Don't Neglect Your Spare (Spare Tire Care)
October 9, 2022
If you've ever had a flat tire, then you know welcome it is to have a spare tire that is properly inflated, in good shape and easy to get to. Problem is many of us don't even give our spare tire (if we even have one) a second thought.
If you have an SUV or truck with a spare, it may be mounted outside the vehicle, such as on the tailgate or underneath the vehicle. All of them, especially those underneath, take the brunt of debris, moisture, salt and dirt from the road surface, a potpourri of corrosion potential. The hardware that holds these on can rust into a solid mess, making it hard for you or even a roadside assistance service to get off.
If you have one of those, have it checked and maintained at your vehicle repair facility on a regular basis. They should be lubricated and cleaned periodically, and some recommend doing this service every time you have your tires rotated. If the spare is the same size as the tires on the vehicle, it may be a good idea to have it rotated with the others.
Some vehicles have compact spares that are in a small well in the trunk or some other spot. Most drivers don't pay any attention to them. Over time, air leaks out of those spares, leaving them flat when you most need them. When you have your vehicle in for service or routine maintenance, ask your service advisor for his or her advice on making sure the spare is inflated properly and cleaned, usually at least twice a year.
You may not know it, but your vehicle may not have any spare at all. Instead, it may have an inflator kit that you are supposed to use to inflate and seal a flat tire. That sealant has a limited life span and should be replaced every few years. Check with your service advisor to make sure the kit is up to date and will do the job when called upon.
Manufacturers know a flat tire's always a possibility. No matter what contingency solution they've included with your vehicle, keep it in shape and in good working order. When you need it, you'll be very glad you did.
Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta
10 Northtown Drive
Sparta, Illinois 62286
618-443-6112
http://www.charliesfastlubesparta.com
Need Service?
More articles from Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta
Do you have a Clue (Get the Most Out of a Service Visit)
June 29, 2025
When you head to the doctor, you probably have it in your mind what you're going to say about why you don't feel good. That way your doctor can use that information to diagnose your problem. You might want to think of that same approach when you take your vehicle in for a repair. Experts say wha... More
Busted! Air Conditioning (Air Conditioning Maintenance)
June 23, 2025
Your vehicle's air conditioning is something you count on when the weather heats up. But there's bound to be a day when you turn it on and one of these things happens: Only warm air blows out Cold air starts blowing out but then it turns warm on its own It's not blowing air at all It blows smel... More
Bump in the Road (Alignment)
June 16, 2025
There's something you can do that helps your tires last longer, wear more evenly and your vehicle handle better. "Sign me up," you say! Wondering what that is? It's aligning your wheels, and it will literally point you in the right direction when it comes to a better and safer driving experience... More