The cover over a spare tire is commonly called a spare tire cover, also known as a tire cover or spare wheel cover. It protects the tire from sun, weather, and theft and is mounted in various positions depending on the vehicle—inside the trunk floor in sedans or on the exterior rear of SUVs and trucks.
In auto industry usage, these terms are often used interchangeably. Some contexts reserve "spare wheel cover" for wheel-mounted or tailgate designs, while "tire carrier cover" is used for larger assemblies on vehicles with a dedicated spare carrier on the rear door.
Terminology
Below are the most common terms used to refer to the cover over a spare tire.
- Spare tire cover
- Tire cover
- Spare wheel cover
- Tire carrier cover (on some SUVs and trucks)
In practice, these terms are often interchangeable, with "spare tire cover" and "tire cover" being the most common, while "spare wheel cover" adds precision in contexts where the wheel itself is a focal point.
Design variations
These are typical cover designs and configurations found on vehicles today.
- Soft fabric or vinyl slip-on covers that stretch over the tire
- Hard-shell plastic or fiberglass covers that screw around or snap around the tire
- Rigid metal or branded covers, sometimes integrated with the wheel itself or the tailgate
- Rear-door tire carrier covers on SUVs and trucks as part of a larger carrier system
Choosing a design depends on fit, weather resistance, ease of access, and whether the tire is stored inside a compartment or mounted outside on the rear.
Materials and construction
Spare tire covers are made from a range of materials including vinyl, fabric, ABS plastic, fiberglass, or metal. Soft covers are flexible and easy to replace, while hard-shell covers offer greater protection and a more finished look. Some covers are painted to match the vehicle; others are branded with logos.
Where the cover is found and why it matters
Spare tire covers are most commonly found in two places: inside the trunk floor or spare storage area in cars, and on the exterior of the vehicle mounted on the rear door or bumper for SUVs and trucks. They protect the spare from sun damage, cracking, and theft, while also offering potential branding or aesthetic customization.
Summary
The cover over the spare tire is called a spare tire cover, also known as a tire cover or spare wheel cover. There are variations—soft, hard-shell, and carrier-style designs—depending on vehicle type and mounting location. The essential function is protection plus a chance to personalize the vehicle’s look.