Every vehicle should have a spare tire on it or in it somewhere. Do you have one? If you aren’t sure, chances are you don’t and that’s dangerous. Even if you do have one, do you know if it’s in good condition? Your spare tire is one of the most important safety accessories on the vehicle, but it’s something not a lot of people think about very often. If you never check your spare tire, it might not be something you can count on when you need it the most. Here are a few steps you might want to take to make sure your spare tire is ready if you need it.
Step 1: Check the Tires
Whenever you check your tires for pressure and other items, check the spare as well. The spare tire should have a regular amount of air in it too, depending on your type of vehicle. Some spare tires are compact and known as donut tires. Those are higher in air pressure than others. Check the owner’s manual to know how much your spare tire should carry and then commit to checking on it every time you check your tires.
Step 2: Replace it
Not every car comes with a spare tire and many of them won’t have a new tire as a spare. If your car is one you bought used, or if you’ve had it for many years, you’ll need to watch for certain things in your spare. First, check the manufacturer’s date on the sidewall. Tires do have expiration dates! If the tire is older than 6 years, it’s more likely to fail. Spares can last as long as 10 years, but it’s safer to replace it if it’s older than 6 years of age.
Step 3: Examine Condition
Spare tires can sometimes be old, patched tires that were previously used and repaired. Examine your spare and look for cracks, scars, worn tread, plugs, and other issues. If you see things that can make the tire blow if you were to ever use it, it’s best to get a new one.
Step 4: Understand Spare Safety
Once you have a spare tire in place and you know it’s a good one, you still need to know how to use it. Spare tires are usually only meant for emergencies. You shouldn’t use them as everyday tires and you should only drive 50 mph on them. Avoid the highways if you can and get a new tire on the vehicle as soon as you can. Spare tires can come in handy to get you to safety if you get a flat.
If you want a professional to look over your spare, or if you need a new one, contact the experts at Schafer’s Auto Center, one of the top auto repair shops in Philadelphia is located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148 and we’d be happy to help you with all of your tire needs. Give us a call at 215-755-1270 with your questions or to make an appointment.
