Out of sight, out of mind — that’s the story of most spare tyres 🛞. Tucked beneath the boot floor, they get ignored for years until the moment you actually need one. And by then, it’s often too late. A flat spare is about as useful as an empty fire extinguisher, which is why regular spare tyre checks should be part of every driver’s routine maintenance schedule.
Space-Savers: Temporary Means Temporary
Most modern vehicles come fitted with a space-saver spare rather than a full-size tyre. These compact wheels are engineered purely as a get-you-home solution, not a long-term fix. Driving on one for extended periods can compromise your vehicle’s handling, stability control systems, and even damage the differential on some AWD models.
Key rules to remember when using a space-saver:
- Speed limit: Maximum 80km/h — check the yellow sticker on the wheel itself for the exact figure
- Distance: Generally rated for around 80km of travel before the full tyre must be replaced
- Positioning: On some drivetrains, the space-saver should only be fitted to specific axles
What We Check During a Spare Tyre Inspection
A proper spare tyre check goes beyond a quick glance. Tyres lose pressure naturally over time, and a spare sitting under the boot for five years can be significantly underinflated — or worse, showing signs of dry rot from heat cycling and UV exposure through the boot lining.
Our inspection covers:
- Air pressure (space-savers often require higher PSI than standard tyres — typically 60 PSI)
- Sidewall condition, checking for cracking, bulges or perishing rubber
- Tread depth and manufacture date (tyres over 6 years old are considered unreliable regardless of tread)
- Jack, wheel brace and locking wheel nut key — because a working spare is useless without the tools to fit it
- Wheel well condition, including any signs of moisture or corrosion
Don’t Wait for a Roadside Surprise
A five-minute check now can save you hours stranded on the Kwinana Freeway later. If you can’t remember the last time your spare was inspected — or you’re not sure how to check it yourself — the team at Romano’s Automotive in Perth is happy to sort it as part of a general service or standalone check. Book online at https://shopcommand.com.au/book/romanos-automotive and roll into your next road trip actually prepared for a flat.
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