Wednesday, April 6, 2011

The 5th Wheel: Spare Tire Dos and Don’ts


by Rob Hopp, Cars for Keeps Owner

The concept of the spare tire seems pretty basic, but it's surprising how often they're used improperly - or not at all. For those car owners out there who are "mechanically challenged", we've put together a few simple suggestions for maintaining and using your spare tire to ensure it's there when you need it most.

Do: Learn how to install the spare on your vehicle - before you have to! Locate where the spare tire, jack, lug wrench and wheel lock key (if equipped) are located and ensure the components needed are actually there. The jack is almost always intended to engage the vehicle in several specific areas to safely lift it without damage. Practice changing a tire. This will make it a lot easier on that cold, dark rainy night when your vehicle has a real flat.

Do: Check the spare tire's air pressure with a tire pressure gauge on a monthly basis, when you check all other tires on the vehicle. There’s nothing more aggravating than a flat spare when you have a flat tire. (This is performed at Cars for keeps whenever we perform our Free Pit Stop or other scheduled maintenance). All temporary (compact) spare tires are designed for short-term use only; they are not designed with the same capabilities as full size spare tires in terms of load capacity, speed capability, or all-weather traction. Refer to your vehicle’s owner's manual and a temporary spare's sidewall for instructions on proper use.

Do: If your vehicle’s spare is located under the vehicle, understand how it is lowered or released. This type of location leaves the assembly exposed to all the debris, salt and moisture you drive through day after day. Cars for Keeps will help you ensure the assembly is lubricated and functional when you need it.

Don’t: Forget the spare when you are preparing for winter, a road trip or sending a loved one off on their own.

Cars for Keeps can help when it comes to keeping the car safe, reliable and ready for life!

11 comments:

Gooseneck Hitches said...

Hello,

The site is about the maintain of own car in regular basis, try to check air pressure in monthly basis and protect your tires. It is good to change mechanical parts when they need. Now many companies are offered spare parts for your car. Thanks a lot.

Driving Safety Crusader said...

Great tips Rob! I hope lots of people will heed your common sense suggestions! There is nothing worse then having a flat and then realizing there is a problem with your spare tire that could have been avoided!!

Ethan Rehman said...

The moment you find out that your tire is flat, replace it immediately with your spare. Again, as mentioned here, do a monthly check on your spare so that you won't have to deal with a flat spare. You know how that's overly irritating, right?

auto mechanics said...

I am looking for a site that will teach me everything about a car. Does anyone know any good sites or books on auto mechanics?

Unknown said...

Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic.

auto repair lake worth

aandaautoservice said...


This blog is really informative i really had fun reading it.
It is really very helpful for me.Hoping the same finest operate in the up coming days also. thank you!
auto body repair shop

givemeabreak said...

R&D Auto Repair and Sales
We are your Local Auto Repair Service
Auto Repair and Sales, stop by today and chat with one of repair or sales experts. We look forward to creating a ongoing relationship with you.

Auto Repair Service
Your Local Auto Repair & Car Sales - Located in Shillington PA. We proudly serve client in Berks County Pa. Repairs, State Inspections, Oil Changes, Tune Ups, New Tire Installation/Rotation, Towing and much more

local auto repair shop
auto repair shop near me
car mechanic near me
auto mechanic shops near me
R&D Auto Repair and Sales
local auto mechanic shillington pa

Aria sim said...

Nice blog very helpful and informative thanks for sharing it.
Car Servicing Singapore
Car Repairs

Rust-O-Rama said...

I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.

Jeep Wrangler Frame Rust Repair

Antoni said...

Thanks for this detailed info. Many times people become careless about their spare tire, but it has got similar importance as of the regular ones.

auto repair rolla mo
oil change rolla mo

Chris Lesnar said...

This is an informative post review. I am so pleased to get this post article. I was looking forward to getting such a post that is very helpful to us. Keep it up.

Flat Tire Repair Near Me