Have you been in a situation where the only option was to use your spare tire for a while? Did you wonder how long you could leave your spare tire on while driving and while not driving? What do the laws or vehicle manufacturers say about using spare tires? We will discuss more spare tires in this article.
While not driving, yes, you can leave your spare tire on. But, that is not the entire answer. Indeed, the car and spare tire should be okay as long as it is not moved or driven. Where the problem lies in that while the car is not driven, the tire is exposed to rain, the sun, or changes in temperature in general.
If you leave your spare tire on while the car is parked for a long while, the tire may deteriorate within a few months. It is thus advisable to cover the spare tire with some sort of plastic to help protect the tire from wear and tear.
My family and I planned a 2-week summer vacation out of town without taking our car. On the day of travel, we realized one of the tires was flat. My wife suggested we replace the tire with the spare tire before leaving and I did.
Fast forward, we got back home after our vacation and realized the spare tire had begun to crack because it was exposed to the harsh summer conditions.
That is how we destroyed our spare tire and had to get a new one. It taught me a lesson I never knew or cared to find out: do not leave your spare tire on even while not driving the car!
All this while, I thought a spare tire could only deteriorate if left on while driving for some time.
Keep reading to know about the cons of leaving your spare tire on while not driving
Cons of leaving your spare tire on while not driving
There are several reasons why you shouldn’t leave your spare tire on while not driving.
1. Tire deformity
First, if the car is parked for a long time, the weight of the car can cause the spare tire to crack or deform. Spare tires are less big and more durable than regular tires. They can’t take the weight of the car for a long time, especially if it is parked on an uneven surface.
When the weight of the car is so much on the spare tire for a long time, it can cause the tire to deform. The deformation will make the spare tire unusable, and you’ll have to replace it.
You would notice the deformation when you want to use the spare tire, and it can’t fit into the wheel well because it is misshapen.
2. Tire deterioration
Second, if the spare tire is left on while not driving and is exposed to sunlight or rain, it can deteriorate within a few months. Even though tires are designed to withstand different weather conditions, they can still experience wear and tear.
When the spare tire is left on while not driving and is exposed to sunlight or rain, it can deteriorate within a few months.
The deterioration will happen because of the UV rays from the sun or because of the water from the rain. The UV rays and water can cause the tire to crack and become brittle.
3. Tire theft
Third, if you leave your spare tire on while not driving, it can get stolen. Even though spare tires are not as expensive as regular tires, they can still be a target for thieves.
Thieves know that spare tires are valuable and can be sold for a good price. They will also know that you are not using the spare tire, so they can easily take it without you noticing.
The bottom line is that you should not leave your spare tire on while not driving. There are several reasons why it is not a good idea. The tire can deform, deteriorate, or get stolen. It is best to keep the spare tire in the trunk of your car or in a safe place where it will not be exposed to the
How long can you leave your spare tire on while driving?
Quite plainly, you should not drive over 50 miles per hour or no more than 50 to 70 miles while you have your spare tire on. Though this is the general thumb rule, you should check the manufacturer’s manual for the recommended mileage of your spare tire.
You should also check that the spare tire is fully inflated before hitting the road. Again, if you have the spare tire on, you should be headed to the mechanic’s to fix the “regular” tire or get a new replacement.
In short, you can leave your spare tire on while not driving your car. However, it is not advisable to do so. This is because even if the car and spare tire are immobile, it is still susceptible to wear and tear.
Knowing that the spare tire is not as good quality as the car’s regular tires, it is clear that you cannot leave it on for a while whether you are driving your car or not.
Tips to protect your spare tires
To keep your spare tire in good condition and use it for years follow these simple tips
1. Cover spare tire
The first tip I would suggest to keep your spare tire from deteriorating and using it for a long time is to cover it. You can use a cloth to cover the spare tire or you can buy a special cover for it. By covering the spare tire, you will protect it from the UV rays of the sun and the water of the rain.
Even though tires are made to withstand extreme temperatures, they can still experience wear and tear. So, it is best to cover the spare tire when you are not using it.
2. Inflate spare tire
The second tip I would suggest to keep your spare tire in good condition is to inflate it regularly. You should check the pressure of the spare tire at least once a month. By keeping the spare tire inflated, you will prevent it from deteriorating because when tires are not inflated, they can become brittle and crack.
3. Store spare tires properly
The third tip I would suggest to keep your spare tire in good condition is to store it properly. You should not leave the spare tire in the trunk of your car or in a place where it is exposed to sunlight or rain.
It is best to store the spare tire in a cool and dry place. You can also put the spare tire in a special bag or box to protect it from the elements.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your spare tire in good condition and use it for years. So, if you have a flat tire, you can easily change it and be on your way.
Final thought
To conclude, you should not leave your spare tire on while not driving There are several reasons why it is not a good idea The tire can deform, deteriorate, or get stolen It is best to keep the spare tire in the trunk of your car or in a safe place where it will not be exposed to the sun or rain
Thanks for reading! We hope this article was helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. And be sure to check back for more articles like this one!
