Driving on a spare tire is a situation many drivers find themselves in at one point or another. Whether it’s a temporary fix after a flat tire or a situation where a spare is the only option, it’s important to understand the limits and proper usage of a spare tire to ensure both safety and vehicle longevity.
1. What is a Spare Tire?
A spare tire, sometimes called a “donut,” is a temporary tire designed to replace a flat or damaged tire in the event of an emergency. It is usually smaller, lighter, and designed for short-term use. A spare tire is typically stored in your vehicle’s trunk, under the car, or inside a compartment in the back. It’s crucial to understand that a spare tire is not designed to be driven on for long distances, especially at high speeds.
There are several types of spare tires, each with different specifications and limits. The most common ones are:
Full-size Spare Tire: This is the same size as the tires that are already on your car. It provides the best performance and can be used for an extended period.
Compact or “Donut” Spare Tire: A smaller, temporary tire designed to get you to a repair shop. These tires are typically smaller in diameter and width than the regular tires on your vehicle, and they have a limited speed and distance range.
2. How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?
The answer to this question depends on the type of spare tire you have and the conditions of your driving. Here are some general guidelines for how long you can drive on a spare tire:
Compact Spare (Donut Tire):
A compact spare tire is designed for emergency use only. Most manufacturers recommend driving no more than 50 miles on a compact spare tire and keeping your speed under 50 miles per hour. These tires are much smaller than regular tires, and their smaller size means they can wear out faster, and they don’t offer the same stability or performance as a full-size tire.
The lifespan of a compact spare tire is limited, and driving on one for too long can cause significant wear to the tire, as well as the vehicle’s suspension and alignment systems. Also, the reduced size can affect your car’s handling, braking, and overall stability.
Full-Size Spare Tire:
A full-size spare tire, as the name suggests, is the same size as the other tires on your vehicle. This means you can typically drive on a full-size spare for a much longer period compared to a compact spare. While it’s still a temporary solution, a full-size spare can often be driven for several hundred miles before needing to be replaced.
That said, full-size spare tires are still not intended for prolonged use. Even if you have a full-size spare, it’s still important to get the damaged tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
3. Speed and Distance Limitations
Speed:
When driving on a spare tire, especially a compact one, it’s important to obey the speed limits. Driving at high speeds on a spare tire can increase the risk of the tire overheating and failing, which could lead to accidents. For both compact and full-size spare tires, most manufacturers recommend not exceeding 50 mph (80 km/h) while driving on a spare.
If you have a full-size spare tire, you might be able to drive faster, but you should still avoid exceeding the recommended speed for your vehicle and the tire specifications. Excessive speed can cause the spare tire to wear out faster than usual, and it may put additional stress on the rest of your vehicle’s components.
Distance:
Compact Spare: As mentioned earlier, the recommended distance for driving on a compact spare is usually around 50 miles (80 kilometers). After this point, you risk damaging the tire, your car’s suspension system, and the drivetrain.
Full-Size Spare: For a full-size spare, the distance can be much greater. Depending on the condition of the tire and how well it’s balanced, you could drive several hundred miles on a full-size spare. However, the sooner you replace the damaged tire with a proper one, the better.
4. Risks of Driving on a Spare Tire
While spare tires are essential for emergencies, they come with several risks that you should be aware of. These risks include:
1. Handling and Stability:
Spare tires, particularly compact ones, are not designed for the same level of handling and stability as your regular tires. The reduced size and design of a compact spare can cause your vehicle to handle poorly, especially in adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or ice. This can make it difficult to control your vehicle, particularly during sharp turns or when making sudden stops.
2. Increased Wear and Tear on the Vehicle:
Driving on a spare tire can cause additional stress on the vehicle’s suspension system, drivetrain, and alignment. The size and design differences between your regular tires and the spare can put extra strain on these systems. Over time, this can lead to uneven tire wear, misalignment, or even suspension damage.
3. Potential for Tire Failure:
Spare tires, especially compact spares, are designed to handle limited use and are not meant to be driven on for extended periods. Overuse can lead to a tire blowout or other failures, which can result in accidents or further vehicle damage. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations for speed and distance when using a spare tire.
4. Reduced Braking Efficiency:
Spare tires do not provide the same braking efficiency as your standard tires. Due to their smaller size and different tread pattern, spare tires can increase stopping distances and reduce traction. This can be particularly dangerous in emergency braking situations.
5. When to Replace the Spare Tire
While spare tires are designed to be used temporarily, there are situations when you need to replace them before they even reach the limit of speed or distance.
1. Age of the Tire:
Even if a spare tire hasn’t been used, it’s still essential to check its age. Rubber degrades over time, and the tire can develop cracks or become brittle. Many tire manufacturers recommend replacing spare tires after about 6 years, even if they have never been used.
2. Damage to the Tire:
Before using a spare tire, always inspect it for any signs of damage. This includes punctures, cracks, or bulges in the sidewall. If you find any damage, replace the tire immediately, even if it hasn’t been used yet.
3. Under-inflation:
Spare tires can lose air pressure over time. Before driving on a spare tire, check the air pressure to ensure that it is within the recommended range. If the tire is under-inflated, it could increase the risk of damage or failure, especially if you drive at higher speeds.
6. What To Do After Driving on a Spare Tire
Once you’ve used a spare tire and are able to replace it with a full-size tire, follow these steps:
1. Replace the Damaged Tire:
As soon as possible, replace the damaged tire with a new one or have the original tire repaired. If you have driven on a spare tire for more than the recommended distance or speed, the spare tire may be too worn out to be reused, so don’t plan on putting it back on the vehicle.
2. Inspect the Vehicle:
After driving on a spare tire, it’s a good idea to have your vehicle inspected. The spare tire may have caused misalignment or other damage, so it’s best to have a professional mechanic check your vehicle’s suspension and alignment.
3. Replace the Spare Tire if Necessary:
If your spare tire has been used beyond its limits, consider replacing it. If it’s older than six years, has any visible damage, or is severely under-inflated, it’s time to get a new one.