One of the things I got for my car was a steel rim spare wheel. On this and my last car the tyres had an arrow printed on the side and the word rotation so presumably there are left and right handed tyres.

I have not had the spare wheel out does any one know if they are bidirectional or how safe is it to run a tyre in the opposite direction. Joe

Factory supplied spares are usually supplied with non-directional tyres.

 

If its just a wheel you're using as a spare, just treat it like a spare should be treated and no brisk driving while its on and it won't matter re: direction. 

 

Running tyres in the wrong direction can reduce grip and increase wear, but it depends on the individual tyre design as to how badly its affected by running the wrong way.

If the Spare Wheel has a Directional Tyre Fitted, there is a 50/50 chance it will be going in the right direction for fitting if an emergency.

 

So if you fit a spare unless identical to the other 3, Size & Pressure in it, fit and proceed carefully until you get matching tyres 

on the Front & on the Rear.

 

Directional needs to be treated with care if on the wrong side of the car,

but so does a Brand New Spare of the correct size and direction if the 3 others are used and have the newness off them.

& reset the TPMS after you fit a Spare.

Then Reset once the Original Tyre is Repaired or Replaced and refitted.

 

PS

I carry a pair of Spares in the Boot on long journeys and in Areas where replacement tyres might not be available,

Holidays, no Tyre Centres, Garages etc, closed over the Long Weekend maybe.

Just from Experience of Running Directional Tyres and not Common Sizes. 'Winter tyres'

Saves having to Pay a High Price in some expensive location to buy a New Pair in needs must.

Spoiling a Sporting Road Trip.