How to know if your spare tire is in good condition

The most neglected safety device your car is equipped with is the spare tire. It hides in your trunk or under the back of your car and you don't think about it until you really need it. It may be years or even decades before it needs to be used in an emergency, but how do you know if your spare tire is in good condition?

Visually check the condition. Ideally, you won't wait until you need to use your spare tire to see if it's okay. Whenever you check the spare tire, look for cracks in the sidewalls and between the tread blocks. If there are light cracks that the edge of the coin does not cling to, you can use a spare tire and simply replace it after use. If there are deeper cracks into which the edge of the coin falls or gets caught, the tire is not safe to drive as its strength is reduced. It might blow you away.

Check tire pressure. Spare tire pressure should be checked at every oil change, but it is too often neglected. Check the spare tire pressure with a pressure gauge and compare the actual pressure with the manufacturer's specification. The corresponding pressure is indicated on the plate on the driver's door, along with other tire pressures. If the tire is flat or well below the recommended air pressure, do not risk riding it. Re-inflate it when you can and watch for leaks.

Check the date of manufacture. You might think that the tire has not expired, but tires are not designed to be used for more than 10 years from their date of manufacture. The tire is made from rubber that degrades, especially when exposed to the environment. While a tire can last more than 10 years, this is rare. If the date of manufacture on the tire sidewall is older than 10 years, replace the spare tire.

Check tread depth. If you have bought a new car, it is unlikely that the spare tire has been changed without your knowledge. If you have purchased a used car, the spare tire may have been replaced with a tire of a much lower quality or in poor condition. If the spare tire is worn by more than 2/32 inch of remaining tread, replace it immediately. It is considered worn out and must be disposed of.

Be sure to check the spare tire as part of your regular vehicle maintenance. This can save you a huge headache down the road.