A spare tire is designed to keep you moving in case of an emergency. They replace damaged tires so you can drive to your dealer for a replacement — not so you can continue driving to your usual destinations. Unlike normal tires, spares aren’t designed for long-term use. The length of time you can safely drive on a spare will depend on what type you have.

Safe Driving Limits for Spares

Full-Size

A full-size spare is common in older vehicles. You may have one if you have a truck or SUV with a spare in the wheel well or attached to the back. It has the weight and size of a normal tire. However, in many cases, your full-size spare is not the same size and specification as the rest of your tires, which means your vehicle operation could be compromised in the long-term. You can check your owner’s manual for directions regarding safely driving on the space; there may be recommended limitations for use, speed and mileage which will vary depending on the type of spare.

Donut

A donut spare is also known as a space-saver. They’re significantly smaller than a normal tire, which makes them more convenient to tuck away in your wheel well without too much weight or size. These are designed for minimal driving to get you to the closest auto mechanic. They don’t have much tread, and they must spin faster to keep up with your normal tires. Stay under 50 miles per hour and do not travel further than 70 miles.

Run-Flat

A run-flat tire is an alternative to a traditional spare. It’s popular on newer vehicles. These are tougher spares designed to continue driving after a puncture. Your car’s pressure monitoring system may warn you that the tire is going flat, or you may notice based on a visual inspection. How fast and how far you can go will depend on the manufacturer specification, but generally you shouldn’t drive more than 50 miles at 50 miles per hour.

Head to Brothers Tire Sales when you need to replace a spare in Kannapolis, NC. This tire service has been providing the best tire brands and top-notch care for more than 50 years. They have a wide selection of tires from the top brands such as Michelin®, BFGoodrich®, Goodyear®, and Bridgestone®. Preview their inventory online and call (704) 933-2203 with any questions.