Studies have shown that driving on your space-saver tyre for too long can compromise the performance, functionality and emergency handling of a vehicle. As a rule of thumb the maximum distance manufacturers advise travelling on space-saver tyres is 80km.
You should drive no more than 50 miles on a temporary or donut spare tire if possible. If you absolutely must go longer than 50 miles, avoid driving on it longer than 70 miles. A spare tire isn't meant to completely replace a tire, rather, its purpose is to tide you over until you can properly replace it.
Your Spare is NOT a Long Term Solution
While there are different sizes and types of spares, we suggest you keep speeds at or below 50 miles per hour and drive no more than 50 miles on a spare tire before getting your flat fixed.
Full-Size Spare
As long as the spare is in good condition and is the same as the other tires on your vehicle, you are safe to drive on it for as long as you like. However, if it is a different brand or has a different tread pattern, it is recommended that you have it replaced as soon as you can.
As mentioned earlier, it is dangerous to drive on a spare tire too long because it can cause damage to other parts of your car, such as brakes, transmission, steering system, suspension, and even car heating.
How long can you drive on a spare tire? Most space saver — or “donut” — spare tires are good for no more than 70 miles.
While technically you could drive 200 miles on a donut spare tire, it is not recommended due to the risk of tire failure, potential damage to your vehicle, and safety concerns. Therefore, it's essential to replace a donut spare with a standard tire as soon as possible.
Nearest AAA Approved Auto Repair Facilities
You should not drive over 50 mph and no more than 50 miles with a donut-type spare tire. Driving for long distances on a spare tire can potentially cause damage to other car parts, including the transmission.
You should only use the temporary spare tire for emergencies. If you use the spare tire for too long, there is a good chance it will end up flat. In fact, you should only use the spare to drive for about 50 miles at most.
Can I use the temporary spare tire more than once? Yes you can. Check your tread wear indicators, and remember to keep your spare properly inflated.
While you can drive on a full-size spare longer than a space-saver, you will still want to replace the tire immediately. Because your spare tire is probably not the same brand as your other tires, you will have poor traction and handling in your Balcones Heights commutes.
However, the tire itself is not built to last. Your owner's manual will give recommendations for driving time and speed. A general rule of thumb is to drive no farther than 70 miles and no faster than 50 miles per hour before replacing your donut with a new tire.
You can drive for 50 miles with a spare tire. Most spare tires, like donut types, are designed for short drives to find the nearest repair services. However, this short-term use can save you much in case you are in an emergency. Most drivers stretch it to even 70 miles if they don't find a repair shop nearer.
A spare tire is an extra tire that is carried in the trunk or storage area of a vehicle in case of a flat tire. A donut is a small, temporary tire that is used to replace a flat tire.
Spares tires cannot be driven over 50 miles per hour. Spare tires should not be driven more than 70 miles. Spare tires have less traction than a full-size spare.
Space saver wheels
Usually, the maximum speed you can drive on a space saver wheel is 50mph, and although there is no official restriction on the distance you can travel using one, around 50 miles is generally deemed to be the maximum safe distance for usage.
The “Donut” Spare
In fact, it's got these restrictions on use that you should follow to avoid damaging your car's internals: Don't drive over 50 mph. Don't drive on this spare for more than 70 miles. You'll get less traction with this type of spare than a full-size spare.
Spare Space-Saver Tire
Spares tires have a maximum speed of 50 mph. Spare tires shouldn't be driven for more than 70 miles.
Air Pressure for A Spare Tire
Therefore, the tire pressure for a spare is 60 PSI. The reason behind such a high PSI is that tires lose air pressure over time. Since a car spare tire remains unused over long periods, it is better to have more air pressure in them.
You should drive on a spare tire at a maximum speed of 50 miles per hour. Driving faster on a donut type spare tire can cause damage to your car and it is better to drive as slowly as possible while the spare tire is on your car.
No. Do not drive on a flat tire. However, it may be necessary to travel a short distance on a flat tire when pulling over to the side of the road. But driving on a flat tire is a surefire way to put your passengers at risk and seriously damage your vehicle.
The short answer is no—you cannot drive with a flat tire. While you might be tempted to “limp” your tire to the repair shop, you cannot drive with a flat tire.
The limit is 50 miles just right after the tire got punctured. However, you must prepare for any potential damage to your car. However, flat tires shouldn't be driven long distances. You'll risk damaging your vehicle more, notably the wheels, brakes, and other parts such as your suspension and steering system.
The effect of carrying a full size, however, may have unintended consequences in the long run. Aside from competing for valuable trunk space, a full-size tire is heavy, and the added weight reduces fuel economy. Also, keeping a full-size spare means adding a fifth tire into the rotation.
Because it's the same size, the full size spare shouldn't compromise your car's driving performance once installed, which is one of its biggest benefits. Of the spare tire options, the full size spare will take up the most space in your car's trunk, so you might want to consider trunk space when selecting your spare.