Should the Spare Tire Be Installed on the Front or Rear Wheel?
2 Answers
Spare tires can be installed on either the front or rear wheels. Definition of a Spare Tire: A spare tire refers to the backup tire for a car, typically matching the specifications of the original tires. However, some vehicles may use spare tires with special-colored rims, compact spares, foldable spares, or run-flat tires to remind the owner to inspect and replace faulty tires promptly. Types of Spare Tires: Regularly inspect the spare tire, focusing on tire pressure, wear, and cracks. Replace the tire before the tread wears down to the wear indicator line. Avoid storing oil products near the spare tire, as rubber—the main component of tires—is highly susceptible to damage from oil exposure. Many car owners store lubricants and other oil products in the trunk, which can cause tire swelling and significantly reduce the tire's lifespan if they come into contact with the tire. Spare tires typically last about four years. It’s common for owners to discover that their spare tire has severely aged and become unusable after years of storage when they need it for a flat tire. Since tires are rubber products, prolonged storage leads to aging, with a general aging period of around four years. Avoid prolonged use of the spare tire, as it can negatively impact the vehicle's braking system, steering system, and suspension, posing safety risks and causing uneven wear on other tires in the same direction.
I've changed spare tires several times and have some experience. The spare tire should be installed on the rear wheel first! Because the front wheels handle steering and most of the braking force, the smaller spare tire has reduced grip and size, and installing it on the front wheel can easily cause loss of control during sharp turns. I once saw my neighbor install the spare tire on the front wheel, and it slid sideways into the guardrail when turning in the rain. If it's a rear tire blowout, it's much simpler—just move the intact front wheel to the rear position and install the spare tire on the now-empty front wheel position. But remember, the spare tire's maximum speed should not exceed 80 km/h, as clearly marked on it. It's even more complicated for full-time four-wheel-drive vehicles; you must follow the instructions in the manual.
