Can a Car Spare Tire Be Used Long-Term?
2 Answers
Car spare tires cannot be used long-term because spare tires differ from regular tires in terms of parameters and wheel hub materials, resulting in differences in weight and heat dissipation performance. Long-term use poses safety risks. Since spare tires are stored for extended periods, their wear differs from regular tires, making sudden braking more likely to cause skidding. The purpose of a spare tire is to support the vehicle to a repair shop in emergencies. Once the tire is repaired, it should be promptly replaced with a regular tire. Particularly, some non-full-size spare tires can easily cause the car to pull to one side, and long-term use may also affect the wear of normal tires.
Having driven for over twenty years, I deeply understand that spare tires are emergency tools not meant for long-term use. Spare tires are designed for short-distance travel in emergencies, often not full-sized, with shallow treads and possibly inferior materials. Long-term use can lead to uneven wear, affecting braking distance and vehicle handling. Especially at high speeds, the risks are greater, potentially causing tire blowouts or loss of control. I once had a friend who tried to save money by using a spare tire long-term, which eventually caused front-wheel alignment issues, costing more in repairs. My advice is to drive to a professional tire shop as soon as possible after installing a spare tire to check the regular tire or replace it with a new one, and regularly check the spare tire's air pressure just in case. Safety comes first—don't take risks just to save trouble.
