how long can you drive on a spare tire

How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

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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.

how long does it take to change a flat tire

How Long Does It Take to Change a Flat Tire?

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Do you know how to change a flat tire?

During a pitstop, a NASCAR pit crew can replace all 4 tires and fill the gas tank of a car in under 15 seconds.

Of course, they use highly specialized tools and experienced personnel in order to perform those tasks so quickly. For the average person using everyday tools, changing a flat tire takes a bit longer.

But exactly how long does it take to change a flat tire?

The answer depends on a number of variables. We’ll tell you what those are and give you an estimate in this quick guide to changing a tire.

How Long Does It Take to Change a Flat Tire by Yourself?

How long it takes to change a flat tire depends on the type of car you drive. It also varies depending on where you’re trying to change it and conditions such as weather.

Generally speaking, though, changing a tire is relatively straightforward. If you’re a handy person and you can use the most common car repair tools, you’ll be able to complete the task by yourself.

It shouldn’t take any longer than 15 to 30 minutes. But if you need new tires, you might have to change all four, which will take longer.

How Long Does It Take a Professional to Change a Flat Tire?

What type of car you drive is also a variable in the length of time it takes a professional mechanic or tire center to change your tire. Their process also impacts the length of time but, more influential is how busy the service center is.

While a professional mechanic can likely change your tire faster than you can by yourself, they’re limited by how many other cars they’re working on. The amount of time it takes a professional to change a flat tire therefore varies greatly.

Benefits of Going to a Professional vs Changing the Tire Yourself

Changing a flat tire yourself means saving the money otherwise spent at a service center or mechanic. It also means you can do it on your own time and save what time it would take to drive to have the service done and wait for it to be completed.

But if you’re not experienced, having your tire changed by a professional might actually be faster. Plus, a professional has more insight into the mechanics of your vehicle and can check everything from air pressure and rotation to tread-wear and pinholes.

Tire safety is extremely critical. Besides the damage you’ll cause by driving on a flat tire, in 2016 alone, over 700 motor vehicle deaths were related to a tire malfunction.

Get a Professional Tire Change 

So, how long does it take to change a flat tire? That depends on the make of your vehicle and whether you change it by yourself or with a professional.

A fairly straightforward task, changing a tire yourself is absolutely do-able. But considering how important tire safety is, it might be in your best interest to call the professionals if you’re inexperienced or simply can’t find the time. Find out more about our flat tire service here.

emergency fuel delivery

What to Do If You Run Out of Gas and Need Emergency Fuel Delivery

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Is one of your biggest fears that you’ll be driving down the road and run out of gas? Do you know what to do if that situation should arise?

While it can be scary to run out of gas, it isn’t the end of the world. It’s possible to get emergency fuel delivery, which will allow you to fill up your tank and get back on the road.

Read on for some other tips on what to do if you run out of gas.

1. Stay Calm

Finding yourself in a car that no longer has gas can be stressful and frustrating — but it happens. With so much going on in your life, it’s easy to forget to swing by the gas station to fill up your tank.

Should you find your car sputtering and slowing down while driving, it’s imperative that you stay calm. If you panic, you won’t be able to think clearly and logically. That will make the situation feels one thousand times worse than it really is.

Don’t be embarrassed if your car ran out of gas on the road. It happens. It can be fixed.

2. Get Safe

If you ran out of gas on the highway, the first thing you need to do is get safe. That means pulling over onto the shoulder as far as possible and turning on your hazard lights.

Should you happen to have flares or hazard signs in your vehicle, set those up. The more visible you can make yourself to other drivers, the less likely they are to slam into you.

3. Call Someone for Emergency Fuel Delivery

After you have gotten yourself safe, you may then be wondering who to call when you run out of gas. The best option is a company that specializes in fuel delivery for emergencies.

You may be able to find this information by doing a search while sitting on the side of the road, but being prepared and having the number stored in your phone might be a better option. This way, you’ll know exactly who to call and they’ll be able to get to your location quickly.

4. Know Your Location

For the fuel delivery driver to be able to get you back on the road, they need to be able to find you. Knowing your location can help with that endeavor.

Look for street signs and landmarks. If you are on the highway, find the mile marker closest to you. Should you find yourself on the side of the road at night, make yourself as visible as

possible. If you have a flashlight, use that to signal the fuel delivery driver. You might also consider using flares if you have them so that you can be found.

Finding Help When Stranded

Whether your car runs out of gas fast or you forgot one time to fill up your tank, getting help as soon as possible is in your best interest. If you need emergency fuel delivery, call Dugger’s Emergency Road Service. We’ll get to you as fast as possible so that you can get back on the road.