Best Jeep Spare Tire Covers - Pros, Cons & Buying Guide

Your Jeep's spare tire hangs on the back for everyone to see, so why not make it work for you? A spare tire cover protects your tire from the elements while turning a functional necessity into a statement about who you are behind the wheel. But is one right for your rig?

We've put together this complete guide to help you decide, covering the real pros and cons, what to look for when buying, and how to pick a design that fits your build, whether you're a rock crawler, overlander, mall crawler, or daily driver.

The short answer

Yes, with a caveat worth saying out loud. A cover keeps sun, grime, and weather off the rubber, and a rear-mounted spare takes more of all three than any tire on your vehicle. That protection is real, and it is also modest. A cover will not stop a tire ageing out, and most manufacturers put a tire's service life somewhere between six and ten years regardless of how carefully it is stored.

So if you are weighing this purely as tire insurance, the maths is thin. Most people buy a cover because the back of their rig is the most visible panel they own and a bare spare says nothing. That is a perfectly good reason, and it is the one most of our customers actually give.

The Pros of Using a Spare Tire Cover

1. Protection From the Elements

Your spare tire takes a beating just sitting there: sun, rain, snow, road grime, and UV rays all degrade rubber over time. Dry rot and cracking can render a spare useless exactly when you need it most. A cover shields the spare from most of that, which slows the process down. It will not stop a tire ageing out, but it does keep the sun and the grime off the rubber for the years it hangs there.

2. UV Protection That Actually Matters

UV is one of the main things working on exposed rubber, and a rear-mounted spare takes more of it than any tire on the vehicle. Our covers are printed on a lightweight polyester nylon weave that keeps the sun off it. Be realistic about the size of the effect though. A cover slows UV and weather damage, it does not stop a tire ageing out, and most manufacturers put a tire's service life between six and ten years regardless of how it is stored.

3. Express Your Build's Personality

This is the big one for most of our customers. Your spare tire cover is one of the most visible parts of your rig. It is literally the first thing people see when you pull away. Whether you're into skulls, flags, wildlife, humor, military tributes, or something completely custom, a tire cover is the easiest way to make your build unmistakably yours.

4. Easier to Keep Clean

An uncovered spare collects mud, trail dust, and road grime constantly. A cover keeps the spare clean between runs and wipes down in seconds, a small thing that makes a real difference if you're keeping your rig looking sharp.

5. Added Deterrence Against Theft

A cover won't stop a determined thief, but it does obscure the tire and make it less of an easy grab. Some covers feature cord locks and draw-string closures that add a basic layer of security, especially useful for spare tires on urban or suburban daily drivers.

The Cons of Using a Spare Tire Cover

1. One More Thing to Maintain

Like anything on your Jeep, a tire cover needs occasional attention. Light washing every few months and applying a UV fabric protector spray a couple times a year will keep colors vibrant and extend the cover's life. It's minimal effort, but worth noting if you're a set-it-and-forget-it kind of owner.

2. Getting the Fit Right Matters

Not all covers fit all tires. If you've upgraded to larger aftermarket tires, you need to make sure you're ordering the right size cover. We recommend using our tire cover size guide before ordering. It takes 30 seconds and ensures you get a snug, rattle-free fit.

3. Small Added Cost

A quality cover runs under $70, less than most trail upgrades. Weigh that against the cost of replacing a spare that's been sitting exposed for three years and dry rotted when you actually need it. For most Jeep owners it's an easy trade-off.

Why Some Jeep Owners Skip the Cover

There's a legitimate case for going bare, and we respect it.

• The rugged look: Some builds just look better with a naked tire. Rock crawlers especially can pull off the raw, working-tool aesthetic, no cover needed.
• Instant access: No cover to remove in a trail emergency. If you're deep in the backcountry and blowouts are a real possibility, every second counts.
• Zero maintenance: Nothing to wash, nothing to fade, nothing to replace. Simple works.

If that's your style, we respect it. But if you're anywhere between "I want to protect my investment" and "I want my Jeep to turn heads in the parking lot," a cover is worth it.

What to Look for When Buying a Spare Tire Cover

Material

Look for a lightweight polyester-nylon weave with UV-resistant printing. This keeps the cover flexible in cold temperatures, resistant to cracking, and prevents colors from washing out after a season in the sun. Avoid covers made from thin vinyl or single-layer plastic. They won't hold up on the trail.

Correct Sizing

Measure your actual mounted spare tire diameter, not the rim size. Spare tires are sized by their full mounted diameter. Use our tire cover size guide to confirm your size before ordering.

Camera Hole Option

If you have a backup camera mounted on your spare tire carrier, you need a cover with a camera hole, typically a 2.95-inch (7.5cm) center opening. All of our designs are available with or without this option.

Design That Reflects Your Build

This is where it gets fun. Think about your Jeep's overall theme: patriotic, tactical, nature-inspired, pop culture, funny, minimalist. Your tire cover is a signature piece. Choose something you'll still love two years from now.

Popular Designs Right Now

Not sure where to start? Here are a few of our most popular tire cover designs:

• That's No Moon Spare Tire Cover. A fan favorite for Star Wars builds. Available with a camera hole option.
• Flaming Skull Spare Tire Cover. Bold, aggressive, and perfect for blacked-out or lifted builds.
• Design Your Own Custom Tire Cover. Upload your own image or logo for a completely one-of-a-kind look.

Spare tire covers are more than accessories. They protect your investment and make your build unmistakably yours. Whether you want something bold, subtle, funny, or patriotic, Jeep Decal Store has you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are spare tire covers worth it?
For most owners, yes, though not purely as tire protection. A cover keeps sun, dirt, and weather off a spare that is more exposed than any tire on the vehicle, which slows UV and surface damage. It will not stop a tire ageing out, since manufacturers generally put service life at six to ten years regardless of storage. The more common reason people buy one is appearance, because a rear-mounted spare is the most visible panel on the vehicle.

Do spare tire covers actually protect the tire?
Partly. They block direct sunlight and keep road grime and moisture off the rubber, which slows surface cracking and fading on a tire that would otherwise sit exposed for years. They do not prevent age-related degradation, and they are not a substitute for checking the spare's pressure and build date.

Is it bad to leave a spare tire uncovered?
It is not dangerous, but an uncovered spare weathers faster. Sun, ozone, and road chemicals all work on exposed rubber, and a rear-mounted spare gets more exposure than the four tires on the ground. Plenty of owners run bare spares by choice for the look, and that is a legitimate call.

How long does a spare tire cover last?
A printed polyester nylon cover typically holds colour and shape for several years of outdoor use, with fading and seam wear being the usual reasons people replace one rather than failure. Covers that spend their life in direct sun in hot climates fade sooner than covers on vehicles parked under shelter.