12 September 20244 min readBristol, UK
Your spare tyre is your last line of defence in a breakdown — but many drivers carry one that's dangerously out of date or underinflated. Here's what to know.
A spare tyre that's 10 years old and flat is arguably more dangerous than no spare at all — it gives a false sense of security. Spare tyres, whether full-size or space-saver, age and degrade even when unused. Rubber compounds oxidise and crack over time, making them susceptible to sudden failure. Check your spare tyre at least every three months, and replace it if it's over 5-6 years old or shows any signs of cracking.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Check spare tyre pressure every 3 months
- Replace spare tyres older than 5-6 years
- Space-saver spares have a maximum speed of 50mph
- Know where your jack and wheel brace are stored before you need them
- Some newer cars have tyre repair kits — know how yours works
#Spare Tyre#Tyre Safety#Emergency Preparedness