Keeping a spare tire in your vehicle in case you get a flat can help you avoid getting stranded or waiting for a tow truck. But it's not enough to simply have a spare. You also need to know how to properly care for and use it to ensure you’re ready when a roadside emergency happens.

Do:

Keep all the necessary tools in the car.

In addition to the spare, you should keep a car jack and a lug wrench in your trunk so you can safely handle flats or blowouts. A warning triangle can also be helpful to alert other drivers of your presence. Keep a flashlight handy in case you need to put on the spare at night.

Check tire pressure regularly.

While spare tires don’t go through the same wear and tear as your normal tires, they can still lose air pressure as a result of changing temperatures. Check your spare’s pressure level before long road trips to ensure that it isn’t under-inflated.

Don’t:

Drive too long or too fast.

Most spares are a compact size, so they will fit in the trunk. Because they have less air capacity, they are less durable. Most spares cannot be driven at speeds above 50 miles per hour. They also should not be driven over 50 miles. They are simply meant to get you to a repair shop.

Forget to practice putting on your spare.

Practice putting on your spare tire at home so that you know how the process works. You don’t want to try to figure out how the jack works when you’re stranded on the side of the highway. Practicing in advance will help the process go quickly, smoothly, and safely so you can get on your way.

Whether you need new tires, an oil change, or more intensive auto repair work, count on M&M Garage, Muffler & Tire in Fort Lawn, SC. Serving Lancaster, Chester, and Rock Hill counties for over 25 years, their knowledgeable staff will keep your vehicle running smoothly. To learn more about their services, visit them online or call (803) 872-4263.