Spare tire cover necessary?
#21
Is a spare tire cover necessary? I prefer the more rugged look without one. However, are UV rays from the sun that damaging to the tire? My Defender is parked outside at all times (at home and at work). If the spare is rotated with the other wheels at its required interval, should it be okay without the cover?
If I do get one, do OEM ones come in Fuji White and where would be the best place to get one jeep tire cover? From a Land Rover dealer? Thanks!
If I do get one, do OEM ones come in Fuji White and where would be the best place to get one jeep tire cover? From a Land Rover dealer? Thanks!
#22
I had a 1978 CJ7 with a spare that never got rotated in and remained uncovered. When I needed it I found that it had dry rotted and was full of micro cracks. I always rotate them in since that unfortunate incident, but as it has been stated, to each their own. The cover will help with longevity as the spare is not in direct sunlight, although if you rotate it in, it won’t be out long enough to matter. The wheels in ground contact get shade from the vehicle and are constantly changing position. That uncovered, unused spare sits back there in the same position baking.
#23
^^^ And it's not just visible UV damage (cracks and dry-rot); Probably wouldn't have mattered on a CJ7 () but on a heavy hi-po vehicle like the Defender a tire that has aged out, even if it's seen very little UV, will have considerably less grip than it did when new, owing to the hardening of the rubber compound. Read up on the actor Paul Walker's death ride in his new to him Carrera GT with original 10 year old tires.
Sure, they'll probably still hold air if you keep a spare back there for 8 years, but it's going to be considerably less of a tire than it's 3 brothers if you do have to press it into service.
Sure, they'll probably still hold air if you keep a spare back there for 8 years, but it's going to be considerably less of a tire than it's 3 brothers if you do have to press it into service.
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