A spare tire is one of those things that you forget you have, but the one time you need it, you’re thankful it’s there. Spares come in handy but are only temporary solutions to your tire problems. You can only drive so far on one before replacing it with a new or used tire.
Types of Spare Tires
Depending on your vehicle type, you may have a different spare. Spare tires all have a limit on how far they can go, but some may last longer or have better traction than others.
- Full-size spare – A full-size spare tire is the same size as the other tires on your vehicle. Most commonly found in full-size SUVs and trucks, some sedans also have them. A full-size spare should match the handling and durability characteristics of the rest of the tires as long as you have kept it properly inflated and maintained.
- Temporary spare – This is the most basic type of spare tire. Sometimes known as “donut spares” or “space-saver spares,” these types are smaller than full-size spares and intended as a stop-gap to get you to a tire shop. They lack traction and durability and should not be used as regular tires.
- Inflation kit — Not a tire at all, an inflation kit temporarily reinflates a leaking tire so you can limp to a tire shop for repair. It beats sitting by the side of the road, waiting for a tow, but only by a little.
How Far Can You Drive on a Temporary Spare Tire?
Generally speaking, you should drive no more than 50 miles on a temporary spare tire. While this doesn’t sound like much, it should be enough to get you to a tire shop. You may be able to push it past 50 if necessary, but it can be dangerous to go much farther. The temporary spare tire in your trunk isn’t a replacement or a permanent fix.
Check your paperwork for any existing warranty on your tires before arriving at the shop. In some cases, you can save hundreds of dollars on a replacement.
How to Drive on a Temporary Spare Tire
In addition to the limited distance, you must also be mindful of your speed when driving on a temporary spare. These temporary mini-spares tend to have less traction and durability than full-sized spares. Going too fast could cause an uncomfortable — and even dangerous — ride.
If you must get on the highway to find a tire shop, drive in the far right or the slow lane. Keep your speed below 50 mph or less for the duration of the drive. Going any faster or longer distances may destroy the donut tire. Driving fast for an extended period with a donut spare can cause damage to your car, including your transmission. A full-size spare might be able to handle more speed, but unless necessary, stay closer to the 50-mph range.
When on the city streets, give yourself extra braking room when behind other cars or approaching traffic lights and stop signs. Spares have notoriously bad traction — which, if mishandled, can spell disaster. Ease into your brakes and give yourself some extra space to do so.
Note: Before driving on a spare, check the tire pressure. Because of infrequent use, a spare tire may have deflated. It’s a good habit to check your spare’s inflation monthly.
When to Replace a Spare Tire
The last thing anybody wants to worry about is replacing the replacement tire. However, just like regular tires, these can deflate or experience dry rot over time, making them unsafe to use. Spares usually get about eight years of life until they need replacing, but this can vary depending on the spare and the type of car. Check the owner’s manual for the best information on your car’s spare.
Remember to check your spare tire’s inflation levels and condition occasionally to help ensure it’s usable when needed.
Run-Flat Tires
Run-flat tires are not spare tires. Instead, they’re engineered to replace the immediate need for a spare. Run-flats are tires that, even after a puncture, can still be driven on. Not forever, but usually for enough time to get to a tire shop for a replacement. After getting a nail stuck in your run-flat tire, there is no need to pull over on the side of the road and put on the spare. Just keep driving until you get to a tire shop.
After a puncture, run-flats have similarities to spare tires, though. Each type of run-flat is different, but you typically have about 50 miles of driving before it needs replacement, similar to a spare tire.
However, unlike conventional tires, run-flats can not be plugged or repaired. They typically need replacement after a puncture and cost much more than conventional tires.
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