When your car tire gets flat, the first and most obvious solution is to replace it with a spare tire. Almost every driver has faced this situation at least once. However, many people forget that a spare tire isn’t meant to be a long-term replacement. It’s only designed to get you safely to a service center or tire shop. So, how long can you actually drive on a spare tire before it becomes risky? Let’s explore everything you need to know about driving with a spare tire, how long it lasts, and how to take care of it properly.
What Is a Spare Tire and Why Do Cars Have Them?
A spare tire is a backup tire that’s included in your car for emergency use when you get a flat or blowout. It’s not built for everyday driving – it’s lighter, smaller, and less durable than your regular tires. Manufacturers include them to save space and reduce overall vehicle weight.
There are typically two kinds of spare tires:
- Full-size spare tire – Similar in size and performance to your regular tires.
- Donut (space-saver) spare tire – Smaller and lighter, intended for short distances only.
While full-size spares can temporarily replace a damaged tire without much performance difference, donut spares come with strict limitations on distance and speed.
How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?
If your car is equipped with a donut spare tire, you should not drive more than 50–70 miles on it. Donuts are designed to be temporary solutions, giving you just enough time to reach the nearest repair shop. They’re made of lighter materials and have thinner tread, which makes them more vulnerable to wear and puncture.
Driving too long or too fast on a donut spare can cause problems such as:
- Reduced traction and stability
- Increased braking distance
- Damage to the differential or transmission due to uneven tire sizes
If you have a full-size spare tire, you can drive much longer – potentially hundreds of miles – if it’s properly maintained and matches your other tires. However, even full-size spares should be replaced or rotated with your regular tires as soon as possible to maintain balanced performance and safety.
How Many Days Can You Drive on a Spare?
A donut spare can usually last no more than a few days under light use, as long as you stay within the 70-mile limit and drive below 50 mph. It’s not built for extended trips or daily commutes. If you use your spare for longer periods, it can start to wear unevenly and even cause alignment problems for your car.
A full-size spare can last much longer – up to several weeks – if necessary. However, the longer you delay replacing or repairing your original tire, the more likely you’ll face issues with uneven tire wear, braking performance, or suspension strain.
What If You Use a Fix-a-Flat Product Instead?
Some modern vehicles, particularly hybrids and smaller models, come without a spare tire to save weight and trunk space. Instead, they include a tire repair kit or a fix-a-flat sealant canister.
Fix-a-flat products can temporarily seal small punctures and re-inflate your tire, but they’re only intended for short distances. After using such a product, you should not drive more than 2–4 miles before having the tire professionally repaired or replaced.
Additionally:
- The sealant can make it harder to properly repair the tire afterward.
- Some tire shops may charge extra cleaning fees if sealant was used.
- Fix-a-flat is not effective for sidewall damage or large punctures.
Always inform your mechanic if you’ve used a sealant so they can handle the tire safely.
When Should You Replace Your Spare Tire?
Even if you’ve never used it, your spare tire won’t last forever. Rubber degrades over time, and after 7–8 years, it’s recommended that you replace your spare tire altogether.
If you have recently used it, you should replace it after 70 miles of use (for donuts) or at your earliest convenience (for full-size spares).
Other signs that your spare tire needs replacement include:
- Cracks or dry rot on the sidewall
- Low tread depth
- Uneven or bulging surfaces
- Rust or corrosion on the wheel rim
A well-maintained spare tire can be a lifesaver in emergencies, so check it regularly when you service your car.
Safety Tips When Driving on a Spare Tire
- Limit your speed: Do not exceed 50 mph when driving on a donut spare. High speeds can cause it to overheat and fail.
- Avoid long distances: Keep your driving distance under 70 miles before replacing it with a proper tire.
- Maintain proper air pressure: Check the pressure of your spare tire at least once every few months – it can lose air over time even when not in use.
- Avoid rough roads: Donut spares have less traction and can easily get damaged on bumpy or unpaved surfaces.
- Get professional help quickly: Visit a tire shop as soon as possible to repair or replace your damaged tire and restore your car’s full performance.
Common Problems Caused by Prolonged Use of Spare Tires
Using a spare tire for too long can lead to a variety of mechanical and safety problems, including:
- Imbalanced handling: The car may pull to one side due to mismatched tire sizes.
- Increased wear on suspension parts: Uneven weight distribution strains the suspension.
- Reduced braking efficiency: Smaller contact patches on the road mean less grip.
- Transmission or differential wear: For all-wheel-drive cars, mismatched tire diameters can cause internal stress.
Ignoring these effects could result in costly repairs that far exceed the price of replacing a tire promptly.
Final Thoughts
A spare tire is meant to be your temporary savior, not a long-term solution. Driving more than 70 miles or faster than 50 mph on a donut spare can compromise your safety and your vehicle’s health. Always replace or repair your main tire as soon as possible and check your spare regularly to ensure it’s in good condition when you need it.
Taking care of your spare tire today can save you from costly repairs – and potential accidents – tomorrow.
FAQs
No. It’s not advisable to exceed 70 miles on a donut spare tire. The longer you drive, the more risk you take of tire failure and reduced control.
You should not exceed 50 mph when using a temporary spare. High speeds generate heat and can cause the tire to blow out.
No. Each spare is designed for specific vehicles and sizes. Using it on the wrong wheel could cause instability and brake imbalance.
Inspect it every few months for cracks, dry rot, or low air pressure. Regular checks ensure it’s ready in case of an emergency.
Yes, but only for a short distance. Stay in the slow lane, avoid high speeds, and replace the spare as soon as possible.
