Having a tire when you need one is critical, especially if you have a vehicle that can support an extra tire mount as to have a full sized spare. However, when shopping for a spare tire carrier, you should know that they are not all created equal. You will need to find a mount that is compatible with your vehicle and that will support the weight of your tire.

One popular brand in spare tire carriers is Olympic, as they provide sturdy construction for just about any kind of tire, no matter your needs. Prices for Olympic tire mounts vary from $59.99 all the way up to $99.99, depending on your needs and how large a tire you want to carry. Supply stores like JC Whitney are the best place to get them, but other larger auto body shops should be able to fulfill your needs, depending on the sort of tires you are looking at supporting.

Of course, Olympic models are not cheap and they are not for everyone. If you are looking for a more economical model for purchase, then Rugged Ridge or Fulton model spare tire carriers might be best suited for you. They are not as sturdy in their construction as Olympic, but they get the job done. They are great for medium sized tires for mid-range to compact pickups and SUVs. If you have anything larger, you’ll likely want to go with an Olympic.

The type of tire carrier you purchase really depends on the style of vehicle you own. Most SUV owners prefer the arm style tire carrier, so that they can move the carrier out of the way to get into the back of their vehicle. Truck owners will want to look at bed mounted tire carriers, so they do not have to bother mounting a tire on their tailgate. There are also rear mounted tire carriers that place the tire underneath your vehicle. This style of tire holder is designed for those with over sized vehicles that sit several feet off the ground and can meet clearance standards.

Of course, you really cannot put a price on the convenience of having an extra tire when you need it, so this should be one of the main additions to make to your vehicle, if it does not already include a spare tire holder. If it does and yours needs repairs, consider speaking to the dealer. It is likely you can get factory parts and have it installed and fixed still under warranty if your vehicle is new. If not, you might have to do the job yourself, but then you can decide if you want to move to a different spare tire holder system, or if you are comfortable with the system you have.

No vehicle should be without a spare tire, as you will never know when you could have a blow out, run over a nail, or any other pitfalls which occur with tires. Keeping yourself on your toes by being prepared with an extra tire is the best way to ensure you are not stranded and will not have to pay the high price of having your vehicle towed.

Besides convenience, spare tire carriers also provide a sense of style, especially when accompanied by a custom spare tire cover.