How long can you drive on the spare tire?
You've seen it every day this week, and you're pretty sure it was the same last week. When you pull up to a parking space, there is a spare tire next to you. This little compact spare tire, or donut, looks like...
You've seen it every day this week, and you're pretty sure it was the same last week. When you pull up to a parking space, there is a spare tire next to you. This little compact spare tire, or donut, seems to have seen better days. Isn't there a rule for how far you can drive on the spare tire?
Types of spare tires
- Compact or compact tires known as donut tires.
- Full size spare tires
A donut is a vestigial tire with very little tread or slits in the tread. It is often smaller in height and width and is mounted on a main steel rim.
A full-size spare is most commonly used on SUVs and trucks, especially XNUMXxXNUMXs or XNUMXxXNUMXs. A full-size tire will normally match the characteristics of the vehicle's tires and can be used indefinitely under normal conditions, unless otherwise specified on the tire.
How long can the spare tire be used?
The donut specifically states the rules for its use on the sidewall or spare wheel rim. The general rule of thumb is that the donut can only be used for 70 miles at a top speed of 50 mph. This is because the tire has very little tread and is more prone to damage on the road than a regular tire.
A full-size spare tire can be used for as long as you like, as long as you confirm it is the same size and type as the one on your vehicle. You still want your tire repaired as soon as possible so that all of your car's tires are the same.
