If you’re like most people, you never give your spare tire much of a thought until you need it. Unfortunately, if you haven’t been taking care of this emergency tire, you may find that it’s not in the best condition. In some cases, it may not even have any air in it, forcing you to pay for a tow truck to get your Subaru to the nearest dealership for repairs. However, if you take the time to check your spare occasionally and maintain it, you’ll find that it’s always there for you in a pinch. Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to your spare tire.
Check the Spare Regularly
Your spare tire can lose air pressure even when it’s safely stored away. You want to check its pressure regularly, especially if the temperature has rapidly dropped. If you are going to go on a relatively long road trip, be sure to check the spare tire before you leave.
In addition to checking the pressure, check it for signs of wear, too. The tread of your tire is what helps it grip the road. If the tread is worn down, you will have more difficulty staying on the road during the rain or snow. To check the tread, stick a penny into it. Place the penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head down. If the penny sinks in so that you cannot see Lincoln’s eyes, the tread is good. If you see his eyes and a good amount of his head, you may need to replace the tire.
Rotate the Spare into Regular Use
This tip only applies if your spare tire is a full-size tire, not a donut. If it is a full-size one, you should swap it out with one of your other tires whenever you have them rotated. Typically, the spare replaces the rear passenger-side tire, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Whichever tire you replace with the spare then becomes your new spare until it is rotated back into use. Check your car’s owner’s manual to see if the manufacturer recommends rotating in the spare.
Pay Attention to Recalls
While it doesn’t happen that often, it is possible for your spare tire to be subject to a recall. This occurs when there’s a manufacturing defect or other issue with the tire. If such a defect is found, the dealership or the manufacturer should contact you with information on how to replace the tire.
Need to have your spare checked out by an expert? Need a replacement? We can help. Schedule a service appointment, and we will make certain your spare tire is ready to work when you need it.
