as possible and inflate it to the recommended pressure listed in the owner’s manual.

And that’s it! You should now have a fully functional spare tire on your minivan. Just be sure to get the flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible, as the spare tire is not meant for long-term use.

Alternatives to a spare tire on minivans (or cars)

So, what if your minivan doesn’t have a spare tire? Don’t panic – there are alternatives available.

One option is to use a temporary fix-a-flat product. These products are designed to seal small punctures in the tire and provide enough air pressure to get you to a nearby service station.

Just be aware that these products are only a temporary fix and the tire should be properly repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Another option is to purchase a spare tire and have it installed on your minivan. This can be a more expensive option, but it’s a good idea if you frequently travel long distances or if you just want the peace of mind of having a spare on hand.

How to choose the best all-season tires for a minivan?

Touring tires are the ones that are most often used on the road in the present day. The main reason behind this is that they provide several characteristics that seem to perfectly fit the minivan drivers.

The people who drive minivans are typically casual drivers and are almost certainly not driving their minivans like a race car which makes touring tires the best option for them. 

Are touring tires good for a minivan?

There are a lot of advantages that touring tires can offer. The most important one is that the majority of touring tires presently work as all-season tires. When said more clearly, these tires have the potential to work equally well in all the seasons that you will be driving in, irrespective of what the temperature or weather conditions are. 

Touring tires certainly need a few compromises that have to be made on both sides, but one pair of all-season tires will typically be the best choice while you are planning for a long road journey along with your family. 

You don’t have to keep worrying about the temperature of the area you are about to visit and this also means that the perfect pair of all-season touring tires will run smoothly throughout the entire year, particularly when you reside in areas that don’t face snowfall in the winter or maybe an area with heavy snowfall. 

The best quality all-season touring tires have outstanding dry traction and function well in cold and warm conditions with excellent performance in braking. They are gaining high popularity even in wetter areas as well because the best quality touring tires have excellent resistance to hydroplaning which makes them a great choice for areas that experience a lot of precipitation as well. 

Most of the all-season touring tires are supposed to work in areas that face light snowfall, but just a handful of them can do that completely. This makes it clear that in harsh wintry weather, you will probably need a set of tires specifically for the winter seasons.

Excluding the grip factor, braking and traction, touring tires are preferred because of the level of comfort they offer. No other kind of tire can be used that offers such a smooth ride as touring tires. They also offer you the amount of comfort and silence while driving that most other tires can’t. 

Having a set of the best quality touring tires, the minivan is assured to have a better drive performance even on uneven surfaces and it will offer you a quieter journey even at higher speeds on the highway. 

What are the different types of touring tires?

The all-season touring tires will also have performance touring tires and grand touring tires in their group. These are the best alternatives that can be used as a replacement for touring tires. Both of these options provide good braking and handling experience which is worth the price and tread life. 

The grand touring tires as well as performance-touring tires are the best option for heavier vehicles like a minivan. 

How can you make a minivan more sporty with tires?

According to tire specialists, performance touring tires can be a great option for drivers who require an additional edge while braking or cornering. These tires don’t have much to offer when noise or comfort is considered, but they can provide the highly desired perfection near the edges. 

They even provide a pretty good tread life, specifically in comparison to a few other sporty choices. 

Although these tires will provide the driver with a good response and perfection when the minivan is driven hard in the corners, they also include a high level of gripping, good traction, a powerful brake system, and better stability with the speed. The best quality tires can be used not only in the summer but in all other seasons too. 

People living in a hot and humid climate must choose the summer alternative. Hence, it is better to go for an all-season tire instead of choosing one particular option because the all-season tire will work well in all seasons. 

What type of minivan tires are the best for Winter?

While you are busy selecting the highest quality tires for your minivan, you ought to take note of the weather in your region. For the majority of people, the best winter tire set is the only thing they need for traveling in wintry weather conditions.

These tires are particularly designed for functioning in areas with freezing temperatures and to offer you great traction, braking, and gripping too. 

These tires are the best option currently available, which are chosen for driving on ice and snow. However, the difference between all-season tires and winter tires is that winter tires are really only designed to work in snowy areas for which winter tires are just the best. 

Recently, an all-new kind of tire named all-weather tires has been launched. These tires are quite likely to have the perfect combination of features offered by an all-season tire. The only major difference is the temperature at which they operate individually. 

An all-season tire will need a higher temperature to work, but all-weather tires will work best at low temperatures. In short, all-weather tires can be used all of year and can offer better service when compared to all-season tires in the winter season but you can expect worse in the summer days. 

Conclusion 

I hope this article has been helpful in answering your question about whether minivans have spare tires, where they can be found, and which tires you should choose when you have to replace the ones that have been damaged or destroyed while driving. 

Changing a tire on a minivan is relatively easy and as long as you can find where the spare tire is then you ought to be back on the road again soon.