
The usage method of a spare tire is as follows: 1. The spare tire should not be used for a long time. Generally, the spare tire of a vehicle does not experience tread wear during long-term driving, so its friction level is definitely different from that of regular tires. Long-term use can easily cause issues such as vehicle deviation and uneven friction with surrounding tires. The color of the spare tire is usually bright to remind the owner not to use it for an extended period. 2. The spare tire should not be used on the front wheels. The spare tire is generally meant to replace the rear wheels. If a front wheel fails, it is best to move a rear wheel to the front and then install the spare tire on the rear wheel. This is because the front wheels bear more weight and friction when encountering obstacles, increasing the risk of a blowout. Using the spare tire on the rear wheel enhances safety. 3. Drive within the speed limit for the spare tire. The spare tire should not be driven faster than 80 km/h or for long distances exceeding 150 km. After replacing a faulty tire with the spare, the regular tire should be replaced as soon as possible. The quality and air pressure of the spare tire differ from regular tires, and driving too fast or for too long poses safety risks. 4. Understand the air pressure and size of the spare tire. Since the spare tire is rarely used, knowledge about it is often limited. This can lead to confusion when a spare tire is needed. Different vehicles have different spare tire specifications. It is important to be familiar with the size, rim, air pressure, and condition of the spare tire beforehand so that you are prepared when needed. 5. Regularly inspect and replace the spare tire. Even if the spare tire has not experienced major issues, it is still exposed to environmental temperatures and other factors during long-term driving, which can cause aging or insufficient air pressure. Regular inspections and timely replacements are necessary. 6. Do not store the spare tire with corrosive items. The spare tire is often kept in the trunk alongside various items and may come into contact with oil or other corrosive liquids. This can accelerate the aging of the tire. When the spare tire is needed, it may not function properly and could even become a new hazard.

I've been driving for over 20 years and have plenty of experience changing spare tires. First, find a safe and level place to park, never operate on a slope, engage the parking brake and put the transmission in P. Open the trunk to retrieve the spare tire - the toolkit is usually underneath. Remember to check if the spare tire has sufficient pressure using a gauge; the standard is generally around 280kPa, but always refer to your vehicle's manual. Next, loosen the wheel bolts by turning counterclockwise with a wrench, but don't remove them all at once. Then position the jack on the vehicle's jacking point and raise it slowly, ensuring the car is stable before removing the old tire. Install the spare tire, initially tightening the bolts a few turns, then gradually cross-tighten them clockwise for even distribution. After lowering the jack, perform a final tightening of all bolts to specification. Remember, most spare tires are temporary - don't exceed 80km/h and visit a repair shop to replace it with the original tire as soon as possible to avoid chassis damage. Also, inspect your spare tire regularly during maintenance for aging or cracks to prevent unexpected issues.

Last time I went camping by car and had my first flat tire, I relied entirely on the spare tire changing method I learned online. After parking, I turned on the hazard lights to alert the cars behind me. I took out the tool bag, which contained a jack and a wrench, and found that the spare tire was the small-sized type with the recommended tire pressure marked on it. Before loosening the bolts, I had to make sure the car wasn't jacked up yet, otherwise the wheel wouldn't turn. Following the manual's steps, I loosened the five bolts, then slowly jacked up the car until the wheel was about 5cm off the ground. After removing the old tire, I installed the spare tire and initially tightened the bolts in a star-shaped diagonal pattern for more stability. Once done, I lowered the car and gave the bolts a few more turns to secure them. Remember, spare tires have a speed limit of 80km/h, so I drove slowly to the tire shop in town. After changing the tire, I washed the tools and put them away, having learned a practical skill.

Handling a spare tire requires skill. Always park on a hard, flat surface, engage the parking brake, and shift to neutral for safety first. With the toolkit ready, check if the spare tire is expired or cracked, as aged rubber is prone to bursting. Loosen the bolts counterclockwise with the appropriate wrench, avoiding excessive force to prevent stripping. Position the jack at the vehicle's support point and lift until the wheel is off the ground, then remove the old tire and align the spare for initial tightening. When tightening the bolts, follow a diagonal pattern to ensure even force and prevent loosening. After installation, lower the vehicle and fully tighten the bolts again. Adjust the tire pressure according to the specified range, typically 250-300 kPa. Remember, the spare tire is for emergencies only—driving over 80 km/h or long distances can be risky. Regularly inspect and maintain proper inflation, and visit a professional shop promptly to repair or replace the damaged original tire.


