How to look after your Defender’s spare wheel

If you are doing the usual tyre checks on your Defender, it’s important not to forget one more - the spare! Unfortunately, this is one crucial bit of vehicle maintenance that’s often overlooked. Whether you’re heading off for a long trip or even just going about your normal journeys, ensuring that your spare wheel is in good condition can save you a lot of trouble when you’re on the road.

Here’s our comprehensive guide on how to care for the spare wheel on your Defender, making sure it’s ready for action - if and when you need it.

Why having a spare wheel is important

A puncture or damaged tyre can happen at any time, so having a spare wheel available, and in a good condition, is essential for your peace of mind. You might think about just calling out your breakdown service, but if you’re in your Defender in a remote area, you could end up waiting a long time for assistance - and the breakdown assistance might need to put one of their own tyres on to then accompany you to a garage to get a new one of your own. If they haven’t got one available, then a trip on a tow truck is a possibility…

Your spare wheel is your lifeline in these situations, allowing you to get back on the road quickly. But like any other tyre on a vehicle, it needs proper care and attention to ensure it’s ready for the task. Be sure also to check any warning labels on the spare - some may have a speed limit on them, and should only be used for short-term use.

How to look after your spare wheel

1. Check the tyre pressure regularly

Just like the other tyres on your Defender, the spare tyre’s pressure can decrease over time, especially if it’s left unattended for long periods. It’s essential to check the tyre pressure regularly, every month if possible, and always before setting off on a long journey.

Use a reliable tyre pressure gauge and inflate the spare wheel to the recommended pressure, which can be found in the owner’s manual or inside the Defender. Keeping the pressure correct will ensure that the spare is ready for use at any moment, and won’t fail you in an emergency.

2. Inspect it for damage

Even when your spare wheel is not in use, it can still be susceptible to damage, especially if it’s mounted on a carrier outside the Defender, or exposed to the elements in any way. You will need to regularly inspect the tyre for signs of cracking, cuts, bulging or any other damage. Exposure to UV rays, heat and cold can degrade the rubber over time, leading to issues when you eventually need to use it.

You might consider investing in a tyre cover, if it didn’t already come with one, to protect it from sun exposure and weather conditions. This simple addition can greatly extend the life of the tyre. 

It’s also a good idea to keep a puncture repair kit with the spare, too.

Remember that spares are not checked as part of the vehicle’s MOT, so the onus is on you to do it.

3. Monitor the age of it

Tyres have a limited lifespan, even if they’ve never been used. Most tyre manufacturers recommend replacing tyres after 5-7 years, regardless of how much tread is left. To determine the age of your spare tyre, look for the four-digit code on the sidewall. This code indicates the week and year the tyre was manufactured (for example, 2117 means the tyre was made in the 21st week of 2017).

If your spare tyre is approaching the recommended age limit, it’s time to replace it. Even if it looks in perfect condition, older tyres can become brittle and prone to failure.

4. Ensure you store it properly

Wherever your Defender’s spare wheel is stored, in or on the vehicle, make sure it’s secured properly. A loose or improperly mounted spare can move around while you’re driving, potentially causing damage to the tyre.

If you have to store the spare tyre anywhere else for a period of time, ensure it’s in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or harsh weather conditions. Storing it off the ground is often a good idea, as well as keeping it upright.

5. Rotate the spare

It can be a good idea to rotate your full-size spare wheel with the tyres in use from time to time, especially if you don’t frequently need to replace your Defender’s tyres. This helps ensure that the spare doesn’t wear unevenly or become neglected over long periods. Also, by including the spare in your tyre rotation routine, you also ensure that it gets some use and that it’s still in good working condition.

6. Check the tools you have

It’s not enough to simply have a good spare tyre – you probably also need to ensure that you have the correct tools to change it! Make sure your jack and wheel brace are the right size and in good working order. It’s easy to forget these tools until you’re in a situation where you need them, so checking them regularly (and putting them back where they live!) is a smart thing to do.

Consider carrying a set of gloves, a torch and any additional tools that might make changing the tyre easier, especially if you find yourself doing so in less-than-ideal conditions.

What to do if your spare wheel is damaged

If you discover that your spare is damaged or too old to be used, replace it as soon as possible. Try not to take the risk of travelling without a reliable spare, as breakdowns can happen when you least expect them.

When purchasing a replacement, ensure that it’s the correct size and load rating for your Defender. It’s always best to consult your Defender’s manual or speak to a tyre professional for advice on choosing the right spare.

Caring for the spare wheel on your Defender may not be the most exciting part of its maintenance, but it’s certainly one of the most important. A well-maintained spare wheel could be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major headache on your next adventure.

So, before you set off on your next trip, take a few minutes to check that your spare wheel is in top condition – it could save you a lot of trouble down the road!