While Continental kits for automobiles may be out of date, a spare tire mounted on the rear of an SUV or truck nevertheless exudes toughness and authenticity. But after a while, it starts to become problematic to leave the spare tire and wheel out in the open. One of the first places dirt will be visible is on the tire. Your spare tire will be damaged by ultraviolet light in ways that the four tires on the ground, which are shielded by the wheel wells, won’t be. Additionally, a robber would be tempted by the spare tire and wheel.
Spare tire covers instantly spruce up the rear of your car, shield your spare from long-term weather and UV damage, and at the the least, they’ll slow down would-be thieves long enough for them to move on to an easier target. Prices, sizes, and materials differ (even on items that claim to be universal). Design is the next step. Tire covers that have been “customized” can feature anything you’ve ever wanted on a bumper sticker. In our study, we didn’t go from plain black or white; nevertheless, some of them allow for personalization.
Contents
List of The Best Spare Tire Covers in 2022 on Amazon.com:
#1 Flex Boomerang
One of the toughest and most resilient spare tire covers on the market is the Boomerang Rigid series. It may be painted or decorated, is weatherproof, and has an optional lock kit to make your spare more secure.
What We Like:
- Weatherproof
- can to be customized or repainted
- alternative lock kit
What We Don’t Like:
- costly in comparison to other coverings
- Not offered for all makes and models.
- In some mechanical car washes, it may be harmed.
#2 Universal Moonet
Although the name of this spare tire cover, the Moonet Universal, includes the word “universal,” there are actually seven different sizes available. It has a tight-fitting elastic hem that makes it simple to attach, and its leather covering is washable.
What We Like:
- offered in seven sizes
- Washable
- simple installation
What We Don’t Like:
- Observations of elastic loosing over time
- Some consumers claim the cover is harmed by UV light.
- tends to tear
#3 Overdrive with Classic Accessories
Another universal-fit style that leans toward larger vehicles like vans and recreational vehicles is the Classic Accessories Overdrive spare tire cover, which is available in four different sizes. It has a three-year warranty, is water-repellent, and is simple to install.
What We Like:
- Simple to install
- Water-repellent
- Warranty for three years
What We Don’t Like:
- On the box is a size chart.
- Some customers claim that in some car washes, it can get loose or come off.
- tends to tear
#4COAD Vinyl
There are 10 sizes and two colors (white or black) available for the ADCO Vinyl Tire Cover. It is sturdy and easy to put on. Vinyl is simple to clean, although you’ll need to clean white vinyl very frequently. But occasionally, a spare tire cover’s main purpose is fashion.
What We Like:
- simple installation
- cleanly wipes
- Durable
What We Don’t Like:
- reports of cover being damaged by UV
- Some customers claim the inner material against the spare wheel collects moisture.
- tends to tear
#5 Universal Leader Accessories
One color (black) and five sizes are available for the Leader Accessories Universal Spare Tire Cover, which is a straightforward cover with cotton on the inside and vinyl on the exterior. Although it is waterproof and easy to clean, its greatest selling feature is how inexpensive it is in comparison to rival products.
What We Like:
- Waterproof
- cleanly wipes
- Low cost
What We Don’t Like:
- Size errors are reported by certain users.
- worries regarding a secure fit
- Owners are concerned about durability over time
Why Purchase Extra Tire Covers?
shielding against sun damage. A spare tire mounted on your car is subjected to a great deal of UV radiation, which weakens the rim’s gloss and deteriorates the rubber tire. These rays are blocked by a spare tire cover, keeping the tire safe.
shielding from the weather Your tire may suffer from repeated exposure to dirt, wind, rain, cold, and heat. It may become less structurally sound as a result of the rubber becoming weaker and the sidewall developing cracks. This harm will be reduced with the aid of a spare wheel cover.
Anti-theft. An additional deterrent to would-be thieves is present when your spare tire is covered. Particularly hard covers provide excellent protection because of their difficult-to-open latches.
Customization. The appropriate fit is crucial to keep the elements out and your tire safe because spare tires come in a variety of sizes. The materials of the cover can also occasionally be changed, ranging from shiny vinyl to a glossy, hard shell, in addition to the fit.
Different Spare Tire Cover Types
Strong Covers
A firm material, such as stainless steel or molded plastic, is used to create a hard spare tire cover. These covers are made of two pieces: a faceplate that covers the front of the tire and a ring that encircles the spare tire and is secured in place by a clasp or latch. These offer the highest level of security in terms of protection. Hard covers also have the added benefit of seeming quite modern.
supple covers
These coverings are made of soft vinyl, wrap around the spare tire from the front, and fasten with a rope or elastic cord at the back. The likelihood of an inside felt cushion providing additional protection increases with the soft cover’s quality. The majority of soft cover textiles are weather- and UV-resistant. Additionally, they are available in a huge selection of styles and colors to fit your car. However, they are less enduring and will fade more quickly than hard covers.
Cost of a Spare Tire Cover
Under $20: You can find a few lower-quality tire covers in this price range, but they tend to be made of flimsier fabrics. We advise spending a bit more on a quality cover if you want to keep your tire shielded from the elements.
$20–$50: In the middle price range, you can find several high-quality items with already-made patterns and colors. To increase the total protection of a spare, stronger materials are used.
$50 and up: Custom and hard shell covers, which are typically the priciest options, are common in this price range. However, because they provide the finest protection from the elements and have a beautiful appearance, they are frequently worth the additional cost.
Key Elements
Tire Size
Size does matter! Make sure you purchase the appropriate size for your spare tire because both soft and hard shell tire covers must fit securely onto the tire. Look for a number that resembles this: 225/75/15 on the tire’s wall. You can find out the exact size you need by using this number.
Materials
Spare tire covers are available in a variety of tough materials, the majority of which use white colors to block UV rays and are weatherproof. Hard shells can be built from a variety of materials; many are made from a combination of stainless steel and hard plastic. Soft coverings often employ a heavy-duty vinyl material.
Closing Device
The closing mechanism of the cover you choose can be a straightforward elastic band sewed into the hem or a more secure metal clasp. Soft covers, which sometimes sometimes contain strings that must be adjusted to fit around the spare, tend to have the former more frequently. Closures or latches are frequently used on hard shell covers.
The following factors
The majority of wheel tire covers include an inner lining. High-quality choices frequently contain a fleece lining to shield the tire from harm and the elements. This lining should ideally fit the wheel perfectly to prevent slipping.
Warranty: It’s wise to pick a product with an excellent warranty so you can get a replacement or a repair if the cover breaks. Typically, warranties last a year, but they often go for two or even three.