Your backup is the first line of backup should any real-world spare tyre emergency ever hit. Tyres in use generally draw the bus driver-attention, but the backup tyre is usually taken out of sight — stowed away in the trunk or beneath auto until it's called on to act. But just like other tyres, the spare also needs tending and needs to be kept properly stored.
Whatever size the spare — whether full-size or “donut,” space-saver or temporary; you store this correctly, you will not only keep it for longer but most importantly keep you safe. This explains the ultimate strategy for how to keep your backup tyre handy, be it for short or even long haul to get that moderation out.
7 Practices For Storing Your Spare Tyres
1. Clean the Tyre Before Storing
Storage demanding tyre should be wiped well on its inner side before going in for storage. A simple wash with water and mild soap to rinse dirt. Wash the tread and sidewall, scrub hard, and dry the tire completely before storing. Excessive moisture on the tyre can cause breakdown and oxidation over time, especially for one stored in a humid location.
It additionally lets you to do a visual check of the tyre for any cuts, cracks or embedded items that might weaken its functionality during an emergency.
2. Choose the Right Storage Location
We know that the environment such as temperature when affected is crucial for tire maintenance. Keep your spare tyre in a dry, cool place not exposed to sunlight and ozone generating places (e.g. electric motors) or anything oily as in oil or gasoline. Constant exposure to UV light and heat will eventually ruin rubber, causing cracking and rigidity.
If you cannot do it indoors, find a good tyre cover to save your spare from sun and moisture. A lot of car owners use tyre bags or cases meant for that very purpose, other than protection against road debris.
3. Store Tyres Vertically If Possible
How you store your spare can affect how the tire will look and perform in the long term. The tyres ought to lay up (vertically), or running (horizontally), it will deform if lay down (flat). Long term flat on the tires will cause stress to the sidewall or create flat spots, if proper weight on the tyre.
True for premium brands, Michelin tyres or any other “stretching it extra” tyre etc that need to be treated with care and resolved in terms of proper handling, storage conditions. If you have to stack tyres, it should be clean and dry and no more than four-high to avoid squeezing or objects under weight of the same pressure.
4. Maintain Proper Air Pressure
It may seem that just because your spare tyre isn’t active, that the inflation-inside of it are of no consequence also. Over time, your tyres naturally lose pressure and an underinflated spare tire is going to let you down when you need it most. At least once a month (or each time you check another tyre) ensure the pressure in the spare is checked.
For the pressure level of the spare wheel, stick to the one recommended in your vehicle's manual. Make sure that it is correctly inflated in order to spare your vehicle balance and handling which may be at stake.
5. Avoid Storing Tyres Near Heat Sources
Rubber ages faster by heat. Do not keep your spare tire anywhere near furnaces, water heater, radiators or any other heat producing equipment. Heat has a long-lasting detrimental effect on the elasticity of rubber and later damages the structure of a tire.
That is especially relevant in areas with the greatest seasonal temperature differences, the UAE and other desert nations can reduce tyre quality at higher temperatures. If you can do so, place the tyre in a climate-controlled setting to provide an extension of its life.
6. Use Tyre Covers or Bags
Storage bags and covers for tires give peace of mind from dust, dirt UV rays and moisture. This is especially nice for anyone carrying their spare outside and even worse, in an environment like the garage or outhouse you throw in a cover. Option for covers made of materials that are breathable, so that moisture does not build up and cause mould.
Some covers even come with tyre storage labelling which can help you remember the date that the tyre was stored and when it should be inspected or rotated.
7. Rotate or Replace Old Spares
Tyres; as far as unused tyres are concerned, they have a shelf life. Tyres live die down over time so an old tyre, more than 6-10 years old (manufacturer depending) may not be structurally sound. The manufacture date is printed on the tyre sidewall, and check the DOT code (last four signify month and year it was made) of where.
If the tyre on your spare tire is older than 6 years, you should change it. It's better to buy a spare tyre fresh than risk driving on an unsafe tyre when you need it the most.
Conclusion:
Your spare tyre: the unsung hero keeping a cool head in the corner, practising its stunts to be ready at the first sign of roadside disaster. On the other hand, if it is mishandled or not maintained you can lose it at the time you really need it. Just follow these golden rules : wash it, store in a clean and airless place, keep correct pressure, verify age to make sure spare tyre is in the best possible shape for your emergency.
Not only does proper storage help to save your spare (for up to two years), it makes you feel better from the inside out every time you start your vehicle into another day. No matter what kind of vehicle (SUV, car or luxury vehicle) spare wheel maintenance in regular mobility care means.
If you are unsure, ask your local tyre gargoyle or consult the people who make the car. Better storage, better drive and drive better drivers should be striving for that.
