Can the Lavida spare tire be used for a long time?

[CalvinLee]

Lavida spare tires cannot be used for a long time. The lifespan of a spare tire is generally about 4 years, as spare tires are often left unused for extended periods and are prone to aging. For safety reasons, it is recommended to replace them after 4 years. A spare tire refers to an additional tire for a car, typically categorized into full-size spare tires and compact spare tires. The Lavida's body dimensions are 4670mm in length, 1806mm in width, and 1474mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2688mm. The Lavida features front-engine, front-wheel drive, a front suspension type of MacPherson strut independent suspension, a rear suspension type of torsion beam non-independent suspension, and a unibody construction.

[McJuniper]

I must remind you that the Lavida's spare tire is not designed for long-term use. Spare tires are typically intended for temporary emergency situations, such as a sudden flat tire on the highway. They differ from regular tires in both material and construction, being simplified and much less durable. Driving long distances on a spare tire will accelerate wear, especially in the case of compact spare tires, significantly reducing handling performance and increasing the risk of skidding or blowouts. I've seen this issue discussed in car owner groups where I shared my experiences. It's advisable to switch back to a full-size tire as soon as possible—don't cut corners to save money or effort. Additionally, spare tires often come with speed restrictions, such as a maximum of 80 km/h. Exceeding this speed limit for extended periods poses a serious safety risk. Make it a habit to check the tire pressure weekly and address any signs of aging promptly—safety should always come first. In short, occasional use is fine, but for long trips or daily driving, don't take shortcuts. A spare tire is not suited for a permanent role.

[OElisa]

From an owner's perspective, using a spare tire long-term is really not advisable. Initially, I also considered saving money—spare tires are much cheaper than new ones—but after trying it, I realized the big issues. The material of spare tires isn't as wear-resistant as regular tires, and over time, the noise increases, fuel consumption rises, and in the long run, you end up spending more on gas. If a Lavida is equipped with a non-full-size compact spare, it's even less suitable as a replacement. Driving at higher speeds makes the car wobble, affecting stability. My neighbor made this mistake—after using the spare for three months, it wore out completely, with cracks on the sidewall, forcing an emergency tire replacement that cost a fortune. From an economic standpoint, you can find affordable deals on regular tires during promotions, so replacing the spare early is the best strategy. Keep an eye out for sales opportunities—don’t wait until something goes wrong to regret it. Spare tires are meant for temporary emergencies, not as a money-saving hack.

[SawyerFitz]

As a novice car enthusiast, I've also researched spare tires. Simply put, they shouldn't be used long-term because they're not standard tires - the materials and size may differ, making them prone to damage or imbalance with prolonged use. The Lavida's spare tire is stored in the trunk, primarily for temporary replacement, and should be restored to normal as soon as possible. If you don't replace it promptly, the spare may age and harden, affecting vehicle handling. I didn't understand this at first, but my mechanic taught me to regularly check tire pressure and wear to ensure safety. Don't let the spare become your main tire - it wasn't designed to be a long-term partner. The wisest approach is to promptly visit a tire shop for proper handling.