Why Can't Spare Tires Be Used for a Long Time?

[BraxtonRose]

Spare tires cannot be used for a long time because: if they are not used for a long time, they will gradually age, causing their safety performance to decline sharply. There are many reasons for the aging of spare tires, such as temperature, humidity, and other external factors. Under the influence of these factors, spare tires will naturally be affected. In fact, a spare tire is for emergency use, not for long-term use. Regardless of whether the spare tire is wide or narrow, the manufacturer has special production and usage requirements. Since spare tires are not used for long-term driving on the car and have no wear, a tire without wear is different from a tire that has been worn out. Using a spare tire on the car inherently carries certain safety risks.

[OElliot]

Why can't a spare tire be used for a long time? I have to say, this is a big no-no. I remember that year on the highway, I used the spare tire for a few days, and the car felt shaky, especially when turning, the body roll was severe, almost causing an accident. Spare tires are usually designed temporarily—smaller in size, thinner, with poor airtightness, and not full-size. Using them for a long time can cause wheel imbalance, accelerate wear, and once on the highway, they are prone to blowouts, which is very dangerous. Additionally, they are much lighter than regular tires, and the rubber degrades quickly. Prolonged use may damage the axle or shock absorbers. So after that lesson, whenever I have to replace a flat tire with a spare, I immediately drive to a repair shop to fix or replace the tire, avoiding endless troubles. I recommend keeping a tire pressure gauge in the car and checking it regularly. After all, safe driving is the top priority—don’t cut corners and suffer big losses.

[SanAdriana]

Using a spare tire for a long time is really not cost-effective. I tried driving with a spare tire for half a month, and the fuel consumption skyrocketed—a full tank couldn't even get me 400 kilometers. This is because spare tires often differ in size, such as having a smaller diameter or narrower tread, which creates unbalanced tire resistance. The engine has to work harder, naturally leading to higher fuel consumption. Additionally, spare tires are made of inferior materials and have a shorter lifespan—they might be worn out in just six months, and replacing them is more expensive than regular tires. What's more, while driving, you can feel something off with the wheels, and the noise becomes unbearable. If you delay fixing it, you might end up damaging the brake pads or suspension, which would cost even more to repair. So now, whenever I use a spare tire, I plan my time carefully and resolve the issue as quickly as possible to avoid turning a small problem into a big financial hole. Saving money and peace of mind is what really matters.

[Erik]

In my daily driving, I've encountered issues with long-term use of the spare tire. The core problem is that it's designed as a temporary emergency solution, not for prolonged use. Its size differs from the main tires, disrupting wheel spacing balance, causing severe steering wheel vibrations when driving. There's a speed limit—generally exceeding 80 km/h becomes dangerous. The tire is thin, with poor grip in rain or snow, making it prone to slipping. Long-term use also leads to rapid wear; it may deform within a month or two, posing safety risks. It's advisable to use the spare tire only for short distances or at low speeds, and to repair the regular tire as soon as possible to avoid potential hazards.