Why You Should Always Cover Your Spare Tire (5 Important Reasons)

Your spare tire is one of the most overlooked parts of your vehicle, yet it’s the one you rely on the most when something goes wrong. Whether you drive a Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, Toyota Rav4, CR-V, FJ Cruiser, Land Rover, or any SUV with an exposed rear spare, covering your tire is one of the simplest ways to protect it.

A high-quality cover does more than improve the look of your vehicle — it extends the life of your tire, keeps it clean, and protects you from unexpected problems on the road. Here are the top reasons why you should always keep your spare tire covered.

UV Sun Damage Is the #1 Reason Spare Tires Fail Early

Direct sunlight is extremely harsh on rubber. Exposed spare tires sit upright in full sun all day, causing:

• Dry-rot

• Cracks in the rubber

• Weakening of sidewalls

• Fading and brittleness

Once a tire begins to dry-rot, it is unsafe to use — even if it has never touched the road .A vinyl spare tire cover blocks UV rays and helps your tire stay flexible and road-ready for years.

Weather, Dirt, and Road Debris Will Ruin an Uncovered Spare

Exposed spare tires face harsh conditions:

• Rain and snow

• Road salt

• Sand and gravel

• Tree sap and pollen

• Insects and moisture buildup

These elements break down the rubber and can even corrode your wheel over time. A cover acts as a barrier, sealing out weather and preventing grime from sticking to your tire.

A Covered Spare Tire Lasts Significantly Longer

Most Jeep, Bronco, and SUV drivers keep their spare tire for many years. A covered spare:

• Cracks less

• Fades less

• Maintains proper rubber elasticity

• Stays structurally safe for emergency use

This means you’re far less likely to face a dangerous surprise the day you actually need the spare.

A SpareCover® USA-made cover can add years of life to your spare.

It Improves the Look of Your Vehicle Instantly

Wrangler, Bronco, and SUV owners love personalization. A spare tire cover:

• Cleans up the look of the rear end

• Adds personality or design

• Hides dirty or mismatched spare tires

• Completes the off-road or adventure aesthetic

From classic black vinyl to wildlife, patriotic, or custom designs, a cover makes your vehicle look more refined — and more you.

It Helps Deter Theft and Protects Your Tire Hardware

An uncovered spare tire is easy to access and steal, especially on vehicles with external mounts.

A covered tire:

• Makes the spare less visible

• Slows down thieves

• Prevents easy access to mounting bolts

• Protects the backup camera hardware on newer models

A simple cover can mean the difference between keeping your spare or losing it.

Bonus Benefit: Rear Cameras Stay Clean and Unobstructed

Many modern SUVs — especially the Ford Bronco and newer Jeep Wrangler models — have backup cameras integrated into the spare tire mount.

A proper spare tire cover:

• Protects the camera housing

• Prevents rain streaks and dirt buildup

• Reduces chances of lens scratches

• Helps keep your rear view clear

SpareCover offers camera-compatible designs with precise cutouts.

What Happens if You Don’t Cover Your Spare Tire?

Drivers who leave their spare exposed often deal with:

• Tire cracking

• Dry-rot weakening

• Rusted wheels

• Faded sidewalls

• A spare that cannot be safely used

• Lower resale value

Many only discover the damage when they finally need the spare — and by then, it’s too late.

Why SpareCover® Is the Best Choice for Tire Protection

SpareCover products are handcrafted in Orlando, Florida using:

• Marine-grade heavy-duty vinyl

• UV-resistant outdoor inks

• Reinforced stitching

• Secure elastic retention + drawstring

• Perfect-fit sizing based on tire code

USA-made quality lasts years longer than imported covers from Amazon or eBay.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Spare Tire Before You Need It

Your spare tire is only useful if it’s in good condition when you need it most. A quality spare tire cover protects the rubber, improves your vehicle’s appearance, prevents theft, and ensures your emergency tire remains safe and ready.

If your spare tire is currently uncovered, now is the perfect time to fix that. Browse SpareCover’s USA-made collection or use the sizing tool to find the perfect fit.