
Spare tires can be used for 8 to 20 hours. The method to replace a spare tire is: 1. Loosen the screws; 2. Lift the vehicle with a jack; 3. Remove the screws fixing the wheel, turning counterclockwise to loosen and 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 specification; 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 changing the tire; 6. When removing the tire, slightly loosen the fixing screws before lifting the vehicle partially with a jack; 7. Choose a tire with guaranteed quality.

As a seasoned driver, I think you really can't rely on a spare tire for too long. A spare tire is just a temporary emergency tool, designed as a stopgap solution—you should only drive about 50 to 80 kilometers max before stopping to get the original tire fixed. Time-wise, it's best not to exceed two hours. After all, spare tires are smaller and weaker in strength; prolonged driving can cause overheating and blowouts, making the car unstable and hard to steer. Safety first—I once drove on a spare tire for a bit too long, and it felt like the wheel was about to fly off—scary stuff. Make it a habit to check your spare tire’s air pressure monthly to ensure it’s ready when needed. Before heading out, take a quick look at the spare’s condition—don’t get caught off guard in a crisis. Also, it’s even riskier on highways or mountain roads; stopping to check after half an hour is the safest bet—never treat it like a regular tire.

I remember during my last long-distance trip, a tire suddenly went flat on the highway. After putting on the spare tire, I could only drive slowly at 80 km/h, and it took over an hour to find a small-town repair shop. The experience taught me that a spare tire should be used for no more than an hour or so—any longer and it increases the risk of issues like longer braking distances or vehicle swaying. In daily driving, I always plan my route in advance and keep track of nearby repair shops just in case. Spare tires are made of thinner material, and prolonged use on long trips can damage the suspension system. My personal advice is to keep a close eye on navigation after switching to a spare and find professional service within 30 to 60 minutes. It’s slightly better on flat roads, but don’t exceed 100 km/h; in rain or snow, be even more cautious, and learn some basic tire repair techniques for emergencies. In short, a spare tire is just a temporary helper—don’t rely on it for extended driving.

After years of dealing with cars, I can say that a spare tire can only last for a few dozen minutes to an hour before needing attention. Spare tires are designed for emergencies, with smaller wheels and incorrect tire pressure causing them to wear out even faster. Don't exceed 80 km/h when driving on a spare, or you risk unstable steering and potential rollovers. It's advisable to check the spare tire's air pressure before and after driving, and repair it immediately if damaged. After a repair, head straight to a service shop and don't exceed a one-hour distance. Safety first—never take it lightly.


