Can a Spare Tire Be Used as a Main Tire?

[DiAliyah]

A spare tire cannot be used as a main tire. A spare tire is intended for temporary use in emergencies and can be driven for up to 50 kilometers. The steps for replacing a spare tire are as follows: 1. Loosen the screws; 2. Lift the vehicle with a jack; 3. Remove the screws securing the wheel (counterclockwise to loosen, clockwise to tighten); 4. Remove the original tire; 5. Install the spare tire. Precautions for tire replacement include: 1. Choose a tire of the same specifications; 2. Replace the valve stem at the same time; 3. Pay attention to the installation direction and inflation; 4. Check the tire pressure; 5. Perform a four-wheel alignment after replacement; 6. When removing the tire, slightly loosen the fixing screws before lifting the vehicle with a jack; 7. Choose a tire with guaranteed quality.

[DiAlan]

I often drive long distances, and my experience changing tires tells me that spare tires are really not suitable for long-term use as primary tires. Spare tires are generally for temporary emergencies, smaller in size than primary tires, with lower speed ratings, making the car unstable at high speeds and the tires less durable, prone to wear. If driving on highways, handling performance declines, braking distances increase, and accidents could become a serious issue. Not only are there high safety risks, but it's also economically unwise—long-term use of a spare tire increases fuel consumption, and you'll end up spending on tires sooner or later. Once, a friend of mine tried to save money by using a spare tire for several months, and it blew out, nearly causing an accident. My advice is to promptly switch back to standard tires—buying a set of normal-sized, durable tires is much safer. Don’t prioritize short-term convenience over safety. Also, developing a habit of regularly checking the spare tire's air pressure is crucial.

[VanRobert]

From a cost-saving perspective, some people might consider using a spare tire as a replacement for the main tire, but this is a bad idea. Spare tires are usually non-full-size, with narrow and soft treads, causing vibration while driving and affecting the driving experience. Prolonged use can also damage the vehicle's suspension system, leading to costly repairs. Even worse, uneven tire wear may cause the main tires to wear out prematurely, resulting in unnecessary expenses. Once, when I was on a tight budget, I tried it for a few weeks and ended up with a 10% increase in fuel consumption and unexpected repair costs. It's better to replace the tires early with an affordable domestic brand. Remember, spare tires are only for emergencies—replace them as soon as possible and don't delay.

[AliyahMarie]

From a vehicle performance perspective, spare tires are designed as a temporary solution, often with different sizes and specifications. Installing them can lead to inaccurate wheel speed readings, affecting the operation of the ABS system. During long-term driving, steering control becomes less responsive, and cornering stability is compromised. While tire pressure should remain consistent, spare tires have weaker structures and are more prone to damage. I recommend checking the tire manual to confirm model compatibility—don't gamble with safety.

[SanWalter]

I once had a troublesome experience using a spare tire as a main tire. Back then, I was too lazy to change the flat tire and procrastinated for two months. As a result, I always felt the car was floating and the steering wheel shook violently when driving on the highway. After checking at the repair shop, I found that the spare tire had shallow treads, wore out quickly, and had significantly reduced braking performance. Later, I learned that spare tire materials are not wear-resistant, and prolonged use may lead to cracks, doubling the risk of a blowout. I quickly replaced it to feel at ease. I’d like to remind you to also pay attention to this—spare tires are for emergencies only, and regular tire condition checks should not be overlooked.