How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

If you’re wondering, “How long can I drive on a spare tire?” Pine Belt Ford is here to help. You’ll want to replace your spare tire as soon as possible, but the actual mileage amount depends on what kind of spare you have. A full-size spare gives you more time and mileage, but most smaller space-saver tires need to be replaced within 70 miles at most. Find out more spare tire safety info below as we dive into how long you can drive on a spare tire! 

How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire: Space-Saver Spare

Let’s say you’re out on the road near Laurel and your car gets a flat. If you find that your spare is smaller than your normal tires, you have a space-saver spare, or “donut” spare. They’re included on many new vehicles and come with certain restrictions. Consider the following points if you’re asking yourself, “How long can I drive on a spare tire?” or “How fast can I go on a spare tire?”: 

• Spares cannot be driven over 50 miles per hour
• Spare tires shouldn’t be driven for more than 70 miles
• You’ll have less traction than with a full-size spare

Your space-saver spare will list any additional usage restrictions on the tire itself. You’ll want to get to the nearest service center quickly to repair your old tire or purchase a new one.

How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire: Full-Size Spare

While a full-size spare is less common, it’s often included with new trucks and SUVs. It can be used longer than a space-saver spare, but you’ll want to get the tire replaced as soon as possible. It’s unlikely that it’s the same brand as your other tires, and that can cause poor traction and handling. And since it’s brand new, it won’t have the same amount of wear as the other tires. We recommend visiting Pine Belt Ford to find a tire that offers a better fit as soon as you can.

What is a Run-Flat Tire?

Run-flat tires can maintain pressure even after a puncture. They offer the following advantages and disadvantages:

• Remains inflated for about 50 miles following a puncture 
• Tougher than a space-saver tire or full-size spare
• Often costs more than a standard tire

If you have run-flat tires and your tire pressure monitor shows that it’s running low, stop the vehicle and inspect your tires. A visible puncture on a run-flat tire means you’ll want to head to your local Collins-area service center to repair or replace it.

More Tire Care Advice

We’ve answered, “How long can I drive on a spare tire,” and are ready to impart more important car care tips. For more helpful information on tires, contact Pine Belt Ford, located a short drive from Columbia. We offer a selection of new tires designed to fit your vehicle along with a range of Ford performance parts.