Tucked away in the depths of your truck is the lowly spare tire, an overlooked; often maligned auto accessory – until you need it!
Most drivers forget about the compact spare – the ‘donut’ – until they get a flat, says Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman. “Unfortunately, donuts are often ignored, which results in them being useless when you need them, she said.
Donuts usually require as much as 60 pounds per square (PSI) inch of air pressure, significantly more than a traditional full-size tire. But a check of your owner’s manual or the placard on your driver’s side pillar will give you the required PSIs.
“Because you don’t use the spare regularly, you tend to ignore the donut’s proper inflation,” said Mayko. The lack of air pressure, exposure to our Northeastern temperatures and infrequent use can result in dry rot in the tire, she added. Dry rot results when oils and other chemicals in the rubber dry out.
To maximize the life of your spare, check the tire pressure each time you check the other four. Understand the donut is designed to get you home or to a repair shop; and it’s not a tire for joyrides or permanent use. After it’s installed, swap it out within 50 – 60 miles with a new or repaired full-size spare.
For more automotive tips, visit www.aaa.com/automotive.