How Long Can You Drive On A Spare Tire?

A few years back, cars were equipped with full-size spare tires that matched with other 4 tire sizes. However, as time passed, vehicle manufacturers realized that spare tires were rarely used. So, they started to replace these full-sized spare tires with space saver donuts tires.

Therefore, it could be difficult to drive with such type of spare tire after new changes that car manufacturers have made, and this raises the question of how long can you drive on a spare tire. Let’s get the answer to this question in different scenarios.

How Long Can You Drive On A Spare Tire?

It is important to keep in mind that spare tires are meant to be a temporary solution to overcome the flat tire problem.

So, fixing your flat tire and replacing it with a spare tire is crucial because you can’t drive longer on a spare donut tire.

You can only drive for 45 – 50 miles on a donut spare tire at 50 mph or less, as per the manufacturer’s recommendation, listed on the sidewall of the space-saver spare tire.

Within this distance, you should be able to locate a tire shop that can examine or repair your punctured tire.

Different Types of Spare Tire

The spare tire, also known as an emergency tire, is carried in your vehicle to use in case you get a punctured or flat tire.

There are different types of spare tires, and you may have one of them. Let’s discover more about them.

Full-Size Matched Spare Tire

This tire is just like your other 4 tires and has the same size, brand, and tread design. For instance, if you’re using Firestone Destination XT 285/65R20 and your spare tire is also Firestone Destination XT 285/65R20.

You are lucky if you’ve got this type of spare tire because you can drive with this spare tire as long as you want, with no change in performance.

Full-Size Non-Matched Spare Tire

This type of spare tire is almost the same as the other tires of your vehicle in size but could be different in brand, tread design, etc.

For instance, You are running Michelin Crossclimate 2 235/55R18, and your spare tire is Michelin Defender ltx m/s 235/55R18.

It will also drive well, as the most crucial part is the identical tire size. There could be other brands like Bridgestone, Yokohama, Hankook, Pirelli, etc., but it should be identical to other tire sizes.

Compact Donut Spare Tire

Donut spare tire is also known as a space saver tire. This compact tire is lightweight, smaller than a full-size tire, and designed to be used temporarily. As it’s lighter and takes up less space, it can not be used for long distances.

How Long Can You Drive On A Full Size Spare Tire?

It will be great if you have a full-size spare tire. You can drive longer than a donut spare tire on this tire.

You will also experience excellent handling and be comfortable with the full-sized spare tire. You can drive with this tire for more than 100 miles, 70 to 80 mph, as all your 4 tires are identical in size.

But you shouldn’t forget to fix and replace this spare tire with a regular tire, as this spare tire can be different from the spare tire regarding brand, model, tread depth, etc. Additionally, the level of wear on that tire may vary from other tires.

What Happens If You Drive On a Spare Tire For a Long Time?

Driving on a spare tire for too long is risky because it can cause damage to the other vehicle components like suspension, alignment, etc.

Also, the donut tires are built for short-distance at slower speeds than regular tires, so if you use them too long, exceeding the recommended speed limit, the donut tires will wear out quickly and can cause another flat tire.

New Cars Missing Spare Tire

Many new cars are manufactured without spare tires to save space and reduce weight, improving fuel efficiency.

If your new car does not have a spare tire, it may have a tire repair kit and instructions on using it. If you prefer to have a spare tire, you can purchase one from your car dealership or a third-party vendor.

What is a Temporary Mobility Kit?

Some cars come with a temporary mobility kit, also called a tire repair kit, that includes sealant and a small air compressor to fix minor punctures and leaks. This kit can be used to make temporary repairs to a punctured tire.

Can You Drive 200 Miles Using a Spare Tire?

The answer to this question can be different in some cases. If you have a spare tire of full size then, Yes! You can drive 200 miles on this full-size spare tire.

But, if you have a donut spare tire, then it’s not recommended to drive 200 miles on a donut spare tire, it would be best to use it only for 45 to 50 miles at 50 mph speed.

Can You Reuse A Spare Tire?

Yes, it is possible to reuse a spare tire. However, before using it, make sure that the tread wear indicators are not worn out, and remember to maintain the recommended air pressure in your spare tire.

Things To Keep In Mind When Using A Donut Tire

Keep these things in mind when using a donut spare tire.

• Drive at a slow speed, maximum driving speed shouldn’t increase by 50mph.
• Drive in a slow lane when you are on a highway.
• Check out air pressure because donut tires require higher air pressure. Normally it needs 60 psi cold.
• Don’t over drive on a donut tire, as they have limited tread depth.

Conclusion

Different types of spare tires have been discussed in detail. Also, how long can you drive on a spare tire has been answered well in detail.

Still, if you have something in your mind, share them in the below section, and I will try my best to answer. Have a safe ride!