Take it slowly The speed limit for these tyres is usually capped at 50mph because their smaller size means that they unbalance the vehicle. The higher your speed, the harder your car becomes to control. So, stick to 50mph as an absolute maximum and help yourself to stay safe.
Driving too fast on a donut spare tire can cause flat tires, tire wear, or tire blowout, leading to loss of vehicle control and road accidents. It may also damage vehicle parts such as the brakes, steering system, suspension, and transmission.
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.
Generally, a space-saver spare: Cannot be driven over 80 kph. Shouldn't be driven for more than 100 kilometres.
And since they're smaller than your vehicle's other tires, they have to spin faster to keep up with the moving vehicle. Because of all that, you shouldn't drive faster than 50 mph on a donut.
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.
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.
How long can you drive on a spare tire? Most space saver — or “donut” — spare tires are good for no more than 70 miles.
The vehicle should be okay as long as it is not driven. The temporary spare is designed to go only 50 miles. It does not have any time limit but only a mileage limit. It may need to be replaced when it's exposed and gets cracks from sitting for a long period of time but it should be okay for a few months.
Yes you can. Check your tread wear indicators, and remember to keep your spare properly inflated.
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.
Unlike your four regular tires, compact spare tires typically should be inflated to around 60 pounds per square inch; PSI far short of that level could fail and damage the wheel, as well.
The biggest reason why you should avoid prolonged use of space-saver or donut tires is that they have little to no tread, making the spare vulnerable to road hazards and projectiles. It is also much smaller than the other 3 tires, making it spin faster to keep up with the moving car.
Space saver tyres should not be used at speeds of more than 80kph, and they don't grip the road as well as a normal tyre. Your car's stability, traction, and braking distance may all be affected. That's why it's important for this tyre to be swapped out for a regular tyre as soon as possible.
A drive of 200 miles would likely exceed the tire's design limits, leading to excessive wear and an increased risk of tire failure. Impacts on Vehicle Handling: Driving for extended distances on a donut spare can also lead to impaired vehicle handling.
However, just like regular tires, these can deflate or experience dry rot over time, making them unsafe to use. Spares usually get about eight years of life until they need replacing, but this can vary depending on the spare and the type of car.
Without it, a standard tow (around 5 miles) can cost you over $100. Decide before you buy the vehicle if you're willing to go spare-less. If you find yourself regretting your decision later, you'll need to buy a tire, jack and lug wrench. Plus, there may not be space to safely carry the tire and tools in your vehicle.
As tires age, their structural integrity can be compromised. After a long enough period, driving on your spare tire may become dangerous. For your safety, we recommend replacing your spare tire every six years.
Tech Tip: Spare Tire May Set ABS Warning Light.
Maintaining and Replacing Your Donut Spare Tire
Check the air pressure (60 PSI) Replace them every eight years. Replace them after 50 miles of use.
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.
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.
The purpose of the two and four second rules is to provide a safe following distance between vehicles travelling at the same speed.
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.