Why Can't Spare Tires Be Used Long-Term?
2 Answers
Here are the reasons why spare tires cannot be used long-term: 1. Spare tires are items that are stored for extended periods, so their wear level and tire pressure do not match the tires currently in use on the vehicle, significantly affecting the spare tire's grip and water drainage capabilities. 2. Many cars use unidirectional tires, and spare tires are not fully interchangeable. Long-term use poses serious safety risks, as extreme road conditions may lead to accidents due to tire issues, endangering the driver's life. 3. Spare tires are often too small, unattractive, slow, and unsafe. Therefore, it is essential to repair the damaged tire and replace it as soon as possible to ensure the vehicle's aesthetics and performance.
The spare tire is not designed for long-term driving and is only meant for emergency use. I've personally seen many drivers take the lazy way out by using the spare tire for extended periods on highways, resulting in poor handling, shaky steering wheels, and a significantly increased risk of skidding in rainy conditions. The key issue is that if the spare tire doesn't match the size of your regular tires—for example, if it's one size smaller—your suspension system will endure extra stress. Over time, this can lead to suspension deformation, requiring major repairs. What's even more dangerous is that spare tires age quickly, especially under high temperatures or prolonged storage, drastically increasing the risk of a blowout. A friend of mine experienced this firsthand—his spare tire, used for two months, suddenly went flat on the highway, nearly causing an accident. So, remember: once you've installed the spare tire, don't exceed 50 km/h, replace it with a new tire as soon as possible, and regularly check both your regular tires' wear and the spare tire's pressure. Safety first.
