Is It Necessary to Keep a Spare Tire in the Car?

[GabrielLynn]

It is necessary to keep a spare tire in the car. Here are some precautions for using a spare tire: 1. Regularly inspect the spare tire: The inspection mainly focuses on tire pressure, wear, and cracks. Replace the tire as soon as possible if the tread wears down to the wear indicator line. If there are fine cracks on the tire sidewall, avoid long-distance or high-speed driving, as high-speed driving can easily lead to a blowout. 2. Do not store oil products with the spare tire: Since tires are primarily made of rubber, storing lubricants or other oil products in the trunk can cause the tire to swell and corrode if they come into contact, significantly reducing the tire's lifespan. If the tire gets stained with oil, promptly wash it off with a neutral detergent. 3. Spare tire lifespan is about 4 years: As tires are rubber products, prolonged storage can lead to aging. Generally, the aging period for tires is about 4 years.

[DaniellaLynn]

As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I firmly believe that keeping a spare tire in the car is absolutely necessary. Imagine having a sudden flat tire late at night on the highway with no repair shops nearby and slow-arriving emergency services—that's when a spare tire can be a lifesaver. Especially when traveling in remote areas, a spare tire is an essential safety tool. However, I must remind everyone that simply tossing a spare tire in the trunk isn't enough: regularly check its pressure and wear to prevent it from going flat or cracking over time, which could cause issues when you need it most. Minor bumps while driving may not be a big deal, but a flat tire is unpredictable, and a spare can quickly resolve the problem, saving you from unnecessary panic.

[EmiliaDella]

From my daily urban living experience, carrying a spare tire in the car isn't always necessary. In cities, there are numerous rescue services available, and with just a tap on a mobile app, you can call for tire repair assistance. Spare tires are heavy, take up space, and increase fuel consumption. I mainly use my car for commuting to and from work, and haven't needed a spare tire in years, which also saves me the hassle of regular maintenance. Nowadays, keeping a portable tire repair kit in the car is more practical—it's lightweight, easy to use, and can provide a quick fix to drive to a repair shop in case of a flat tire. It also allows for better space management, especially in compact cars with small trunks where a spare tire would take up valuable space that could be better used for daily essentials.

[MirandaLee]

From the perspective of a long-term road trip enthusiast, I must say a spare tire is essential to carry in the car. When driving through mountainous or remote areas with poor signal and difficult rescue access, my spare tire has gotten me out of trouble several times during my travels. I remember once camping in the wild and encountering a flat tire on a gravel road—without a spare, I would have had to spend the night in the wilderness. Opt for a lightweight and durable spare tire, and plan your space wisely so it doesn’t affect your gear storage. Safety comes first—don’t skip this small step.

[MacBrandon]

From an average car owner's perspective, I believe spare tires should be carried but managed wisely. A spare tire left unused for too long may deteriorate and become unreliable, so regularly checking its air pressure can prevent failures during emergencies and extend its lifespan to save money. Nowadays, roadside assistance membership fees are quite affordable, making spare tires relatively more expensive in comparison. I choose to carry a spare tire while also learning basic tire-changing skills and keeping a complete toolkit handy, preventing unexpected delays that could disrupt my travel plans.