How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?
Every motorist’s worst nightmare is suddenly being stuck with a flat tire while mid-journey. Although it can be extremely irritating, replacing a flat tire immediately is of critical importance. Driving with a flat tire can cause a huge number of problems, ranging from car engine issues to catastrophic road accidents.
That is why quick and effective flat tire replacement should always be your first course of action. Of course, to do this, you will need to use the spare tire in the back of your car. But how long can you drive on a spare tire? Is a spare tire a quick and temporary fix or a long-term replacement? Read on to find out everything you need to know about when to drive on a spare and for how long.
1. Different Types of Tire
Regardless of the flat tire causes, you will need to replace the tire immediately. However, different cars will have different types of flat tires. The type of tire you have in the back will determine how long you can drive on it and how quickly you should head to the nearest tire shop or call a tire replacement specialist. Here are the main types of tire you are likely to have in your car:
- A space-saving ‘donut’ tire: This is one of the most common spare tires. It is smaller than your main tires and is designed to be easily stored and clapped onto your car.
- A full-size spare: This is a spare tire that is a brand-new, exact replica of your existing permanent tires.
- A run-flat spare: A run-flat spare is a tire that can maintain its pressure for a certain period after a puncture and is a temporary fix.
Your spare tire should be easy to identify and should be labeled accordingly.
2. How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?
Next comes the question of driving on a spare. Depending on the tire you have, you will be able to drive longer distances before heading to the repair shop. Here is what you need to know:
- A space-saving tire: These are temporary fixes that should only be used to drive straight to the repair shop. It is recommended to not drive more than 70 miles on a space-saving tire and to not exceed speeds of 50mph.
- A full-size spare: A full-size spare can theoretically be driven for as long as possible, as it has all of the functionality of a new tire. However, it will not have the same tread and wear as your other three tires, as it is brand new.
- A run-flat spare: This is a tire that is specifically designed to keep you going until you can get a proper repair and replacement. It will be accompanied by a dashboard tracker that tells you how much pressure is left. The absolute maximum distance you should drive on a run-flat tire is 70 miles.
Instant Flat Tire Help Today
Now that you know how can you drive on a spare tire, it is time to get a permanent fix. No matter where your tire breaks down in Arizona or New Mexico, you can call us to get a quick and affordable replacement.