How Long Can You Drive On A Spare Tire
Posted by Christopher Fischer on 30th Oct 2024
Driving with a donut spare tire is often unavoidable with a flat tire–especially on the highway with no tire service nearby. However, knowing the limitations and proper usage of a donut spare tire when installed is crucial for the safety of vehicles.
This guide explores how far and long you can safely rely on your spare tire in the event of a flat tire, the proper tire types available, and practical tips for maintaining your full-size spare tires. With this knowledge, you can drive safely until a complete tire replacement is made in a repair shop.
How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?
The answer to the distance one can drive on a spare tire varies depending on the type of spare tire and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Donut Spares
Generally, compact spare tires, known as “donut” tires, are not always the same size as regular tires. Regular spare tires are smaller in diameter than the vehicle’s standard tires and are not intended for long distances–making them only applicable in instances of flat tires.
Much like bicycle tires, compact spares are typically inflated to about 60 psi, making them suitable for short-distance driving. Contrary to the adage of going the “extra mile,” vehicles using a compact spare should stay below 50 mph and avoid extended trips.
Compact spare tires are constructed to be lightweight and space-saving, meaning they have less tread and are smaller than standard tires. This design limits their durability and performance, making them suitable only for short distances and temporary use.
Full-Size Spare Tires
On the other hand, full-size spare tires can often be used for longer distances–making them adequate replacements for run-flat tires. However, bringing your vehicle to the repair shop is still advisable to replace the full-size spare tire with a regular tire.
While full-size spare tires are more robust, they are still not intended for long-term use due to potential differences in wear and performance compared to the other tires on the car.
Adhering to the mileage limits specified by the tire manufacturer is crucial to ensuring safety and preventing potential damage to the car.
Driving beyond the recommended mileage on a spare tire can reduce handling, increase tire wear, and potentially cause failure. While you can use run-flat tires to avoid the inconvenience of a flat tire, donut spares remain a safer choice for your car.
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Technical Tip: When mounting the spare tire, ensure the wheel is aligned properly. Begin lightly tightening each lug nut until it's snug against the drum or spindle. Then, tighten each lug nut in a crisscross (Z-shaped) pattern as securely as possible. |
What Is the Maximum Speed You Should Drive on a Spare Tire?
Once you exchange your flat tire with your spare tire, your car still has a recommended maximum speed. You should only drive on a spare tire up to 50 miles per hour ( 80 kilometers per hour). This speed limit is recommended to ensure the safety and integrity of the spare tire and the overall performance of the vehicle.
Driving your car much faster than 50 miles can be extremely dangerous: this increases the risk of tire failure, reduces vehicle handling, and compromises braking efficiency.
Below are a few reasons you should adhere to 50 miles per hour:
Tire Integrity
Spare tires, especially compact or “donut” spares, are not designed for high-speed travel. Exceeding the recommended speed limit can cause the tire to overheat, leading to potential blowouts or tread separation even before reaching the repair shop.
Vehicle Handling
Spare tires often have different tread patterns and sizes compared to regular tires.
Driving more than 50 miles per hour can affect the vehicle’s stability and handling, making the car more difficult to control, especially during sudden maneuvers to the repair shop.
Braking Efficiency
Using a spare tire can compromise a vehicle's braking performance, especially when driven at long distances.
Driving much faster can exacerbate this issue, increasing stopping distances and the likelihood of accidents before the car reaches the repair shop.
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Advice: Buy a good-quality spare tire, ideally a full-size one that fits your car. Ensure it is always properly inflated and compatible with your vehicle. It's also important to familiarize yourself with the steps in changing a flat tire when necessary. |
Keeping your spare tire in optimal condition is essential for ensuring it's ready when your car needs a flat tire replaced. A car cover is one simple yet effective purchase to extend its lifespan.
A car cover acts as a protective shield, preserving the durability and reliability of your spare tire so it’s always ready to replace a flat tire.
Here's how a protective car cover is worth the money for your vehicles and their spares:
UV Protection
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause tire rubber to dry out and crack, damaging your spare and making it useless like a flat tire.
A car cover can block harmful UV rays, preserving the tire’s elasticity and strength.
Moisture Barrier
Moisture can lead to rust on the wheel and tire deterioration, which can be just as dangerous as running with a flat tire.
A car spare cover provides a barrier against rain and humidity, reducing the risk of water damage.
Cleanliness
Dirt and debris can accumulate on an exposed spare tire, potentially causing damage or making it difficult to use when replacing a flat tire. A car cover keeps the tire clean and ready for use.
Temperature Regulation
Extreme temperatures can cause the tire to expand and contract, leading to potential damage and making it unusable as a flat tire replacement. A car cover helps to maintain a more stable temperature around the spare tire.
Is It Safe to Drive on Spare Tires in Bad Weather?
Driving on a spare tire in bad weather presents unique challenges and risks drivers should know. Even if they are riding below 50 miles per hour, certain limitations have to be considered:
Spare tires, particularly compact or “donut” spares, are designed for short-term use and may not offer the same performance and safety as standard tires, especially in bad weather such as rain, snow, or ice.
Spare tires typically have less tread depth and a different tread pattern than standard tires, affecting their grip and handling on wet or slippery surfaces. This reduced traction can increase the likelihood of skidding or hydroplaning, making it more difficult to control the vehicle.
Also, spare tires are often narrower than regular tires, compromising stability and handling in poor weather conditions. As such, it is still advisable to have your standard tires repaired when damaged and your spares replaced.
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Recommendation: Spare "donut" tires usually need more air pressure than full-sized tires. As temperatures decrease, tire pressure drops about 1 psi for every 10°F. This seasonal pressure change can significantly affect tire inflation levels. If you’re unsure how to check your spares, we suggest having them replaced. |
What Are the Risks of Driving on a Donut Spare Tire for Too Long?
Driving on a spare tire for an extended period poses several risks that can affect the vehicle, the driver, and the safety of its occupants.
Spare tires, particularly compact or “donut” spares, are designed for temporary use and are not built to withstand the same conditions as regular tires. However, in the instances you do have to replace your tire with a spare, here are the primary risks of prolonged spare tire you should be aware of as a driver:
Reduced Vehicle Handling and Stability
Spare tires often have different tread patterns and sizes compared to the vehicle’s regular tires, so checking the tread on your regular tires is essential. This discrepancy can lead to uneven traction and reduced handling capabilities, especially during sudden maneuvers or adverse weather conditions.
The vehicle may experience increased body roll, understeer, or oversteer, making it more difficult to control.
Increased Wear and Tear
Spare tires are typically constructed with less durable materials and have a shallower tread depth.
Extended use can accelerate wear and tear, reducing the tire’s effectiveness and increasing the likelihood of a blowout. This is particularly concerning for compact spares not designed for long-term use.
Impact on Vehicle Components
Prolonged spare tire use can place additional stress on various vehicle components, including the suspension system, wheel bearings, and differential.
The imbalance caused by the spare tire can lead to premature wear and potential failure of these parts, resulting in spending a lot of money on the cost of getting new parts installed or repaired.
Safety Hazards
Driving on a spare tire for too long increases the risk of tire failure, which can lead to accidents. The limited tread depth and reduced traction of spare tires make them more susceptible to punctures and blowouts.
Additionally, the spare tire’s reduced speed rating means driving much faster can be particularly dangerous.
Legal and Insurance Implications
In some jurisdictions, driving on a spare tire for an extended period may violate vehicle safety regulations. This can result in fines or penalties.
In the event of an accident, insurance companies may consider using a spare tire as a contributing factor, potentially affecting claims and coverage.
To mitigate these risks, replacing the spare tire with a regular tire as soon as possible is essential. Regular maintenance and inspection of the spare tire can also ensure it is in good condition when needed.
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Safety Tip: Unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer, replacing your spare tire after 10 years is recommended to ensure it remains safe for use. |
Prioritize Regular Spare Tire Maintenance
To stay safe on the road, remember that spare tires are only meant for temporary use. Always adhere to mileage and speed limits while using them, and make it a habit to check your spare’s condition periodically to ensure it’s in good working order when you need it most. You can also purchase a cover to protect your spare tire from harsh weather conditions, extend its lifespan, and maintain optimal performance.
Replace the spare with a regular tire as soon as possible. Keep your vehicle safe and perform regular inspections to avoid emergencies.
