More on cars and driving
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Inspect the date code on your spare tire to verify it has not expired, since aged tires can deteriorate and pose risks.
Tires have expiration dates and may dry rot or degrade after years of sitting, making them unsafe to use.
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Check your spare tire pressure regularly, such as monthly or before trips, to ensure it is properly inflated.
Spare tires lose air over time even if never used, and finding a flat spare when you already have a flat tire is inconvenient.
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Keep a following distance that allows you to see the rear tires of the vehicle in front of you.
This provides enough room to change lanes if needed, avoids exhaust fumes, reduces the chance of hitting the car ahead if rear-ended, and allows you to go around if the car in front breaks down without backing up.
- Some drivers may perceive this spacing as too large.
3 people, independently
Cover your windshield with cardboard, an old sheet, or a car cover before sleeping to prevent frost formation.
- Fabric may freeze to the glass if it rains, snows, or there is freezing rain.
- Cardboard may need to be replaced frequently (2-3 pieces per winter).
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Apply Rain-X or Windex to the windshield.
It may help prevent ice buildup and keep views clear when it rains.
- One person reported never finding it that great.
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Use de-icer washer fluid to soften thick ice and clear light frost.
It contains alcohol which melts ice instantly except for large buildups.
- De-icing sprays will kill the non-stick coatings on wiper blades.
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Raise your wiper blades off the glass before parking in freezing weather to stop them from sticking.
This helps keep the wipers in good condition during winter and makes it easier to clean the ice with a scraper.
- Covering them with old socks has not been found to make a big difference by some.
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Store a foot-operated floor pump in your vehicle for backup tire inflation.
It requires a few minutes, but allows you to inflate even very flat tires.
4 people, independently
Periodically lower, remove, and reinstall an externally mounted spare tire.
The mechanism tends to rust and seize under the vehicle, rendering the spare unusable.
- This applies to spares stored outside under the vehicle; those in the hatchback do not rust in place.
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If the tire pressure sensor light is on but all main tires are properly inflated, check the spare tire pressure.
A low spare tire is likely triggering the warning.
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Keep a portable tire inflator in your vehicle to easily adjust tire pressure without seeking external air sources.
It is easier than finding someone selling air, especially when temperatures fluctuate.
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Be aware that some new vehicles do not come with spare tires, relying instead on repair kits or run-flat tires.
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Engage the air conditioning alongside the defogger.
It extracts excess humidity from the cabin and dries the airflow directed at the windows, accelerating clearing.
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