Will a Spare Tire Lose Air Over Time?
2 Answers
Spare tires can lose air over time. Here are some precautions for using a spare tire: 1. Replace an unused spare tire promptly: Tires are rubber products, and prolonged storage can lead to aging. Typically, the aging period for tires is about 4 years, so spare tires should be replaced after this period. 2. Regularly inspect the spare tire: Inspection mainly involves checking tire pressure, wear, and cracks. Replace the tire before the tread wears down to the wear indicator line. If there are fine cracks on the tire sidewall, avoid using it for long-distance or high-speed driving, as the sidewall is thinner and more prone to blowouts at high speeds.
As a seasoned driver with over 20 years of experience, it's quite common in daily driving to find that a spare tire loses air after prolonged storage. Spare tires are typically made of rubber, and over time, even new tires will gradually deflate as air naturally permeates through the tiny pores in the rubber. Moreover, significant temperature fluctuations accelerate rubber aging, making air leakage more noticeable. I remember one time when my spare tire sat unused for two years, and by the time I checked it, it had almost completely deflated. When I tested it, it couldn't even support the weight properly, nearly causing an issue on the highway. So now I've developed a habit of checking the spare tire pressure every six months, either at a car shop or using a tire pressure gauge myself, keeping it at the manufacturer's recommended level. If there's a minor leak, I can detect and patch it in time. The shelf life of a spare tire is generally around 5 to 7 years—if it's been too long, just replace it outright. Don't skimp and risk bigger problems. Sharing this tip with new drivers can save a lot of hassle.
