Can't the spare tire be used for too long?
3 Answers
Spare tires are not meant for prolonged use and only serve as a temporary solution. A spare tire refers to an additional tire for a car, which has the same specifications as the original tires. Spare tires are categorized into full-size spare tires, non-full-size spare tires, and run-flat tires, and their placement varies by vehicle model, typically found under the trunk floor, mounted beneath the rear of the car, or fixed outside the trunk door. Precautions for using a spare tire: 1. Regularly inspect the spare tire; 2. Do not store fuel and spare tires together; 3. The lifespan of a spare tire is about 4 years; 4. Spare tires should not be used for extended periods; 5. If a repaired tire is used as a spare, it should be placed on a non-driving wheel.
The spare tire really shouldn't be used for too long, mainly because it's a temporary solution and not designed for long-term use. Having driven for many years, I've seen quite a few friends rely on their spare tire for weeks because they were too lazy to get their tire fixed, and accidents happened as a result. Spare tires are usually much smaller than regular tires, like those compact temporary spares (often called 'donut tires'), which have strict speed and distance limits: most can only go up to 80 kilometers, with a maximum speed not exceeding 80 km/h. Using them long-term can cause the tire tread to fail under pressure, leading to uneven wear or blowouts, especially on highways where the car may skid during turns and become hard to control. Additionally, spare tires typically have lower air pressure, and prolonged use can put extra strain on the suspension system, eventually damaging wheel bearings or the steering system. It's even more dangerous in bad weather—rain makes roads slippery, and the spare's weak grip increases braking distance, raising the risk of rear-end collisions. My advice: once you've put on the spare, drive straight to the nearest repair shop to check the damaged tire. Get it patched if possible, or replace it if necessary. Safety first—don't take risks just to save time.
From my perspective, a spare tire is just an emergency tool—it's not suitable for long-term use. As someone who enjoys tinkering with cars, I know the materials of a spare tire are vastly inferior to regular tires: the tread is thinner, the rubber is more brittle, and prolonged road use leads to faster wear, not to mention potential bulging or cracking. Think about it—if the spare tire is underinflated, the engine has to work harder, increasing fuel consumption by as much as 0.5 liters per 100 km. Plus, its smaller size causes uneven vehicle height, leading to imbalanced stress on the suspension system over time, which can damage shock absorbers, costing thousands to replace. On highways, poor balance in a spare tire causes shaky and unstable driving, especially on bumpy roads, making the ride nerve-wracking. My advice? Don’t delay after switching to a spare—get to a repair shop within the same day, keeping the distance under 50 km. Also, check the spare tire’s pressure regularly, as air tends to leak over time when stored in the trunk. Safe driving is key—don’t let small issues escalate.
