Taking Care Of Your Spare Tyre Like A Pro With The Help Of This Tips

It came across my mind out of nowhere that makes me wonder what the condition of the spare tyre is. It is stored behind my car trunk after so months. In the case of an emergency, that spare tyre would be my life saver.

Frankly speaking, it is not safe!

No one can guarantee the tyres that you are currently using will be safe throughout its lifespan and the spare tyre will come in handy if anything happen to your 4 primary tyres. Never ever assume that the spare tyre in the trunk will be in good condition by not exposing in the sun. In fact, spare tyre needs maintenance too. Without maintenance, drivers are exposed to safety risks or an unusable tyre.

Spare Tyre Will “EXPIRE”

Everything comes with a lifespan and that includes your spare tyre. The following points will affect the usage / lifespan of your spare tyre.

1. Insufficient Tyre Pressure

Tyre pressure will be affected under different environment temperatures (cold / hot). Therefore, ensure that you check your spare tyre pressure no longer than 6 months once.

2. Rubber Aging

During the installation of tyre, its lifespan is generally about 3 years. The common place of storing spare tyres are in the trunk, which are kept away from the sun. Theoretically, the life span of spre tyre should be longer, but somehow it age faster than the 4 primary tyres, as the rubber is losing its elasticity.

3. Oil Corrosion

It seems that the trunk is a common place to store battery water, engine oil and other items. If a leak occurs, it may seep into the spare tyre and might corrode the rubber on the tyre. So, make sure to keep your spare tyre away from chemicals or corrosive liquids.

What should I take note while using my spare tyres?

Although spare tyre will only be used during emergency, it is necessary to check it frequently. At the moment you need to put on your spare tyre, you will be relief that is it in a good condition. For the duration when your spare tyre is being used. Please pay attention to the following points:

1.Speed Limit

There are 2 main types of spare tyres, full-size and non-full-size spare tyres. Generally, there are more non-full-size spare tyres in the market, and there will always be speed-limit written on it. A normal non full size spare tyre will have a speed limit not more than 80 kilometers per hour, and the driving distance should not exceed 100 kilometers. After putting on your spare tyre, be sure to drive within the advised speed limit and to the nearest workshop to get your primary tyre replaced and installed. While driving on your spare tyre, it is best to drive on the slow lane and turn on the warning light with extra caution.

2.Keep it short distance

The purpose of spare tyre is to allow you to drive to the nearest workshop and get your primary tyre replaced and installed during emergency. If it is not a full-size spare tyre with long-term usage, it will affect the car’s braking system and performance due to the irregular size. Thus, increasing your safety risk while driving.

3.Spare tyre cannot be replaced on a drive wheel.

In the event of an emergency and you need to use your spare tyre, a spare tyre should not be installed on a driving wheel. Spare tyre should be installed in the position of a non-drive wheel (depending on Front Wheel Drive or Rear Wheel Drive). This is because there will be much lesser handling on the spare tyre