How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire? Understanding the Limitations
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If you’ve recently had a flat tire and are driving on a spare, you might wonder how long you can use it. While it's a temporary solution, how long you can drive on a spare tire depends on the tire type, your normal tires, and potential adverse weather conditions. This guide will help you understand the difference between spare tires and standard tires and provide peace of mind when it comes to safe driving. All new drivers should understand the ins and outs of spare tires before getting on the road.
Types of Spare Tires
You may have one of three types of spare tires in your car:
- Temporary spares (donut spares): A temporary spare, often called a donut spare tire, is smaller than your average spare. These tires are designed to get you to the closest tire shop so you can get a new tire. While these spares don’t take up a lot of room in your car, they are not made for an extended period of use.
- Full-size spares: Unlike the smaller donut tire, a full-size spare is the same size as your normal tires, so you can drive on it like a standard tire. You will likely find full-size spares in SUVs and other larger vehicles as they can withstand the extra weight of a larger tire.
- Run-flat tires: As its name describes, a run-flat tire will run while flat. These tires have reinforced sidewalls that allow them to operate while technically flat. As with donut spares, however, you should make your way to a repair shop as soon as possible when driving on a run flat.
Distance Limitations of Spare Tires
The answer to “How long can you drive on a donut spare tire?” is much different than that to “How long can you drive on a full-size spare tire?” Some spares allow you to drive for an extended period while others require you to search for tire shops immediately.
Manufacturer's guidelines
It is critical to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and your driver handbook for tire care and inflation as well as driving on a spare tire. These guidelines are customized for each model. Just because you could drive all day on the spare tire from your high school pick-up truck doesn’t mean you can do the same with your current convertible.
Typical driving distances for different spares
Unless you are driving on a full-size spare, there are distance limitations for spare tires, and you should always keep safety in mind when driving on a spare.
The rule of thumb is 50 miles at 50 miles per hour for donut and run-flat tires. How long you can drive on a spare tire for will vary, but remember that these tires are chiefly designed to get you safely and efficiently to a repair shop, so you should never press your luck with spare tires.
Speed Limitations of Spare Tires
Spare tires also have speed limitations. Again, it's important for your safety to understand the limitations of your spare tire.
Recommended safe speeds
Most full-size spare tires allow you to drive at your normal speed until you seek a replacement. However, temporary spares and run-flat tires typically have a limit of 50 miles per hour.
Risks of exceeding speed limits
You might not be surprised to learn that exceeding the speed limit on spare tires is risky. Since these tires are often a different size and strength than your regular tires — or punctured in the case of a run-flat tire — your vehicle may not handle as well, you will increase wear and tear on your car, and your fuel consumption will climb. In addition, driving with a spare might feel less stable, and you increase the risk of another blowout at higher speeds. In other words, follow your manufacturer’s guidelines for driving with a spare tire.
Key Recommendations for Safe Operation
Safe operation of a car with a spare tire in use means no distracted driving, paying attention to summer hazards and other seasonal issues, and following all the rules of the road with safety in mind. Safe driving takes on a new level of importance when spare tires are involved.
Risks Associated With Extended Use
Using a spare tire for an extended period comes with several potential risks and challenges. Most people think the biggest risk is that the spare tire will pop. However, spares can damage your transmission since they rotate at a different rate, which leads to strain and reduction in handling.
Implications of Long-Term Reliance on Spare Tires
If you use your spare time for too long, you not only create wear and tear on your vehicle, but you can also damage your spare tire, which means you will have to purchase another one. It is a good idea to get a new tire as soon as possible and return your spare to its spot for safekeeping.
Impact on safety and vehicle integrity
Ideally, a full-size spare tire will not significantly impact the safety and integrity of your vehicle, but that’s assuming it’s in top condition. Spare tires can make it harder to handle your car, impacting your safety and that of those around you.
Driving on a spare tire? Make sure your car insurance is up to date!
Is your insurance up to date? If you are driving on a spare tire, this is more important than ever. Since spare tires can make your car less stable, you want to make sure your insurance will cover you in the case of any incidents. It might also pay for a loaner if it will take a few days to order a new tire for your vehicle.
Check out EverQuote for competitive car insurance options.