Is There a Spare Tire in Your 2017 Kia Soul?
Yes, your 2017 Kia Soul is equipped with a compact spare tire, designed as a temporary solution for emergencies. This vehicle does not typically come with a full-size spare. The primary purpose of this compact tire is to get you to a repair shop safely after a flat or puncture, not for long-term driving or high-speed travel.
- 2017 Kia Soul includes a compact spare.
- Not a full-size replacement.
- Temporary use for emergencies only.
- Get to a repair facility.
This section details where to find your spare tire and the associated tools. The 2017 Kia Soul features a clever storage solution, placing the compact spare tire and its accompanying jack and lug wrench neatly under the rear cargo area floor. Lifting the carpeted panel reveals this essential emergency equipment. Familiarizing yourself with this location before you need it is paramount.
Understanding this principle is fundamental: the compact spare is lighter and smaller than a standard tire, meaning it has speed and distance limitations. Always check the sidewall for recommended pressure, which is usually higher than for regular tires (often 60 psi). Driving over 50 mph or for more than 50 miles on a compact spare is generally not advised.
Accessing Your Spare Tire Kit
To access the spare tire in your 2017 Kia Soul, first ensure your vehicle is parked on a level surface and the parking brake is firmly engaged. Open the rear liftgate and locate the seam around the floor of the cargo area. Pry up the carpeted panel using a flathead screwdriver or a similar tool to reveal the spare tire and jack kit underneath. The lug wrench and jack are typically secured within or around the spare tire itself. Ensure all components are present and in good condition before re-securing the panel.
Essential Steps for Using Your Compact Spare
What do you do when a regular tire fails on your 2017 Kia Soul? Replacing a flat with the compact spare is a straightforward process, but requires careful attention to detail. You'll need the jack, lug wrench, and the compact spare tire. Position the jack under the vehicle's frame near the flat tire, following the marked jack points indicated in your owner's manual. This step is critical for safe lifting.
Loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire slightly before fully jacking up the vehicle. Once the flat tire is off the ground, remove the lug nuts completely and then the flat tire. Mount the compact spare tire onto the wheel studs, replace the lug nuts, and tighten them by hand as much as possible. Lower the vehicle until the spare tire touches the ground, then use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts firmly in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
Our analysis indicates that proper tire pressure for the compact spare is the most overlooked but crucial factor for safe operation.
Verify the spare tire's inflation pressure before its first use, ideally before a long trip. Low pressure in a compact spare significantly compromises its performance and safety.
After tightening, lower the vehicle completely and give the lug nuts one final tightening. Stow the flat tire and the tools securely in the cargo area. It is imperative to acknowledge that the compact spare is a temporary fix. Visit a tire professional or repair shop as soon as possible to have your original tire repaired or replaced and to have the compact spare checked.
Maintaining Your Kia Soul Spare Tire Kit
How often should you check the compact spare tire in your 2017 Kia Soul? While it's a temporary solution, neglecting its maintenance can render it useless when you need it most. Regular checks are essential for its reliability. The primary consideration involves periodic inspection and pressure verification.
Key Maintenance Checks
- Tire Pressure: Check the pressure at least every six months and before any extended trips. Remember, compact spares require higher pressure (often 60 psi) than regular tires.
- Visual Inspection: Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks, bulges, or significant wear on the tread. Even though it's rarely used, rubber degrades over time.
- Tool Condition: Ensure the jack and lug wrench are present, functional, and free of rust or damage. These are critical components for installation.
The lifespan of a spare tire, even one used infrequently, is finite. Rubber can become brittle and unsafe after several years. Check the tire's manufacturing date (DOT code) on the sidewall; if it's older than 6-7 years, consider replacing it regardless of its appearance or pressure.
Replace the compact spare tire if it is more than 7 years old, or if you notice any dry rot or significant damage, even if it has never been used.
When it comes time to replace your compact spare, ensure you select a tire with the correct specifications for your 2017 Kia Soul. Using an incorrect size or type can affect vehicle dynamics and safety. Our experts recommend consulting your owner's manual or a qualified tire dealer for the exact replacement specifications. Such precision is paramount for emergency equipment.