Spare Tire Maintenance

A spare tire serves as a back up in case your car has a flat. Vehicles typically carry a spare tire mounted on a rim, to be used in the event of flat tire or flat tire. Many spare tires for modern cars are smaller than normal tires to save on trunk space, gas mileage, weight and cost and should not be driven far before replacement with a full-size tire. Jacks and for emergency replacement of a flat tire with a spare tire are included with a new car. Hand or foot pumps for filling a tire with air are available. Cans of pressurized "gas" can be bought separately for a convenient emergency refill.

Spare tires come in a variety of sizes and versions. Many cars are equipped with temporary spare tires and wheels, which are noticeably different from regular tires and wheels. Some require higher inflation pressure, or the use of a pressurized canister to inflate the tire. The only type of spare tire that can be used without such restrictions is a conventional, full-sized spare that is the same as the other tires on the vehicle. must be inflated with an air canister prior to mounting. smaller and narrower than the other wheels on the vehicle. the same diameter as the other tires on the vehicle but thinner. These tires are:

• labeled "temporary" spares because of their weight-saving construction.
• are intended for emergency use only and not for sustained or high speed driving.
• not to exceed 50 mph nor to travel further than 50 miles.

Check the air pressure in your spare tire whenever you check tire pressure to be sure your spare is in top condition in the event of a flat tire.

Become familiar with the equipment needed for changing a tire and be sure essential tire-changing tools are in good repair and where they should be. Practice changing a tire. Always check your owner's manual and the tire sidewall for instructions on proper use of a temporary spare.

• Locate the jack, handle and lug wrench.
• Know where the jack contacts the vehicle when raising it.
• Locate the key for wheel locks.
• Know how to access the spare tire.

A functional spare that is in good condition is a comfort. By avoiding the following pitfalls, you can be assured that your spare tire is in good form.

• If your spare is low, it may shred on the way home or to the service facility. The distance you can travel before this happens is directly related to the tire's inflation level. Check the pressure of the spare, as well as the other four tires every month.
• Tires deteriorate with age. Tires do have a shelf life. After a period of time, they may begin to develop small cracks in the sidewall.
• The leading reason spare tires fall victim to underinflation and dry rotting is inaccessibility. Clear out the trunk and check the spare or take your car to a shop and let an auto tech check your spare.

• Most space saving spares are limited to 50 miles and 50 m.p.h. Replace a temporary spare with a full-size tire as soon as possible.
• Keep your compact spare and its wheel together and do not use them on another car.
• Do not use tire chains on a space saving spare. They won't fit and will damage the car as well as the chains.
• Do not drive through a car wash that pulls the car along guide rails with a spare on your car. The spare can get caught on the rail and damage the tire, wheel and very possibly other parts of your car.