It’s always important to take good care of your car’s tires. However, even those who are diligent with their main tires often overlook their spare tire. It’s key to know how to properly use and care for this tire, in case you ever find yourself needing to use it…
Spare Tire: Driving Safely On It
Check its age and status
Most cars keep their spare tire back in the trunk. While this is nice and continent, it also means its easy to forget to check it regularly. Your spare won’t have the same kind of road wear as your other ones, but it’s important to make sure it’s still in good shape. Usually, most manufacturers recommend replacing your spare every eight years or so.
However, there’s also the possibility that your spare could be recalled as well. Much like with your regular tires, you’ll definitely want to get a replacement which is safe to drive on. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration allows you to check for recalls on one of their websites.
Watch the tire pressure
Tire pressure is also important for having a safe to drive spare tire. All tires will slowly lose air pressure over time, and your spare is no different. Therefore, it’s always useful to check your spare’s pressure regularly, especially before heading out on any kind of road trip, just in case you need to use it.
One helpful way to make sure your spare’s pressure is consistent is by having a mechanic check it when you have them rotate your regular tires. Generally, this should be done every 5,000 miles. Doing this will help make sure your spare is still in good shape.
Drive cautiously
If you have to drive on your spare tire, it’s important to do so carefully. After all, these tires can’t handle the same things that regular tires can. In specific, there’s three key considerations to keep in mind when driving on your spare.
First, keep your speed at 50 mph or lower to avoid putting too much stress on the tire. Secondly, remember that your spare also has limited mileage, usually lasting for only about 50 miles. Finally, understand that these tires are temporary. Driving for too long on a spare can throw the rest of your tires out of alignment.