How to Use a Vehicle Spare Tire?
3 Answers
Here is the correct way to use a car spare tire: 1. The spare tire should not replace the regular tire for long-term use: Spare tires are used less frequently, so they have relatively less friction with the ground. After installing a spare tire, due to differences in friction coefficients, ground adhesion, and air pressure among the four tires, prolonged use can negatively impact the vehicle's braking system, steering system, and suspension system. 2. The spare tire must be properly mounted; improper mounting is unsafe. 3. Protect the spare tire from oil corrosion: The main component of a tire is rubber, and rubber is highly susceptible to damage from various oil products. 4. Understand the spare tire specifications: Tire specifications are crucial for driving safety, especially the load index and speed rating. Exceeding any of these limits can pose safety risks. 5. When replacing the spare tire, tighten the bolts diagonally: This ensures even bolt pressure and prevents the tire from wobbling during driving. 6. When using a spare tire, do not exceed 90 km/h: Smaller-sized spare tires can directly affect handling. For safety, pay extra attention to road conditions and take preventive measures against potential hazards. 7. A repaired tire should be placed on a non-driving wheel.
I've changed spare tires several times over years of car ownership. The process isn't difficult but requires safety precautions. First, find a safe parking spot away from traffic, engage the parking brake, and turn on hazard lights to warn others. Retrieve the spare tire and toolkit usually stored beneath the spare tire compartment in the trunk - tools include a jack and wrench. Never lift the car before loosening the wheel nuts; first loosen them diagonally without fully removing. Then position the jack at the designated chassis support points (typically reinforced underbody locations), align properly and slowly raise the vehicle just slightly off the ground - not too high. Remove the old tire, mount the spare aligning the bolt holes, and tighten nuts diagonally to proper torque (neither too tight nor loose). Lower the jack and recheck all nuts for final tightening. Remember: spare tires are temporary solutions - maintain correct air pressure, limit speed to under 80km/h, and visit a repair shop promptly for proper tire replacement. Regularly inspect your spare for leaks or aging to ensure emergency readiness.
Recently learning to change a spare tire has given me some peace of mind. It's important to park on a flat, safe spot and turn on hazard lights for protection. Dig out the onboard tools to find the jack and wrench - the spare tire hidden deep in the trunk can be tricky to retrieve. Loosen the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern, partially unscrewing them with ease, but never remove them completely right away. Locate the jacking point properly, usually the steel beam near the wheel, and lift the car steadily on a flat surface to avoid vehicle sway. After raising slightly, install the new tire, align the bolt holes, and tighten the nuts diagonally one by one to prevent deformation. Once lowered, always double-check and reinforce the nuts for stability. Remember, spare tires are designed for emergencies only - they shouldn't be driven long-term. Replace with a regular tire within a few dozen kilometers to avoid accidents. For routine maintenance, I periodically check the spare tire's pressure and tread pattern to ensure it won't fail when needed, compromising driving safety.
