Of course, it isn't illegal to not have a spare in your car, but the benefits are obvious. If you know how to even change a spare tyre, then carrying one will help you get out of any tricky situation should you find yourself in the event of a puncture or blowout on the side of the road.
Australian Design Rules allow space-savers to be supplied with vehicles; however, it is illegal to drive with different sized wheels on the same axle.
Use a tire repair kit
Keep a tire repair kit on hand. If you get a flat, a small patch can be just want you need to make it to a service stop. Kits often include sealant that can be used to cover small punctures on the tread, as well an air compressor to then inflate your tires.
The maximum distance you are advised to travel on a saver tyre is normally around 50 miles (as the wheels have a limited 3mm tread) but if it's necessary you can drive up to 300 miles.
While a standard spare tyre permanently replaces the damaged tyre, a space saver tyre is designed for short-term use. Space savers aren't meant to be fitted to a vehicle for a prolonged period, so once you get a puncture and use the space saver tyre, you need to drive to a garage immediately.
They are designed ONLY to get you to a safe place in order to get a regular tyre fitted. Usually, you are only permitted to drive at 50mph on a space saver wheel and this is in dry conditions. In wet or icy conditions, it is important to drive with even more caution and at a slower speed.
You should always have a spare tire in your vehicle because you never know when you'll get a flat or puncture and be on the side of the road stranded. A spare tire and wheel provide you with a direct replacement, allowing you to become mobile again until you get a tire repair service.
Because the run-flat tire is dependent on, well, the tire, you have to continue to buy run-flat tires. These are typically more expensive than your average tire, and if you find yourself switching back to a standard tire, you still don't have a spare tire.
Most important -- If you get a flat tire while driving, brake gently and safely pull off to the side of the road. Try to avoid braking too quickly or swerving, as this may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Turn on your hazard lights as soon as you have control of the car.
How Much is a Spare Tire? The price of a temporary spare tire will greatly depend on a few factors, mainly the size, performing ability, and brand of the tire. Generally speaking, the price of donut tires ranges from $50 to $200.
In 1941 during World War II and again in 1951 during the Korean War, the United States put a ban on spare tires on new cars because of shortages of rubber produced overseas.
Myth: You can drive normally on a smaller-sized spare tire. Fact: The spare tire enables you to drive to the nearest repair shop to have the flat tire inspected and either repaired or replaced. You should not drive over 50 mph and no more than 50 miles with a donut-type spare tire.
You must keep both hands on the wheel at all times unless changing gears or indicating. It doesn't matter whether you're driving an automatic or a manual – the law is the same across Australia.
The main difference between spare tires and donuts is the size of each of the tires. So which one is best for you? It's more common to find donuts in sedans or smaller vehicles. Larger vehicles such as trucks or SUVs are more likely to come equipped with a full-size spare.
16-inch alloys (full-sized spare)
The short answer is yes, you can replace your run flats with regular tyres, just make sure they meet your vehicle's manufacturer recommendations and that it's all four tyres you're replacing, not just one or two.
Yes you can. Check your tread wear indicators, and remember to keep your spare properly inflated.
Unlike conventional tyres, which require air to stay hard, run flat tyres have a reinforced sidewall, meaning they stay rigid without any air pressure. The reinforced outer shell of run flat tyres keeps the rubber in place without air, supporting the car as you continue your journey.
Yes – patching a run-flat tire is a safer option that won't damage the internal components. However, it's also much more time-consuming and requires significant DIY experience and special tools. Basically, you would need to remove the tire from the rim, find the puncture, patch it, and put everything back on.
How long can you drive on a spare tire? Most space saver — or “donut” — spare tires are good for no more than 70 miles.
They are expensive because they are special tire and have a limited use. Why is a new tire typically recommended after driving on a flat for a short distance, if the tire still holds air and has decent tread remaining? Does fixing a flat ruin your tire?
Because manufacturers design space saver tyres as emergency equipment they should only be driven at speeds up to 80km/h. They have a limited travel distance and only have a range of about 100-400kms before they become worn out and need to be replaced.
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.
Space saver wheels can be reused provided they still have enough tread to satisfy the legal requirements, so it is worth driving carefully and maintaining your emergency spare for future use.