Can Spare Tire Covers Withstand Intense Dry Heat in the Arizona Desert

Updated 03/14/2016 | Published 03/10/2016

Question:

I live in the Arizona desert. It can get up to 115F here at times. The sun is relentless. My previous tire cover was destroyed within 18 months. Without protection, the spare on my pop-up is now coming apart and not safe. How well will 052963751000 hold up to extreme sun exposure and heat? 5.30-12 tire size. Thank You.

asked by: Michael F

Expert Reply:

Spare tire cover # 052963751000 will do about as well as any other cover when used in a desert climate. It isn't the heat so much as it is the UV rays and the dry air that causes covers (and tires) to degrade. There are products you can buy at your local auto parts store to condition and protect the vinyl as well as the rubber tires so that both will last longer than 18 months!

One tip I can offer is when looking at these products avoid any formulas that use alcohol, such as ArmorAll, because it will dry out the material even faster.

expert reply by: Michael H