Every car is advised to carry a spare tire, in the case of a blow-out, flat or some other incident that causes your wheels to be compromised. Carrying an extra tire can save people money and time, in the case that they are inconvenienced by any troubles concerning one of their wheels. Different makes and models of cars are designed to accommodate the transport of spares in various ways, but one way that is both sporty and easy to access is to attach the wheel directly to the back of the vehicle.

Transporting spares on the outside of vehicles is a popular practice for jeeps, SUVs, and other sporty designs of cars. It is possible to simply attach the bare tire and have it be exposed to any and all elements, but by using a spare tire or spare wheel cover, car owners can prolong the life of their spare, while accessorizing their vehicle and asserting their personal style.

Spare tire covers are not only stylish, adding personality and individuality to vehicles; they are also extremely useful in protecting that ever-important spare, and considerably extending its lifespan. Imagine getting a flat on the freeway, going to attach your replacement tire, and finding that it has somehow been damaged by over-exposure or by some other accident, simply because you did not protect it with a cover. Not only would this oversight result in a considerable waste of valuable money, but it would also be extremely frustrating and inconvenient. By using a spare tire cover, you would be able to avoid this situation, and rest assured that that spare on the back of your vehicle will be in excellent condition when it matters the most.

There are a great variety of styles and materials to choose from when selecting and purchasing a spare tire cover. Some covers, as well as spares themselves, come included with the initial vehicle purchase. In this case, the cover most often features the name and logo of the make of car, and is of the soft variety. If you want to feature a slightly more customized tire cover, then you will find that you have multiple options to choose from.

The two types of covers that you will likely come across in your search are the soft cover and the hard cover. Soft covers are typically made of a flexible synthetic material, designed to resist a wide range of weather variances, endure extended sun exposure, and sustain minimal impact. They typically provide a form fitting cover for the wheel and are size specific. Hard covers, which tend to be more expensive simply because of their design and durability, are solid enclosures often made of vinyl, PVC, or some other combination of durable materials. Instead of fitting snuggly to the tire, they frequently feature a latch, and function more in the manner of a case. These covers are extremely durable and are often scratch resistant. If you live in an area where the climate varies considerably from season to season, a hard case is the best choice for weather resistance.

Once you have chosen the material and type of cover that you would prefer for housing your spare, it is time to choose the design. Here, you have even more options to choose from; unless you're looking for rv tire covers where the design options are pretty limited. Popular logos include the emblems of favorite sports teams, or stock graphics. If you really want to make a statement with your cover, it is even possible to find Internet sites that allow you to custom design your cover to order, ensuring that it is truly a one-of-a kind creation.

Tire covers can be purchased at a number of locations, including vehicle supply stores, car dealerships, most retail stores that feature mechanical and vehicle oriented sections, and online.

Why Spare Tire Covers are Important

One of the most damaging elements to rubber is UV rays. One of the main components of a tire is the substance called carbon black, which gives the rubber and tire the black appearance. This black substance is made to reflect the heat from the UV rays and dissipate it back outwards into the atmosphere around the tire as opposed to absorbing the UV rays. Over time, this carbon black substance breaks down thus exposing the tire to the damaging UV rays more over time. Once these UV rays start working on the rubber itself, it can start to crack and damage the tire. Spare tire covers prevent this from happening.

When shopping for a spare tire carrier or even hitch accessories, it's important to remember getting the equipment or accessories that will protect them from the elements. It's a lot better to have your accessory cover become faded and weathered than the equipment itself.